does Rover have any thoughts on how to handle food for sitter during house sitting jobs, extended stay?

I've only had one housesitting stay through Rover and I brought my own food. I did stay at the client's home several times, so I was able to leave some nonperishable items behind. The client showed me the kitchen, bath, and bedroom and had set out a towel and washcloth for me to use. I did ask where the nearest grocery was and made sure that it was okay to leave her dog alone when I went shopping.

It's definitely something to discuss at the M&G, but I would not ask for, nor would I charge for, food. That's why I charge extra for overnight stays at the client's home.

Discuss expectations with the owners before the stay begins. Include things like use of the kitchen (including food, appliances, dishes/utensils). Be sure to learn how to use any appliances that you might need during your stay. I would always expect to supply my own food, but you may want to ask about things like seasonings or condiments. The owners may offer other items which you can use at your discretion. I also recommend asking about things like sleeping arrangements (assuming you're staying overnight), cleaning supplies and the use of their laundry facilities.

I always bring what I think I might want. The way I look at it is I wouldn't expect an employer to feed me, plus I prefer to choose my own food, rather than relying on what someone might offer. Besides that you (like most sitters) charge more for staying in their home versus your own home (which offsets the mileage and inconvenience of packing food, drinks, clothes, personal items, toiletries, etc.) It's nice if they offer food, but I would Never suggest you charge them or ask them to provide your food. If their dog was staying at your home, I doubt you'd expect that. For your 2 week stay, you may just want to discuss (if you haven't already-and-committed to being there 24x7) that at some point, you'll leave the dogs unattended to shop for some food and ask if the dog(s) need to be secured differently in your absence.

Here are a couple threads that also discuss: https://www.rover.com/community/quest... https://www.rover.com/community/quest...

Families are basically always super nice to me and say I can eat whatever I want. Never met someone who told me I couldnt. I do always end up bringing my own food because I'm vegan and because most people don't have the same taste preferences as me, but maybe I'll eat some of their pasta or a piece of they're bread or something. I definitely wouldn't just eat all their food or any of their nice food. I'll also try to eat things I think will go bad before they get back like vegetables because who wants to come home to rotting spinach? There was one nice family who said I could have whatever I want, but did make a box of "sitting snacks" with just random food you might crave in it like cookies and things to make meals. Maybe put what you'd be okay with the sitter eating in a box & say the rest is off limits because you have a party coming up or something and need to keep track of the food?

If the owner says I can then I will. That said that doesn’t mean I’m going to eat every single thing in their refrigerator. I always clean up after myself so I have nothing to worry about. If they SPECIFICALLY say not to then I’ll shop and bring my own. Simple.