HGTV Stars Accuse Rover.com Sitter of Cover-Up in Dog’s Death
HGTV stars Eilyn and Ray Jimenez allege their 12-year-old Shih Tzu, Aria, was killed by a larger dog under the care of a Rover.com sitter's unauthorized partner, then subjected to a cover-up.
As of this report, the case is poised to test Florida's civil negligence laws regarding pet-sitter liability and misrepresentation.
The sitter has since been permanently deactivated from the Rover platform following the August 29th incident.
From 'Heart Attack' to Horrific Injuries
According to an emotional Instagram post shared by the Miami-based design couple, they returned home on August 29th to find their pet-sitter in tears, who claimed their precious Aria had “passed away peacefully in her sleep” from a heart attack, supposedly confirmed by a "veterinarian friend."
The truth, the Jimenezes allege, was a carefully constructed fabrication.
In an Instagram post, HGTV’s Eilyn and Ray Jimenez shared this photo of their dogs, writing how their pet-sitter tearfully claimed Aria had “passed peacefully in her sleep” — a story the couple later discovered was false. (Photo:@eilynjimenez_ Instagram)
The couple claims that records from the cremation center revealed a horrifying counter-narrative: Aria’s body was rushed in, and staff were reportedly told the small dog was killed by a larger animal.
The records allegedly cited severe injuries, including a detached scalp and a bulging eye.
Adding to the outrage, the HGTV stars say the sitter was not even in Miami at the time, that their dog was left with the sitter’s partner, and that the unauthorized person had other large, aggressive dogs present.
Crucially, they state the cremation proceeded without their consent and that the so-called "vet friend" did not exist.
The Jimenezes have since amassed what they call “irrefutable evidence,” including timestamps, messages, and receipts, fueling a potential lawsuit focused on gross negligence and intentional misrepresentation.
The Legal Volcano: Is a Pet-Sitter on the Hook for Fraud?
In the eyes of the law, a pet may still be classified as "personal property," but this case highlights the evolving legal landscape that recognizes the profound emotional loss of a companion animal.
"When a pet sitter’s conduct deviates from what a reasonable caretaker would do such as leaving a small dog unsupervised around aggressive animals, that can absolutely form the basis of a civil negligence claim," explained veteran Animal Law expert, Attorney Adam Karp, who has litigated several pet-death negligence cases.
"Courts are slowly catching up with the idea that our pets are more than property."
For the Jimenezes, the legal fight goes beyond simple negligence (a failure to provide the duty of care).
The allegations of a fabricated story about Aria’s death and an unauthorized cremation could trigger claims of fraudulent concealment and intentional infliction of emotional distress under Florida law.
Rover’s Response and the Future of Pet-Sitting Safety
The booking platform, Rover.com, through which the sitter was hired, has been quick to take action, telling TMZ: “The sitter involved has been deactivated from our platform without the option to appeal. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation should they become involved.”
While Rover typically classifies its sitters as independent contractors to shield itself from direct liability, the nature of the allegations could force a deeper legal look into the platform's vetting and complaint response procedures.
Animal law scholar Professor Joyce Tischler, founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, stresses that the legal view is shifting:
“Our laws were written when animals were viewed as property like furniture. But the courts are slowly recognizing the unique emotional loss that comes when a pet is negligently killed. We’re seeing judges acknowledge that companionship has value, not just the animal’s market price.”
The HGTV couple’s public stand is more than a cry of grief; it’s a demand for accountability that could set a new precedent for online pet-sitting safety.
For every pet owner who uses an app to find a sitter, this case serves as a chilling warning and a crucial reminder: Document everything, request proof of insurance, and read the service agreements carefully.
The search for truth and justice in the name of Aria the Shih Tzu is just beginning.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What happened to Eilyn and Ray Jimenez’s dog, Aria?
According to the HGTV couple, their 12-year-old Shih Tzu, Aria, was killed by a larger dog while under the care of a Rover.com pet-sitter’s unauthorized partner. The Jimenezes allege the sitter fabricated a story about a peaceful death and rushed Aria’s cremation without their consent.
Can pet owners sue a pet-sitter for negligence in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida civil negligence law, pet owners can pursue damages if a sitter breaches their duty of care, resulting in harm or death. If deception or recklessness is proven, additional claims for misrepresentation or emotional distress may apply.
What does Florida law say about pet-sitter liability?
Florida Statute §767.01 establishes that dog owners—and, in some cases, temporary custodians—are liable for damage caused by their dogs. While pets are still considered property, courts increasingly recognize negligence toward companion animals as a valid cause of action.
Can Rover.com be held legally responsible for a pet’s death?
Rover classifies its sitters as independent contractors, limiting direct liability. However, if a court finds the platform failed to properly vet or supervise a sitter, or ignored prior complaints, it could face secondary liability claims.
What kind of damages can pet owners recover in these cases?
Traditionally, damages cover the pet’s economic value, veterinary bills, and cremation costs. But in some cases—especially those involving deception or reckless indifference—courts have allowed compensation for emotional distress or loss of companionship.
What is the difference between negligence and fraudulent concealment in pet-death cases?
Negligence refers to careless or unreasonable behavior leading to harm, while fraudulent concealment involves knowingly hiding the truth. In the Jimenez case, the alleged fake “heart attack” story and unauthorized cremation could amount to both.
Has Rover.com faced similar legal issues before?
Yes. Rover has previously faced lawsuits over pet injuries and deaths linked to sitters, prompting the company to strengthen its Trust & Safety policies. The Jimenez case could reignite scrutiny of how the platform monitors and removes unsafe caregivers.
What should pet owners do to protect themselves legally when using pet-sitting apps?
Experts advise obtaining written service agreements, confirming insurance coverage, and documenting all communications. In the event of injury or death, immediate reporting to local authorities and legal consultation are crucial for preserving evidence.
