if my dog is going to be watched at the sitters house does he have to be vaccinated or is it up to the sitter?
It's up to the sitter - Rover has no way to force you or prove that you've vaccinated your dog. However it's important to vaccinate your dog for their own protection, regardless of what the sitter requires! In a new environment and potentially around multiple new and unknown dogs, your own dog will be exposed to a lot more than usual.
Agreed! Rover doesn't mandate it, but I just "remind" my boarders to bring a copy of their shot records with them to the first visit, and I keep a copy on file for each dog. So much safer!
I try to let the owner know that there is a location on the site to input the vet and all info they can. That way if I need to contact a vet if problems arise, I can. You never know and it is important to be prepared and keep the animals safe.
The sitter determines what are the minimum vaccination requirements, consistent with state/municipal laws. If your dog is not vaccinated, you should either look for a sitter who only takes in one dog and doesn't have a dog of his/her own or book a sitter who will make house calls. I would not want an unvaccinated dog to be among others.
In order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, dogs need to be current on their vaccinations. Many states require your dog to have, at minimum, a rabies vaccination so you will want to at least be compliant with the state. I require all of my boarders to have a rabies, Bordatella, and Canine Distemper vaccine before boarding with me.