Rover Pet Sitter Incident Under Scrutiny After HGTV Star’s Dog Dies

HGTV stars Eilyn and Ray Jimenez are mourning the death of their dog, Aria. The tragedy occurred while the couple was on vacation. Their Shih Tzu was in the care of a sitter hired through Rover.

The initial story given to the grieving owners was that Aria died peacefully in her sleep. According to TMZ, the sitter claimed the 12-year-old dog suffered a fatal heart attack. This account has since been heavily disputed by the Jimenezes.

Grieving Owners Allege a Cover-Up

Eilyn Jimenez took to Instagram to share her heartbreak. She accused the pet sitter of fabricating the entire story. The Jimenezes claim the sitter was not even in the state at the time.

They say the sitter was in Las Vegas for a jiu-jitsu tournament. Aria was reportedly left with the sitter’s partner and other, larger dogs. The couple was not informed of this change and had not approved it.

The situation took a darker turn at a cremation center. Staff there reportedly described visible, severe injuries on Aria’s body. They stated the dog’s scalp was detached and one eye was bulging. This description directly contradicts the “peaceful passing” narrative.

Rover’s Response and Industry-Wide Concerns

Rover has responded to the incident. The company told TMZ it deactivated the sitter from its platform. Their internal Trust & Safety team conducted a full investigation.

The company stated it stands ready to assist law enforcement. This high-profile case has sparked concern among pet owners nationwide. It highlights potential risks associated with gig-economy pet care services.

The emotional impact on the Jimenez family is profound. They feel betrayed by the false story and the circumstances of Aria’s death. Their search for accountability continues as they process their loss.

This tragic Rover pet sitter incident serves as a sobering reminder for all pet owners. It underscores the critical importance of thorough vetting for any caregiver. The search for full transparency in Aria’s death continues.

Info at your fingertips

What happened to the HGTV couple’s dog?

Eilyn and Ray Jimenez’s dog, Aria, died while in the care of a Rover.com pet sitter. The sitter initially claimed the Shih Tzu died peacefully of a heart attack, but the owners later alleged she was killed by another dog.

How did Rover respond to the incident?

Rover deactivated the pet sitter from its platform following an internal investigation. The company stated it is prepared to assist law enforcement if an official investigation is opened.

What did the Jimenezes say the sitter did wrong?

The couple alleges the sitter was not present, having left Aria with her partner in another city. They also claim they never approved for their small dog to be around larger dogs, which they believe led to the fatal attack.

What evidence contradicts the sitter’s original story?

Staff at a cremation center reported seeing severe physical trauma on Aria’s body, including a detached scalp. This description is inconsistent with a peaceful death from a heart attack.

Is the pet sitter still active on the Rover platform?

No. Rover has confirmed that the sitter involved in this incident has been permanently deactivated from the platform and cannot appeal the decision.