Dog Sitter Sends Owner Photo of Pet, Horror at What They Notice Around Neck

A dog owner was left shocked after receiving an unexpected photo from their pet sitter—and noticing something strange placed around their dog’s neck.

The moment, shared in a viral Reddit on Thursday, under the username u/deblopezz, has sparked widespread discussion online and drawn tens of thousands of reactions. The post ncluded a photo sent by the dog sitter showing the pup wearing a strange device locked around his neck. According to the owner, the sitter claimed the device was a tracker.  

However, many Reddit users believed it looked more like a “shock collar,” raising concerns about what may have happened while the dog was in someone else’s care. 

The caption on the post summed up the owner’s confusion and frustration. “Dog sitter sent a photo of my dog and he had this collar on,” the user wrote. “What is this device for? Haven’t left my dog with her since.  

“Edit: The dog sitter replied saying it’s a tracker she uses in case a dog gets lost. I couldn’t find any GPS tracker that looks like the one in the picture. I guess there’s not much I can do now other than stay angry about it.” 

Electric shock collars are devices used in training to control or punish unwanted behavior in dogs and cats by delivering an electrical stimulus. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) opposes their use, arguing they are an aversive method that can cause pain, fear, and stress, even at low levels.  

Evidence suggests they can harm animal welfare and are no more effective than reward-based training. 

The BVA is concerned these devices are open to misuse and may worsen behavioral problems rather than solve them. It also raises concerns about similar aversive tools, such as choke collars and anti-bark devices. 

The story quickly gained traction across the platform, receiving more than 29,000 upvotes and over 2,600 comments, and turning a single photo into a large-scale online conversation. 

One user, Musicalchef1985, commented: “Your reply to the sitter. ‘What specific brand and model is it? That sounds like a great idea, I’d like to get one so you don’t have to bring yours’. If they say ANYTHING besides the answer, then you know it’s a shock collar.” 

Sarnobyl_88 wrote: “Man if a sitter put a shock collar on my dog I’d come flying home on a broom.” 

Rom_Tiddle added: “As a dog sitter, I would never put something on someone else’s dog without permission. That’s weird that they did that! Sorry I don’t know exactly what it is but I agree with everyone else who is saying that it’s a bark collar or gps.” 

Newsweek reached out to u/deblopezz for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.     

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