How do I say no to dog-sitting? HELP! Please!!

Our neighbors just asked us to babysit their "90% house trained" puppy for five days while they are in Chicago. we live in apartments and have to pay for any damages and their apartment is a bit torn up from this dog. I don't want it in the house especially since no one is home from 11am to 8pm. I mean they said we could just keep it in the crate but isn't that mean??

When it comes down to it, I just don't want to watch their dog! But how do I go about telling them diplomatically? They got pissed at our other friends who refused to watch their dog when they went out of town a few weeks ago. I hate it when people are mad at me...especially neighbors/friends.

Tell them you're allergic to dogs? or that you've never dealt with a dog before? Also tell them that you're not home ALL DAY until late in the evening. It would be unfair to the dog to be either left in the crate or alone in the house that long without bathroom breaks etc.

Just tell them no.  You don't wish to take on that kind of responsibilty. 

Or you could tell them what I'd tell them....you can't be running around takin' off when you have a puppy at home and you don't want to fork out the change to keep the pup in a proper facility.  Stop imposing yourself on people before everyone begins to avoid you.

Are they paying you?

Exactly. They're just cheap. There are folks out there that will take care of your pet but you have to pay them. IMHO, it's well worth the money to not take advantage of your friends. Don't feel bad saying no. You don't even need to give excuses- just say, I'm sorry, I can't and let it go at that. If you're a pretty good friend you can take the initiative to look up some numbers of people who pet sit to show that you'd really like to help them out. That's more than they have any right to expect from you, friend or not. If they can afford these trips, they can afford a baby  pet sitter. 

"No."

Original Post by pgeorgian:

"No."

 this ^^^^

keep it simple.

"Sorry, I won't be able to do that."  no other explanation is required.

Original Post by pgeorgian:

"No."

 and if that makes them mad, they are terrible "friends"

We never get mad if ppl can't watch our doggies. Most of our friends have doggies too and we switch out with them. If you don't have pets for them to return the favor, they shouldn't have asked you to begin with IMO.

Just tell them that you're not comfortable watching their dog.  As for the crate, it's not mean.  Most crate trained dogs actually like their crate.  Just think of it as their 'room'

I'd tell them that you can't but that you'd love to visit him wherever they do find him accomodations once or twice as that is what your schedule will accomodate.  When I petsit for friends I do it at their house and I get paid (not a ton) plus I get to raid the pantry.

Just say "no" to zoo-keeping. 

Just tell them you're not comfortable taking care of their dog.

I don't understand why animal lovers expect everyone to like their animals.  Personally, I think they smell, make a mess, are too unpredictable, can't be reasoned with and belong outside. 

If you don't have pets they could sit in return then honestly I wouldn't be bothered by it.  If you're uncomfortable with it you could just say that.  If they get angry at you, their loss for trying to take advantage of another friend.  If they were just out of town a couple weeks ago then I'm pretty sure they can afford to actually pay someone to sit their dog, or better yet, a kennel.

Don't get sucked into this trap.  Before long you'll end up doing it for extended vacation  times and will only get paid half what you're promised when they return because you cleaned their place like they asked and didn't take 'initiative' to shampoo their carpets too, so they're only giving you half what they promised.  Been there, done that, burned the t-shirt.

Tell them to take the dog to Chicago. We have tons of dog hotels and day cares here. (I live in Chicago) They can drop off the dog for a week at one of the many pet hotels we have. They will walk the dog, feed him, play with him, and much more. Better than leaving the poor puppy in a crate all day.

watch their puppy for five days?? wow that's an awful lot to ask of anybody! i'd feel horrible imposing on even my closest friends or family like that.

just tell them you have a lot going on that week and suggest a kennel. if they can't afford one they shouldn't have the dog to begin with, or they shouldn't be travelling!

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the replies. No, they are not paying me, they just asked if we would be around for that week and said "hey would it be okay for you to watch our dog then?" I

I just have a hard time saying "no" to people without an excuse but I think on this one I will just tell them that we won't be able to do it. And if they ask why then I'll say that I don't want to leave the dog alone all day. I mean it WILL have an accident if it doesn't get to go out for 8 to 9 hours won't it? I would think so. Thanks again! It helps to know i'm not the only one who wouldn't want to do this!

Crate trained dogs typically won't go in their crate.  So if it's trained and it's not left in its crate a really long time it won't go.  However, if it's a puppy, it may not be able to 'hold it' as long.

Original Post by jessie7676:

I just have a hard time saying "no" to people without an excuse but I think on this one I will just tell them that we won't be able to do it. And if they ask why then I'll say that I don't want to leave the dog alone all day.

you don't need an excuse; that's just an invitation for them to tell you that your excuse is invalid.  just say, "We can't do it."  and if they ask "why?" they're truly not worth the effort of not offending.