HGTV Stars Claim Pet-Sitter Lied About Their Dog’s Death

Losing a pet is one of the worst parts of having furry companions. Despite the heartbreak, most pet owners want to be there when their dog or cat is put to sleep. Stars from HGTV claim the pet sitter lied about how their dog died and had the dog cremated without their consent. Keep reading for the shocking details of the story that will make you think twice before letting someone else watch your pets.

HGTV Stars Claim Pet-Sitter Lied About Their Dog’s Death

HGTV canceled a slew of shows earlier this year. But Divided By Design might have survived the purge. It returned with new episodes earlier this year, but the network hasn’t shared any plans for a second season. The stars of the show, Eilyn and Ray Jimenez, are going through a difficult time right now.

They revealed on social media that their dog, 12, was put to sleep, and the dog sitter lied about why. The couple, who live in Miami, Florida, claim the pet sitter they hired on Rover was actually in Vegas instead of watching their pet. The dog sitter allegedly let their partner watch the dog.

When the HGTV stars arrived back home, they said that the dog sitter met them at the door with terrible news. The dog, a Shih Tzu, had unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack and had been cremated.

“Every part of that story was fabricated,” Eilyn and Ray Jimenez claimed in a shocking Instagram post. The couple obtained cremation records that contradicted the pet sitter’s story.

The cremation center said that the dog had died after an attack from larger dogs. “They described visible trauma: her scalp detached, one eye bulging — injuries impossible to confuse with a peaceful passing,” the HGTV stars claimed.

We have given them every opportunity to come forward with the truth, yet they continue to hide behind lies,” the HGTV stars wrote. “If you think your pet is safe with your pet sitter, think again,” they warned.

Rover Responds To Allegations

Eilyn and Ray Jimenez hired the pet sitter through the popular Rover app. The company responded to the shocking allegations in a statement to PEOPLE magazine. They expressed their condolences to the couple on their loss.

“Our hearts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Jimenez as they mourn the loss of Aria. Many of us at Rover are pet parents ourselves, and we can only imagine the heartbreak Aria’s family is going through,” Rover said in a statement. They shared an update on the pet sitter.

“Upon learning of this incident, Rover’s 24/7 Trust & Safety team conducted a thorough investigation into Aria’s passing. The sitter involved has been deactivated from our platform without the option to appeal, meaning she cannot communicate or book new stays with pet parents via Rover. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation should they become involved,” they shared about the pet sitter.

Rover ended their statement by assuring users that their pets are safe with sitters they hire through the app. Eilyn and Ray Jimenez would likely say otherwise. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever had a bad experience with a pet sitter.

Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger

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