Oakland

Dog Dies While in Care of Pet Sitter Found With App

Oakland couple used DogVacay to find a sitter for their 6-year-old Pippen; the dog died after he was left inside car

An Oakland couple is devastated after dropping off their pet dog at a sitter they found using an app and then discovering the dog died less than 12 hours later.

Emily and Christian Pelipada used an app called DogVacay to find a dog sitter for 6-year-old Pippen while they took a trip to Chicago to visit family. Hours after dropping off the dog on Aug. 10, they received a call from the sitter, telling them Pippen had died along with another dog after both were left in a hot car outside a dog park.

"He meant everything," Emily said, crying. "We've had him since 8 weeks old."

The couple says its just sinking in that their buddy is gone. And they say it's even worse because no one has offered an explanation.

The pet sitters, who may face charges, declined to comment.

DogVacay released a statement offering condolences. It said the pet sitters have been banned from the app.

"I want someone to be held accountable, and I don't want this to happen to another dog," Emily said.

The Pelipadas said it's unlikely they'll ever get a pet again. And they wanted to warn others about using DogVacay or other apps for pet sitters.

Pippen's ashes will be delivered to them on Thursday.

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