How about if the owner says the dog gets along with other dogs and I get a request to dog sit two different dogs at a time. But... when I ask if they are comfortable with their dog staying with another the owner says no, than I lose that business of two stays. Should I book the two? Ask owners for permission? Not book the two, three etc...?
Be sure your policies regarding multiple dogs are explained in your profile. It's best to be clear and up front with your clients if you're going to be taking in dogs from more than one household at a time so that everyone is aware of the situation. It's understandable that clients be concerned about their dogs being kept with unfamiliar animals. Even if they are dog friendly, they may be overwhelmed in larger groups, or they may have some dogs that they're less comfortable with. It's normal for older dogs to be less tolerant of exuberant younger dogs, or for dogs to not enjoy certain play styles that other social dogs may engage in, such as wrestling or chasing. And even dogs who do well in day care or at the park with a lot of dogs may be exhausted to spend multiple days in a group environment. That doesn't mean they aren't dog friendly, just that they have preferences like everyone else, and if the other dogs in your care might make them uncomfortable it's understandable that the owners prefer a sitter who will watch only their dog.
If I were you, I'd explain your policy about multiple dogs, including how you determine whether or not they will be a good match and what measures you can take to keep everyone comfortable and happy during the stay. Be up front about how long the overlap is going to be and how many other dogs would be present. Be sure to tell them if you still have available slots so there's a chance you could have even more dogs during that time. And then give them the choice to book with you or not. They may be looking for a home boarder because their dog finds kennel or daycare environments too stressful so they're trying to avoid that. Ultimately, you may not be the best sitter for their needs. If you want to give them the option to have their dog be your only guest, you could offer a premium rate to make it worth your time to forego booking extra dogs during that time, and explain that they are paying for the privilege of reserving all of your open slots.
Thank you for your quick and thorough response! I just wanted to have some insight on what was the norm for those type of situations. I aim to accommodate all my clients to the utmost service I can. I would leave it to the first client that requested me to give yay or nay on a second dog staying.
If your profile states that you accept two dogs, then you don't need to ask either owner for permission to take in another. After you've booked one dog and are contacted to book another, then you should tell that owner that there will be another. My profile states that I generally only accept one dog at a time but may accept two under special circumstances. "Special circumstance" isn't explicitly defined but usually is done for regular clients or during holiday periods, when I usually have two dogs. But as I said, I have to know the dogs. How many dogs you accept is up to you, not the client. Just make sure your profile states how you operate. That is what is most important.
You may not NEED to ask, but it's good practice to inform owners how your business operates up front, even if it's in your profile. We all know very few clients read our profiles in their entirety, and especially if it's a first time client (especially especially if it's a first time booking through Rover client), it's our job to make sure they're aware how we operate and that they're comfortable with it.
Laura, I did state that I inform owners if I have booked multiple dogs, but I was advising Lauren (so confusing!) that she doesn't need to get an owner's permission. Unless specifically stated, an owner should have no expectation that his/her dog will be your only client.
No worries. There are a TON of Lauras/Laurens on here!
Your profile states that you will accept a maximum of two dogs at a time, but only from the same client. If you want to change that, it is your prerogative and you don't have to ask anyone's permission. If your profile states you accept more than one dog, an owner would not have any expectation of his/her dog being your sole charge. When you do book a second dog, just make sure that all parties are aware of the situation.
From my experience, however, I would only book dogs that I am pretty certain would get along with another guest. I would not book two new, unknown dogs at the same time.
Thank you for clarifying that for me Karen! I totally agree with you. The owner and dogs comfortability matters the most to me.
I just had that happen to me this week. I am caring for 2 high energy dog over spring break and I had a meet and greet yesterday and that dog ended up being high energy as well. I know for a fact there was going to be problems considering my own dogs are low energy. Needless to say I had to reject the last one that came in and informed them of the conflict of dates and not only that, their personalities will not be a match. I would not ask permission but instead let them know there will be other dogs besides their dogs staying with you. Most people don't mind because after all you are a pet sitter, they can't assume their dogs will be the only dogs being cared for.
I agree with letting a client know if you are going to accept another dog during their stay. I would also like to state that you need to consider each dog before accepting a second, you are the one who will be there with them dealing with any possible issues. I state in my profile that a meet n great between ALL dogs and their parents is required before confirming a booking. I unfortunately turned a client away just this week because there was not time before the request to do that, it was last minute for the additional dog.