My Crazy Vet -- GAH!!!

[Tora Oni]

A conflict of intrest has nothing to do what takes place outside of the office. If the vet makes his employees sign a non competition agreement that is entirely different and would put the techs job at risk.

Are home visits part of the vets normal business operations? If the answer is no, there is no conflict of intrest that I can see.

Erp hates other cats so I cant board her, she gets too stressed out and isnt welcome back at the one place I did board her.

There is a PTer that works or volunteers for a cat boarding facility I wish was near here.

Disclaimer, I am not a lawyer and I dont play one on the interweb.

Indeed that is true even if he does offer boarding he isn't offering what you what. I Kinda understand you don't want to put the vet tech at risk. I know some of the rescues around here have their own pet resorts they run, to make extra money. Sometimes their charge is higher because the service is better sometimes cheaper charge will get you just as good service if not better. I've looked at several cat sitters, I normally just hire one of our neighbors to care for my cat which considering he isn't that much work I give the kid 5 bucks a day plus maybe a little extra if I come home and I see its all been done, since its not like they couldn't skimp on him. of course I know they could just do extra on day I come back but last time we came home a day early. So I'm lucky that we have kids around here that like animals.

[Prairie Purrs]

I agree with your decision not to press the vet tech about pet sitting, as it could indeed jeopardize her job if the vet found out. Unless she's got an employment contract (unlikely), the vet could fire her for virtually any reason. So it wouldn't matter whether there was a "genuine" conflict of interest or not. (Not legal advice--just an observation.)

Good luck on finding a sitter--and perhaps a more caring vet.

[kitten645]

What is "legal" and what happens in real life are two different things. He may not be able to fire her for how she uses her personal time, but I'll bet you anything that she was hired "at will" and the vet could fire her for any or NO reason. That's the way it is in the real world.
There are way to many other people out there at a variety of prices and expertice to help you out. Surely someone in the 9.7% unemployed legions would be a good fit
Claudia

[Cataholic]

I would not ask the vet tech outside the presence of the vet. And, I do see how it is a conflict of interest. Boarding care is consistent with what you would want the vet tech to do, take care of your cat whilest you are away.

My current vet does not prohibit his tech from doing this service. And, while my current vet does 'board', no one is there overnight. For that reason, I would never leave any of my pets there. I would insist they board only where someone is there overnight, or, for the majority of the night.

I would take my business elsewhere. And, if he so inquires, I would tell him why.

For the person that says their vet charges $75 a night, I have a tough time believing that.

[Pinot's Mom]

Just posting my two cents....

I, as well, would not ask the vet tech. There are always pet sitters available, all you have to do is interview for the right fit. That's what we just recently did, as we had to find a new one, and Vicky has been great. The charge, per visit, is $15 and I have her come in twice a day while we're gone. They keep a key on file, so they're available any time, and they'll do other services as well (water plants, take the trash up the drive, bring in the mail...). They even have a $10 service to come let you in your house if you lose your house key! They're bonded/insured, too.

You'll find the right one, don't worry, and it's a load off your mind when you do. Relying on friends and neighbors, to me, becomes a nuisance for the other people, as we do travel a bit, so I didn't want it to become an issue.

The vet is another story - I think he's just a jerk.

Good Luck in your search!