HGTV Star’s Dog Dies in Rover Pet Sitter Incident, Sparking Outcry

An HGTV star’s beloved dog died while in the care of a pet sitter. Eilyn Jimenez, from “Divided By Design,” shared the tragic news with her followers. The incident occurred in late October 2025 while she and her husband were on vacation.

The couple hired the sitter through the popular platform Rover. They returned home to a story that their dog, Aria, had passed peacefully in her sleep. Records later revealed a much more disturbing truth.

Couple Discovers Shocking Truth Behind Dog’s Death

Eilyn and Ray Jimenez said the sitter came to their door crying. She claimed their small dog, Aria, died peacefully. This account was later proven false.

According to People Magazine, the couple obtained official records. These documents showed Aria died from injuries sustained in an attack by a larger dog. The sitter had reportedly left the dogs with an untrained relative.

The situation was made worse by the sitter’s subsequent actions. Aria’s body was cremated before the couple returned home. This was done without their knowledge or consent, preventing any independent examination.

Rover Responds Amid Public and Industry Scrutiny

The viral story prompted a swift response from Rover. The company issued a public statement addressing the incident. They confirmed the sitter had been permanently removed from their platform.

Rover’s statement expressed sympathy for the Jimenez family. The company emphasized its commitment to safety. They outlined their policy, which includes a 24/7 support team and a guarantee for eligible vet claims.

This tragic event has ignited a broader conversation about pet-sitting safety. Many pet owners are now questioning the vetting processes of on-demand services. The case highlights the potential risks involved when leaving pets with strangers.

The death of Aria in this Rover pet sitter incident has resonated with animal lovers worldwide. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough vetting. This tragedy will likely influence how owners choose care for their pets moving forward.

Thought you’d like to know-

What happened to Eilyn Jimenez’s dog?

The dog, named Aria, died while under the care of a Rover pet sitter. Official records indicate the death resulted from an attack by another dog, not from natural causes as initially reported.

How did Rover handle the situation?

Rover deactivated the pet sitter from its platform permanently. The company stated its Trust & Safety team conducted a full investigation and has been in contact with the family.

Was the dog sitter qualified?

The couple’s investigation found that the hired sitter was traveling and had left the dogs with an untrained relative. This violated the expected standard of care.

What is the Rover Guarantee?

It is a policy that offers up to $25,000 in reimbursement for eligible veterinary claims. This applies to incidents that occur during a booked stay through the platform.

Why is this case getting so much attention?

The combination of a public figure’s loss and the alleged cover-up has fueled widespread media coverage. It touches on the deep emotional bond people share with their pets and concerns about service accountability.