Dog Sitter Accused of Stealing Jewelry in Colorado

A dog sitter in Colorado has been accused of stealing around $500,000 in irreplaceable jewelry from a client after being hired through a popular app.

The victim chose to remain anonymous for her safety and explained to a local news outlet that she initially met 36-year-old Azure Foster through the dog-walking app, Rover. “She had been dog sitting for us several times, and we decided to ask her to water our plants as well,” the woman noted.

Over the span of several months, Foster allegedly filmed and hid the stolen jewelry. It wasn’t until a few months later that the victim, returning home, realized her valuables were missing.

“She took a diamond necklace and a diamond tennis bracelet,” the victim revealed, adding there were no signs of forced entry or anything out of the ordinary in her home.

After contacting the police, investigators managed to trace Foster by reviewing transaction records at pawn shops, which included fingerprints and photos.

Detectives reported that the stolen gemstones were valued at approximately $30,000. Court records indicated that some of the items are unique and cannot be replaced.

Foster was arrested and is facing charges of felony theft, though she could not be reached for comment. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July. Interestingly, records show she did not have any previous felony history in Colorado.

A representative from Rover expressed shock over the incident, noting that Foster’s profile was removed from the app following the charges. “We take this very seriously,” said Dave Rosenbaum. “If law enforcement needs our assistance, we will cooperate fully.” He emphasized that all sitters on their platform are required to pass enhanced background checks.

Rover’s website states that over 2 million pet owners have used their services across 17 countries since its inception in 2011. In the local area, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for dog walking services, especially as more people return to the office.

“With more people back at work, there’s definitely a greater need for dog walking and daycare,” commented Lauren Michelson, a Rover dog walker, noting that her request volume has increased by about 40%.

This trend aligns with Rover’s own data; in New York, dog walking fees have varied significantly, ranging from $10 to $250 per walk, with a notable year-over-year increase between September 2023 and September 2024.