How does rover do background checks on the people we are walking or sitting for?

Rover does not do any background checking of customers. Always have a Meet & Greet with a potential customer prior to accepting a booking. There are tips in the Sitters Handbook about how to have the M&G in the safest manner. Many sitters will hold them at outside locations before allowing a client into their homes and may also bring a friend with, depending on the circumstance.