Keeping Client Interactions Healthy
Here at Rover, a top priority is—and has always been—the safety of our community. In light of continued concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19), we know that many of you may have questions about how to keep yourself and your clients safe during these uncertain times. Here is a list of tips to help you stay healthy during client interactions like Meet & Greets, drop-offs and pick-ups.
Start Digitally
Communicating with clients via the Rover app is an easy way to continue to practice social distancing. You can ask all of the questions you would ask at a traditional in person meet & greet via messaging in the app, via Rover’s Video Call feature or via phone (you and your clients both have a Rover issued phone number that you can use to get in touch).
Prior to the stay think about what’s most important for you to know and use our Meet & Greet checklist to guide you through the process. This way, when you meet the dog and owners in person, you can focus on the dog’s comfort rather than in-person exploratory information.
Learning about the pet ahead of time means you will both be informed, and in person meetings will be short. You can lessen the risk of exposure by only meeting clients that fit your needs.
Keep In Person Meetings as Safe as Possible
Whether you are working with repeat clients or meeting someone new, there are a lot of ways you can ensure that handoffs go smoothly and safely. Here are the guidelines for meeting clients in person:
- Avoid physical contact.
- Conduct Meet & Greets and handoffs outside in fresh air, and if you have the iOS app look for Rover’s Video Call feature to get the majority of the stay details upfront.
- Keep drop-offs brief and ask questions via the app or by phone.
- The moment the dog is in your care, disinfect their leash and wash or sanitize your hands.
- Disinfect the dog’s items when you bring them into your home, including leashes and bowls.
- If providing services in the client’s home, disinfect doorknobs and leashes, and avoid touching any surfaces if possible.
- When the owner is picking up their pet, conduct handoffs outside.
- Keep lines of communication open. Ask clients where they are traveling and how they are feeling. The more informed you are the more empowered you can be to make decisions.
Follow the CDC Guidelines
The CDC recommends the following to prevent illness, which is mainly being spread person to person.
- Wash your hands often, and for at least 20 seconds.
- If you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect daily.
If you are feeling sick, you should cancel any Rover services to reduce the risk of spreading germs to others. For instructions on how to cancel a booking, read this article from the Rover Help Center. You can also contact our customer service team at 888-453-7889 if you have questions about cancellation or booking policies.
If you want to learn more about dogs and the Coronavirus, and share it with your clientele, check out our new resource guide.
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and provide resources to keep our community informed. For additional resources, consider the following: CDC website for weekly updates, CDC guidance for people who live with animals, CDC checklist for emergency kits, and the WHO Q&A. Please visit our blog if you would like to know more about the potential impact on pets.