Owners with limited profile information?

While I too am leery of last minute requests, I know there are certain situations where pet owners may be scrambling to find care last minute. For many people, plans fall through and they find themselves having to use Rover with rather short-term notice. Because I have my own dogs, I do not accept boarding requests without a M&G.

For last minute boarding requests, I ask the pet owner to meet me at the dog park or the green space of my apartment and let them know that I will gauge compatibility with one of my dogs present. I let them know that if it's a good fit, we can confirm the booking on the spot. (*Note: I do not take the dog from the owner until I see that they have paid through Rover). If they are not willing to do this, then I give them the number for Rover Match, so that Rover can help connect them with a sitter that is available to take last minute requests.

For last minute walks, house-sitting, or drop-ins, I am flexible with last-minute requests. I'm happy to meet the owner before they leave to pick-up a key or have one left for me under the mat. I do let them know, though, that if their dog doesn't allow me to enter (aggressive/territorial behavior), that they will not be refunded for the attempted visits.

In either circumstance, I ask the owner to take 5-10 minutes to update the pet's profile on Rover so that I can easily access any important information on routine, medications, food, etc. This is something that I also mention at meet and greets for other clients as well.

In any case, always be cautious when gauging new clients. Even if it isn't a spam request, it is the sitter that is assuming a lot of responsibility (and liability). It sounds like you are doing this already, so you're off to a great start on Rover. I think that other sitters would agree: if it feels "off", it probably is. The longer you are on Rover, the easier that you will be able to discern whether a last minute request is truly an emergent situation, a scam, or just the red flag of an irresponsible pet owner.

It's wise to be cautious of last minute requests with limited information. If the person immediately requests moving the conversation off the Rover platform to personal emails, that is another red flag and good cause to contact Rover to review all of that person's communications to help determine if anything looks questionable.

However, many people do seem to book with not much notice for a variety of reasons and if they're new to Rover, don't always complete their information up front. It's a good practice to use the Rover messaging system to ask for all the additional details that matter to you. I'd also suggest meet & greets always start outside in a visible public area, such as a sidewalk/grassy area, where you can get to know each other somewhat before inviting all inside.

I get that a lot but it has always been because they are new to Rover and just did not take the time out to fill out their profile. Usually they are desperately looking for a sitter that they skip that part. I will not take a same day or next day boarding without a meet and greet. I have had request like that and I have told them unfortunately l will not be able to take your dog on such short notice as I have to meet the dog to make sure it is a good fit. Usually they move on to someone else who is more flexible.

I will not accept a client without a M&G as well. Plus I am leery of last-minute booking requests, especially in the summer when people plan family vacations well in advance. I am concerned about getting payment for last-minute requests too.

The general consensus on this board is that most of those are scams. Better to be safe and wait for some genuine customers than get involved in something unsavory.

Personally, I will not accept a new client without a Meet and Greet. Period. If there is no time for that, I will not take the client.

Good luck!

When boarding was a hobby, I never did Meet and Greets. Now that it's my business, I absolutely require them and it usually rules out last minute requests from new clients. It's totally worth it though! Don't give yourself a headache by accepting a dog you would have referred out had you met it first.