I have a potential clients who wants to pay me cash and not use rover, how do i respond?

I had one client that offered to pay me directly, but I explained that I needed to go through Rover at this time because I'm covered by the Rover insurance. Which is true! I know some pet parents don't want to deal with booking through the website, etc. but....we are sitters through Rover, so that's just the way it has to be. I've also had clients ask if I'll be going "out on my own", and leaving Rover. I always answer that I'm new to all of this, so I'm staying with Rover but perhaps in the future, I'd branch off on my own. I do sit for another service in my area, so my entire sitting experience is not through Rover.

I have had this happen several times. I explain that through http://Rover.com we both receive the benefit of insurance if something were to happen. If booked outside of Rover, we are not covered. Plus I remind them that I am not paid until after the stay is complete as a protection to them.