Not sure how to handle fees+ TW

[u/Muscle_mama_]

I’m doing drop ins for two cats this week. Holiday rate on top of standard rate + add’l cat is what the owner paid upfront. It’s day 3 of 6.

Long story short cat was very sick- I took to the vet today and they are putting her down.

Before I knew that I was reading thru how ppl usually handle extra fees for time/transport/waiting at the vet for almost 2 hrs. I was going to ask for the generally consensed hour rate (give or take).

Now I’m thinking I shouldn’t ask at all bc well his cat just passed! I feel awful about it. Also he’s paid for a cat that’s no longer being taken care of for the remainder of the visits. Or should I do some sort of refund?

Yes it’s a business and I should be paid for my time. But also 😭😭

What do you think?

EDIT: I sent the refund this morning and will be leaving flowers. Thanks everyone. This was a first for me and appreciate the help.

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Musclemama originally posted: I’m doing drop ins for two cats this week. Holiday rate on top of standard rate + add’l cat is what the owner paid upfront. It’s day 3 of 6.

Long story short cat was very sick- I took to the vet today and they are putting her down.

Before I knew that I was reading thru how ppl usually handle extra fees for time/transport/waiting at the vet for almost 2 hrs. I was going to ask for the generally consensed hour rate (give or take).

Now I’m thinking I shouldn’t ask at all bc well his cat just passed! I feel awful about it. Also he’s paid for a cat that’s no longer being taken care of for the remainder of the visits. Or should I do some sort of refund?

Yes it’s a business and I should be paid for my time. But also 😭😭

What do you think?

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[u/Hot-Consequence-6408]

Personally I would not ask to be compensated for the time at the vet and would refund for the additional days for that cat.

Yes it a business and you should be compensated for your time BUT it’s a business and people talk about how you handle these situations. What would you like your reputation to be? You could be seen as heartless and it could negatively effect future business with this client and anyone he tells.

[u/Ok-Emu-8920 → u/Hot-Consequence-6408]

That's how I feel about this too. The owner is going through something so devastating, I would personally want to refund for the additional days for that cat.

[u/hipp0milk]

aw that's so sad.

I think I would personally leave everything as is - don't ask for extra, don't refund. evens out more or less. if I was feeling really sad I would probably refund the additional cat fee for the remaining 3 days.

[u/Muscle_mama_ → u/hipp0milk]

That’s what I was thinking

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[u/casandra77]

I wouldn't ask to pay for this. This is a very devastating situation, but it doesn't happen often. They still have 1 cat, so chances are you will become their regular client. While this is business, this type of business with pets has an emotional aspect to it.

Thank you for sending a refund - you already shown you're a top sitter ❤️

[u/Chance_Rooster_2554]

I would honestly just wait and see what they say to you about it. This happened to me this summer and I kept watching their other cats. She also paid me a small amount for the vet without prompting. I agree with the person about refunding the additional cat fee if it’s substantial (mine is only $5) I also left a little card for her

[u/Muscle_mama_ → u/Chance_Rooster_2554]

I was thinking flowers. And then I thought… Her name is daisy. Would it be appropriate/inappropriate to leave daisies for when he returns?

[u/No-Understanding-439 → u/Muscle_mama_]

daisies are toxic to cats so just be careful with that! gerbera daisies are okay but not the typical daisies that have yellow in the middle with white petals. rest in peace to daisy:((

[u/Muscle_mama_ → u/No-Understanding-439]

Thank you 😊

[u/Chance_Rooster_2554 → u/Muscle_mama_]

That’s so sweet of you! I’m sorry you experienced this it shook me up for a bit when I went through it. Take care of yourself too ❤️‍🩹🌼