🚨 Why “Anyone Can Be a Dog Sitter” Is a Dangerous Myth 🚨
This week, a deeply upsetting case has hit the news — and it’s one that every pet owner and pet professional needs to pay attention to. A dog sitter, Owen Dempsey, was jailed after violently assaulting a grieving dog owner who had just been handed their dead pet… in a plastic bag. The sitter had advertised his services on Facebook. No professional checks. No licensing. No safeguarding. The dog’s owners were abroad when they received a FaceTime call telling them their 3-year-old French Bulldog had died. They flew home early in shock and grief, only to be handed their dog’s body — which was allegedly not frozen and already decomposing. When the owners questioned what had happened, the situation escalated into violence. The sitter has since: - Been jailed for 16 weeks - Been convicted of assault - Admitted breaching a community order for operating as an unlicensed dog boarder - Been described by probation as showing no remorse or willingness to change This case was heard at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. ⚠️ Why This Matters (Especially for This Community) This isn’t about fear-mongering. It’s about standards, accountability, and professionalism. Too often we see: - “Dog sitter available” Facebook posts - No insurance - No licensing - No training - No oversight - No understanding of canine health, stress, or emergency protocols And when things go wrong? Owners are left devastated — and dogs pay the price. ✅ What Responsible Pet Care SHOULD Look Like Whether you’re a pet owner or a professional, these are non-negotiables: ✔️ Licensed where required ✔️ Fully insured ✔️ Clear emergency procedures ✔️ Transparent communication ✔️ Proper storage and handling in the event of a death ✔️ Emotional intelligence and professionalism in high-stress situations ✔️ A track record you can verify — not just a Facebook post 🐾 A Final Thought Loving dogs is not enough. Good intentions are not enough.