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Can you not make yourself available to owners of dogs you would rather not sit again??

I've sat for a number of dogs - large and small- high energy and low - and, while rare, there are a few I would rather not have back into my home. (eg. they are not potty trained when the owner said they were, they chew, my dog doesn't get along with them.) Although I do let the owners know their pet's manners weren't great, I would like make myself unavailable next time. How can I do this one a one off basis?

7 Answers

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Carmen's advice is great!

There is also a section on Rover where you can add notes to each dog's profile that only you can view. This is how I keep track of dogs that I am not interested in hosting/sitting. In order to make sure that the owner is on the same page and doesn't just keep sending you requests, let them know that you won't be able to work with their dog.

I usually try to format it this way:

  1. I go over all the fun/awesome things that we did while their owner was away (fetch, pool, dog park, etc.)
  2. I make mention of any concerning behaviors in a way that is helpful for the owner.
  3. I point out why I'm not a good fit for their dogs needs.

Ex: "I had so much with (PET'S NAME). As you saw from the picture, they really loved all the sun bathing they were able to get in while we were outside (Point out a fun thing). I did notice, however, that they had a little trouble interacting with some of the other dogs that I was boarding at the same time. (Point out why you don't want to board/sit them anymore). It might be that they just need a little more experience socializing with other dogs (give any helpful advice if you have it). In the mean time, I think it might be easier for (PET'S NAME) if we try to find you a sitter that doesn't have any other dogs present while boarding (shows you want to be a part of the solution, not just drop the client without any help). I'd be happy to help you find someone that might be able to make (PET'S NAME) more comfortable when you travel. Do you want the number for the Rover Match specialists? They can help you narrow down your search to a great sitter!"

Any client that I have turned down with this type of format has been really grateful for the additional help that I've offered to help them find a replacement sitter. This also ensures that they don't keep trying to book you, thinking it was a good match the first time around.

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I had to stop taking care of my very first client's dogs because they peed everywhere they could in the house. This is after multiple walks and being let out at least 8 times per day. Seriously. We tried everything so I simply showed her the damage and said "I just can't do this any more."

I sure wish Rover allowed Sitters to share information about the dogs. I know that Owner moved on to someone new just like she had moved on to me from someone else whose house if covered in her dogs' piss.

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Just love how someone gave me a down vote on my comment. Some people on these boards are very nasty and judgmental of other sitters.

That is pretty pathetic. I'll upvote you. :-)

Thanks! Pathetic is the exact right word.

I really think that if we are receiving ratings that affect our business, registered dogs on Rover should receive ratings as well. I would be more apt to trust sitters that reviewed dogs than when the owner says that their dog is perfect and it was just a problem with the sitter

Plus I think other sitters need to be able to know before hand if everyone else has had trouble with certain dogs

I agree with the rating of pets, or at least being able to leave notes that other sitters can see. I used to work as a dog bather and we were able to leave notes on dogs and rate them (with colors). It helped when booking the dogs for future appointments. Would love a feature like this added.

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This is all good advice, thank you so much. I will try and have that hard conversation with pet owners to let them know that while we had a good time, their pet may not be a good fit for me. I'll also contact Rover to see if they could possibly add this enhancement in a future release.

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Also, can you just say you are not available at the time they request? Maybe they will get the hint after a few times and go to another sitter. I do not like conflict either, and have not run into this situation yet, but I have thought about what do you say too!

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As far as I know there is no way to do this on Rover, but it's a good idea. You should contact Rover Support and suggest it.

In the meantime, practice your tactful refusal skills and be sure to review each stay so you are reminded of past experiences when your clients try to rebook.

Personally, I keep an index card with every client's name and any interesting notes. Before any repeat stays are booked, I check out that card.

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I second this idea, or make a custom price table per customer. I would gladly give easy dog owners a price break if it meant I wouldn't be screwed by the hard to handle ones.

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Just had one. pooped and peed in my house for 6 days and was fearful,wouldnt eat its kibble. I had to put ground turkey in it for it to eat. My advise is if they try to rebook, just say your are not available. Just finished vacuming,mopping,steamcleaning my house!

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I actually just sent Rover support a question about this. Will update when I hear back.

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Got this response: Hello I'm Judith a rover expert and sitter. Unfortunately there is no way to block users from contacting anyone