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Has anyone posted services as a sitter on Craigslist and been harassed?

Following the Rover suggestion, I posted my services as a sitter on Craigslist and provided a link to my profile on Rover.

I was harassed by someone who likely runs a traditional kennel and this person said she'd turn me in for not having a license. I called my city animal control and they had no idea what I'd need, if anything.

Has anyone else had an experience like this when trying to post an ad on Craigslist? Or otherwise been harassed by someone who isn't actually looking to board their dog?

5 Answers

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Heidi S.

Thanks everyone for weighing in, it's been helpful and informative. I live in Colorado and when I contacted the state (vs earlier I called my city and they had no clue), I learned that anyone boarding dogs (traditional kennel and even a "Rover" private home) is required to have a boarding license ($400 annually) and a home inspection ($50 annually). I haven't followed up about a business license, but that may be something else that is required.

Considering that I was only looking to board a dog here and there, I don't really want to spend $450 / yr every year and will probably drop out as a Rover sitter. I would not like the feeling knowing that I'm not compliant with the "law" and could be subject to fines or an investigation.

Anyway, I know the Rover sitters I've used to board my dogs don't have a Colorado license # and that doesn't bother me at all. My preference is to use Rover sitters for my dogs and I'll continue to do so, it's a great service :)

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I really doubt anything would come of it. If you keep your head down and just operate through Rover there is really no possibility you'd be subjected to fines. Seems like one of those laws that isn't really followed through unless someone has a vendetta against you

Sarah B.

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Neal & Bonnie S.

I had my add on Craigslist for quite a while and then somehow it was taken off and I didn't really care. I never got a thing from them. Craigslist isn't what it used to be at all.

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Hillary H.

I haven't had anything like what you've experienced, but you have to watch out for scammers on Craigslist who will respond to your post saying something like they're moving to your area and would like to mail you your payment in advance.

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Heather M.

I have used craigsist , but not sure if I have ever gotten business from it.

I have a license and depending on your state, you may need one. I know in Washington, any home based business, no matter how small, requires a license as well as claiming income for state taxes. It was super easy to set up, cost I recall $75 first year than $20 subsequent years for my city license (also required). I think I paid maybe $200 in state taxes on $50k in rover income.

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I'm surprised that your city requires you to get a license to operate a business that you do not own. Would you mind telling more about what kind of license you filed and the rules in your area? I have my tax ID number, but am not aware of any other filings that need to be made.

Jessica M.

But that is not correct. You do own your business as an independent contractor/consultant. That is why you must withhold and pay your own taxes rather than Rover treating you as an employee and doing it for you. I had to do the same as a freelance writer and my husband as a consultant.

Heather M.

This was a great resource: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/question-do-independent-contractors-need-business-28411.html

Heather M.

"The answer depends on where you work and what you do. A few states -- including Alaska and Washington -- require all businesses to get a state business license. "

Heather M.

"Many cities, counties, and municipalities require local business licenses, even for one-person, home-based operations. Usually, you can get this type of license simply by paying a fee. Some cities don't impose any license requirements at all, or exempt very small businesses."

Heather M.

one last thing: this has been discussed before on another thread and others in Washington have been required to get a license. https://www.rover.com/community/question/1930/applying-for-a-business-license/

Heather M.

"As Rover advises, I checked with my state laws regarding working as an independent contractor (which all of us sitters on Rover are classified as) and needing a business license. I found out that in my city (Seattle) independent contractors are indeed required to have a business license and ..."

Heather M.

"...and need to check with their property's zoning laws. For instance, laws about how many animals can stay at a residence at the same time, etc. I got approval regarding my home being zoned for a small business and applied for a business license which is awaiting review. "

Heather M.

Thanks for all the info! I think Texas must have much more relaxed regulations, as you do not need any general business license at all if you're a sole proprietor. Just report your income and file your taxes and you're done (thank goodness)!

Jessica M.

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Jessica M.

I would NEVER post/advertise on Craigslist, because you're putting yourself out there to people who may have zero interest in meeting you just to watch their dog. They can Google it just like everybody else, or they can post on Craigslist and I can respond with an offer.

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Also, you don't need a license.

Jessica M.

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Has anyone posted services as a sitter on Craigslist and been harassed?

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