Overnight dog boarding

Overnight Dog Boarding FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

How is boarding in a sitter’s home different from a traditional kennel?

When you book dog boarding on Rover, your dog stays overnight in a sitter’s home. A traditional kennel or boarding facility typically cares for dogs in a commercial setting, often with multiple staff members and a set daily schedule.

The environment and care arrangements in a sitter’s home vary by sitter. Some sitters may accept only one client’s pets at a time, while others may care for several dogs. Review each sitter’s profile and arrange a Meet & Greet to ask about resident pets, other dogs, supervision, sleeping arrangements, exercise, medication, and the sitter’s home environment.

Consider your dog’s normal routine, comfort around other animals, supervision needs and preferred environment. Whether you choose home boarding or a kennel, confirm what care is included and how your dog’s needs would be handled before booking.

What should I look for when boarding my dog?

Finding the right boarding environment is all about peace of mind. Boarding with a sitter on Rover helps you find a cozy experience in a real home for your dog.

When searching for a host, look for a sitter who:

• Offers a secure, home-like environment that is clean and welcoming
• Adheres to your dog’s established routine for meals, activity, and rest
• Possesses relevant experience with your pet’s specific breed, size, and personality
• Maintains clear communication regarding the frequency of photo and message updates

Don’t skip the Meet & Greet! The free Meet & Greet is the best way to see where your dog will sleep and who they might play with.

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.

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.

Are there discounts for longer boarding bookings?

Each sitter sets their own boarding rates. While a discount is not automatically included with every booking, some sitters offer different pricing for longer stays. You can find this information listed under their rates on their profile under “Stays of 1 night or more”.

Before booking, enter the full stay dates to see the estimated price and message the sitter if you have questions about how their rates apply to a longer stay.

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.