Cat boarding

Cat Boarding FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

Will my cat be left alone overnight?

Sitters on Rover who board cats are often present from bedtime until morning because their home is also where your cat is staying. However, overnight supervision is not the same as constant care. If your cat needs 24/7 supervision or if you need your cat to be supervised at specific hours, house sitters may offer more flexibility.

What should I bring when my cat starts boarding?

Here’s a starter checklist to help your cat feel more at home at your sitter’s! Besides your cat’s regular food (portioned out by day), litter box, and toys, consider also packing:

• A familiar blanket or shirt with your scent on it
• A spare bed that smells like them
• Anti-anxiety hormones or calming sprays

And of course bring important medications and relevant care instructions.

<b>Tip:</b> If you are boarding your cat with a sitter who has cats of their own or is boarding multiple cats, give them a heads up on the items you're planning to bring. This can help a sitter be prepared to keep your items safe or away from cats who may feel territorial around new scents.

Will my sitters send photos and updates while they care for my pet?

If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.

The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.

Do sitters accept cats with medical needs, like medication or insulin injections?

Yes. There are sitters with experience caring for senior cats or cats with special needs, including administering medication and managing dietary requirements. You can also find cat sitters, who accept only one cat at a time, which is ideal for territorial or anxious cats, and sitters who can be available for 24/7 care, also known as constant care, in their profiles.

Use Rover's search filters to narrow sitters whose specific experience or environment meets your pet's needs. When reaching out to your sitter, outline your pet's care routine and use the Meet & Greet to walk your sitter through your expectations.

What is a Meet & Greet?

A Meet & Greet is a casual meeting to vet potential sitters and communicate care needs for peace of mind before a booking begins. Only sitters who have never booked with you before can schedule a Meet & Greet on Rover; however, you are welcome to coordinate one in Rover messages with sitters you have previously booked. This can be helpful if you have a new pet or routine you want to go over with your sitter.

Meet & Greets can take place in person or virtually. If you are booking with a sitter for the first time, we recommend in-person Meet & Greets to get a clearer sense of how your sitter interacts with your pet or the new environment.

During the Meet & Greet, you will have a chance to walk through your pet's routine, medical needs, and unique quirks. Take the time to ask your sitter questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. Meet & Greets are a great way to prepare your pet and sitter for longer stays or first-time bookings. Read our tips for your first Meet & Greet.

What is the Rover Guarantee and what does it cover?

The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes 24/7 customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement program for eligible veterinary care in the rare event something goes wrong.

All bookings are backed by the Rover Guarantee, which provides up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care reimbursement.

What is Rover's cancellation and refund policy?

sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their contact information. Sitters may set a same-day, one-, three-, or seven-day cancellation policy. Cancelling within your sitter’s cancellation policy qualifies you for a full refund.

Same-day cancellations for recurring services, which include walks, drop-ins, and day care, follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for pet boarding and house sitting, if you cancel after 12 pm on the applicable cancellation deadline, you’ll receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for any remaining days.

If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means you will get a full refund and our support team will work with you to find a replacement sitter.