Someone posted an ad online saying they needed a catsitter for a week while they're away (and will pay $80).
I emailed them saying I could take care of their cat. They replied, saying that the cat is now at a friend's home because they're in the middle of a "complicated move" and the friend will be away for the week they need the catsitter. Also, they would pay me when they pick up the cat.
So, my question is: does it sound fishy? Does it sound like they're moving AWAY (or just to a diff. apartment) and leaving the cat with me forever, or does it sound reasonable? I'm just worried I'll get stuck with a cat I cant care for permanently.
2007-11-17 17:02:07 · 5 answers · asked by Delfina D 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes, it sounds fishy. I would not do it under those terms, if I were you.
The money should be given to you up front. They should also sign an agreement stating that if they have not picked up the cat in one week, you have the right to take it to an animal shelter and send them the bill for an admission fee (if there is one.)
I've been where you are now and let me tell you, if I could go back and do it over again, I would have said "NO!" I was only supposed to be sitting for a cat for two weeks and on the day the owner left him with me, she hastily upped it to three months. Finally, four and a half months later (!) I had to e-mail her and tell her if she didn't come get the cat in two weeks, I would have no choice but to take him to animal control. She came and got him.
The bottom line is that some people will take advantage of you. If they're not paying you in advance and there's no contract, then don't do it. Or you might find yourself with a new cat.
2007-11-18 02:25:14 · answer #1 · answered by Avie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hard to say. If it's legitimate, you should be able to negotiate some sort of deal with the person, such as $20 up front and $60 when they return. And you might also want to make some sort of written contract with the person that says you'll take the cat to the animal shelter if they don't return by such-and-such date.
The part that seems strange to me is that they want you to have the cat in your home. Whenever I've sat for animals, I've always gone to the house where the animal lived. Is the person having you sit the cat because they are too busy moving? You can ask questions to find out more about the situation before making an agreement.
2007-11-18 01:11:51 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Charge $100 up front. Tell them they get $20 back when they pick up the cat in one week. If they are late even by one day, the twenty is yours and the cat goes to the pound. As a matter of fact, write a contract that says just that. When they bring the cat it should be with its food and dishes. Make your voice sound authoritative and strong.
2007-11-18 01:15:19 · answer #3 · answered by ztim 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sounds fishy. They could take it to their Vet.for less.
2007-11-18 01:16:12 · answer #4 · answered by Cotton 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do it only if it's at their home.
2007-11-18 11:47:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋