If I go to stay overnight at someone's home, should I bring with me groceries for myself sufficient for the time period I will be staying there? Do I need to eat out and not use their kitchen at all?
For all my Rover stays, food was never mentioned, so I always just bring my own meals. I think it should be a given that you will use their dishes, as long as you clean them and return them to the correct spot. (Who's going to pack their own silverware, dishes, pots and pans?)
However, I am currently housesitting for a family that went above and beyond for me. They even asked me what kind of foods and drinks I like. When I told them that I would bring my own meals, they said, "No, seriously. Tell us what you want." I told them a few things I liked, and they stocked the fridge for me. I was so nice and so appreciated!
I agree with everyone above - bring your own food, but assume you can use their kitchen (as it would be strange for them to expect you not to). I suppose it never hurts to ask about the kitchen, though, just in case you have a very interesting family with interesting rules.
I always bring my own stuff, most folks are kind and say help yourself but I feel weird too, I didnt buy it so I bring my own. If I have to use oven or microwave I always ask first and then clean it if anything spills. Also I always check to make sure its off after using.
This is definitely a topic to be discussed at the M&G because each client is different. I've had several housesitting/overnight assignments and I ask about use of the kitchen. I just tell them I will be bringing my own food and ask if I may use their plates, pans, etc. Make sure there is a clear understanding of what you can and cannot use, and ask them to show you how to use the different appliances.
Most sitters are going to bring their own food. Use of the kitchen and other amenities should be discussed with the owner.
There are excellent responses on this thread:
I do overnights, and my clients always offer free range to their food and kitchen. I never take them up on it because it would feel weird to me! I always bring my own food along (I will use their fridge), and what I don't eat inside their home, I'll get something to eat (from wherever) when I have to leave to take care of my own dog, or when I go to other clients' homes for drop-ins or walks. The longer the stay, the harder it is to pack what grocery items to bring along (without hauling too much stuff around). If you have a longer stay and don't get sick of eating the same thing every day, try cooking a big meal at home beforehand and bring leftovers in individual meal sized containers to reheat...that way you're only using the microwave (if allowed) and not dirtying the clients' dishes.
I don't even ask. I always bring my own food. I have had a couple of clients tell me to "make myself at home." But, I am not a house guest. I am working. So, I bring my own food.
It's a case by case basics, honestly I have some clients that give me a gift card to grab food because they want me to cook at home rather than go out all the time. In most cases though, new clients, I will bring my own food but during the meet & greet will ask them if I can cook with their pots/pans. Never had them say no to that request!
Unless the owner has specified that you can help yourself to their foodstuffs, you should bring your own food. However, it should be okay to use their appliances and dishes (unless they specify not to).
I started out as a "client" on rover and am now a sitter/walker. I always ask my self "what would I do as an owner in this situation" If I had someone coming to stay at my house I would offer them my food tell them to feel free to eat whatever and to use the kitchen. In the case of being a sitter I just take the lead of the owner. If they offer me to have some of their food then I go with that or if they don't mention food at all then I bring my own food.