Money Moral Dilemma: Should my mother-in-law pay to clean up after her dog?

Neil49

Personally I think they both need training! 

BethP

Absolutely your relative should pay 100% of the cleaning up costs of her dog pooping on your carpet!  I’m astonished that she didn’t immediately apologise and tell you she’d pay the whole bill.  Good grief; why would you even consider sharing the bill?  Noooo

onylon

rwgray said:

Get a cat.  Then refuse to let any dog past the front door because it's THE CAT'S HOUSE.  Works for us.  Filthy things.

As long as your cat knows not to toilet in THE DOG'S GARDEN.

Cats are terrible neighbors but I don't want my dog to hurt them even when they poop in my flower beds and leave headless bunnies on my drive.

pixiebel81

jave25 said:

Sparky6_9 said:

If a guest knocked over a glass of red wine or tea on the carpet would you ask them to pay for it to be cleaned? If it is a one off then just make her aware that you had to pay to have the carpet cleaned and that you don't expect the dog to do it again. Probably best that the dog is kept somewhere safe where it cannot cause any damage or if that's not possible left at home when she visits.

totally this for me - am surprised this is even a question, and even more surprised at some of the responses saying yes you should ask her to pay!

She is family!! why would you ask her to contribute? its unfortunate, but she is your partners mum, presumably raised your partner, clothed, fed, watered, housed them for years, its an unfortunate accident - the same as if she had accidentally knocked something over etc, why on earth would you ask her to pay? crazy world out there - charging family members for accidental damage in your house!

That's a ridiculous argument, it's not like the partner could have gone and got a job the second they came out of the womb

mcpitman

Ah go on then, even if the question is hypothetical.........

In my family we are exactly that a family regardless of "in law" or "out law" lol.

I wholly believe my MIL would have either offered to pay or cleaned it up herself.

If she hadn't offered, i'd have been quite annoyed, but i'd have told her that at the time the incident happened. We are a family and you shouldn't pad around people, say your feelings and move on.

If she couldn't have offered to pay for financial reasons, or couldn't even help clean up due to physical issues. Then no charge or expectation, but the minimum expected would be an apology.

Marvel1

Yes you should.

JayD

How unpleasant for you all.

But are you saying that she has not already offered to get the mess cleaned properly?

Was she expecting a bit of soap suds and disinfectant, or a home cleaning kit would do a good enough job?

I think you should tell her that the stains and odour have continued to linger and the carpet will need cleaning professionally - which will be expensive. You could then show her the quote you have had. Hopefully, at that pint, she will offer to meet the cost, or at least help with it. Of course, if she is paying, then she should choose just which company will be doing the work.

JGB1955

Just invite her around for Christmas dinner but point out that she (and her hound) will have to sit out on the patio....

Anyanka1

Actions ---> Consequences; draw the map.  Personally, I would not let a dog in my house unless I were paid handsomely and, when very good friend trod dog muck in one time, I told her to clean it up and did not take my eyes off her until she had done it to my satisfaction.  She has a dog, I do not:  End of.