One of the most common forms of pet care is drop-in visits. Drop-in visits, also known as pet drop-ins, are a convenient care option where a pet sitter stops by to provide food, water, exercise, and attention for a pet while you’re away.
A regular drop-in visit can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes long, depending on the type of pet and level of care they need.
The best way to determine if a drop-in visit is enough for your pet is to match:
- Your pet’s needs
- Your schedule or travel plans
- Your pet’s personality or temperament
Keep reading to learn what you can request during a drop-in visit, considerations when choosing a sitter, and available alternative services.
What Is a Drop-In Visit for Pets?
Drop-in visits offer a different level of supervision and care than dog walking or house sitting. For a peace of mind, request your sitter to provide a photo update to show your pet’s needs are taken care of.
During the drop-in, you can make requests of your pet sitter, such as:
- Portioning out meals for your pets
- Refilling water bowls or fountains
- Providing potty breaks for dogs in the backyard or around the block
- Playing with your pets for mental and physical stimulation
- Helping with exercise, including walks, if enough time has been reserved
- Confirming presence of the pet, particularly cats who like to hide
- Quick grooming tasks, such as brushing or paw wiping
Be clear about what your pet needs during the Meet & Greet. Since drop-ins are booked by time frames, pet sitters generally focus on what can be completed within the scheduled time window. Going through your care instructions step-by-step during the Meet & Greet will help communicate expectations clearly.
Note that if you have additional, bespoke service requests, such as pet transportation or full-service grooming, a sitter may request add-on fees.
How Long Is a Drop-In Visit for Dogs and Cats?
On Rover, pet drop-ins start at 30 or 60-minute visits. To make sure your pet’s unique needs are met, choosing the right time window and length for your drop-in visits is important.
Your introverted or shy cat may appreciate one long 90-minute visit per day to get to know their sitter. Multiple 30-minute visits may startle them at first! On the other hand, if you’re in the office and have a young puppy, you may want two 30-minute visits throughout the day to keep up with their potty training timeline.
While the length of time can be decided between you and your sitter, the amount of drop-in visits you schedule also matters. In general, you can choose between:
- Single drop-in visits for pets who need a quick check-in for meals, potty, play, or meds. This option is great for low maintenance cats and pet parents who have long work days.
- Multiple drop-in visits for pets who have a more active lifestyle and consistent routine. Multiple drop-in visits are great for independent pets who can relax while no one is home or cats who need more socialization while their pet parent is gone for a long trip.
Pro tip: When deciding on the length of the drop-in, factor in how your pet’s personality might interfere with a task. A dog who loves to be chased before putting on their harness may need a 45-minute drop-in rather than 30 to accommodate their unique personality.
Drop-Ins vs. Dog Walks vs. House Sitting
Combine the length of time you’re away from home with your pet’s needs, routine, and personality to determine if drop-ins are enough for your pet. If you’re gone for a week and you’ve requested multiple drop-in visits or a few hour-long drop-ins, you may want to consider if house sitting or in-home boarding with a sitter may be less stressful.
| Drop-In | Dog Walking | House Sitting | |
| Costs | $-$$ | $-$$ | $$-$$$ |
| Consistent care | No | No | Can be arranged |
| Ideal for | Independent dogs and cats who need to be checked on one to three times a day | Dogs who need a potty break along with exercise, mental stimulation, or a leisurely stroll | Pets who need all-day care or overnight care while you are away for multiple nights |
| May not suit | Pets with separation anxiety or pet parents who are away for a long-term trip (2+ weeks) | Dogs who need additional care, such as medication, during their check-in | Pets who need midday relief or meals while their pet parent is gone for the day |
| Services that may be available | Meals, water, potty breaks, play, litter box clean-up | On-leash walking in your neighborhood or somewhere close by | Meals, water, potty breaks, play, litter box clean-up and added peace of mind for your home |
| Medical services available | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
| Ideal duration | 30 or 60 mins | 30 or 60 mins | A few hours per day to overnight |
You can also ask your prospective pet sitter which service will mimic your pet’s normal routine best. Many pets adjust more easily when their routines are maintained, especially when their favorite person is away.
Drop-In FAQs
Do drop-in visits on Rover include dog walks?
If you see a sitter list dog walking and drop-ins on their profile, ask for the difference between the two. You can also ask what tasks are included in your sitter’s drop-in pricing.
Not all drop-in visits include dog walks but, if you have booked enough time, sitters may choose to include walks as part of their drop-in service. Some pet sitters may request you to book dog walking as a separate service if you want longer walks or have specific requirements for your dog’s walk.
Why are some dog walking rates lower than drop-in visits?
Since service rates are set by sitters and dog walkers, you’ll see a variety of rates based on your area. In some cases, dog walker rates may be lower because a dog sitter or walker will complete a walk. Additional tasks that need to be done in your home, such as feeding or picking up poop in the yard, may fit better as a drop-in visit instead.
How long do sitters on Rover stay?
Drop-in visits on Rover are offered at 30 and 60 minutes but booking windows can be adjusted as needed. When contacting a potential pet sitter through Rover, you and your sitter can agree how long they will stay with your pet.
Sitters have the option to mark the booking as started once they arrive at your property. Don’t forget to demonstrate how to use a key, code, or special entry door before the booking!
How will sitters enter my home?
Discuss key and access code options with your sitter during the Meet & Greet to understand what works best for your arrangement. Some sitters prefer a physical key while others will accept lockboxes and digital codes.
Keep in mind cold weather can affect lockboxes, making them difficult to open or access!
