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I have a full time job that doesn't have a set schedule. Will Rover.com be a good fit?

I love dogs and would like to dogsit full time eventually, but now I have a 40 hr/week retail job and it's not always the same shift and days. Making plans with this schedule is challenging to say the least.

What should I put on my availability as on my Calendar? Can I change it weekly or even daily? I know I can't be the only sitter in this situation and any advice or suggstions would be greatly appreciated.

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Yes, you can change your calendar weekly or even daily.
One problem that you may run into, however, is that some clients book weeks in advance for special occasions such as anniversaries or cruises. So, for house sitting, even though you're just staying overnight, you are also taking the pups out for walks and potty breaks throughout the day. It may be possible. It just depends on how good you are at juggling and how flexible your current job is.

All the best!

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Thank you for answering. I'll try this.

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There are others who have shared this dilemma. I haven't been in this position. However, I'd suggest you indicate not available when you think you would not be able to accept. You'll still show up as a possible match which could be contacted anyway, but if contacted, you will not be penalized for not being available if the calendar shows that.

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Thank you for your suggestions. I'll try them.

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I see a few issues you will probably run into, but it can be done!

First, update your calendar as frequently as necessary. The second you get your schedule for the week update the calendar. Also, if you have any semi-regular times that you work, keep your calendar generally marked unavailable for those times (i.e. you're almost always at work around 1 pm, so you wouldn't be able to offer drop-ins or walks between 11 and 3). Also make sure your profile clearly states that you work full time and won't know your exact hours until the week of. Then just communicate with owners! For boarding or house sitting, make sure owners know if you won't be able to come home at all during your shift or if it will be possible for you to let dogs out during your breaks.

Also keep in mind that a lot of owners look for walking or drop-ins during regular business hours, so advertise your unconventional hours as much as possible! This again comes back to your 'semi-regular' schedule, so as much as you can, advertise that because (for example) you often work nights you're a great fit for morning or afternoon walks and drop-ins!

My final recommendation is to try and get as regular of a schedule at your job as you can! Even if it differs by a couple hours each day, knowing you start work at either 9, 10, or 11 am and will be done by 6, 7 or 8 pm is better than constantly changing!

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Thank you for taking the time to answer. These are good suggestions and I'll give them a try.

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I have a somewhat similar situation to you. I work a full time job and Rover dog walking is a side job for me to enjoy. My schedule for my full time job is insane and I work nights. I only select the time of day on the calendar that I know without a doubt I can make it work. I also am up front with clients at every Meet and Greet and tell them I am employed full time and work night shift at my other job. I do tell them to monitor my calendar and I am very communicative with them about my schedule ahead of time. Utilize the calendar to the best of your ability, it will be your best friend. I have had no issues so far, all clients have been booked. Try to communicate with your retail employer to allow you to get a schedule a week ahead of time so you can organize your second job. The major problem I see with day to day calendar changes is you ideally want to be able to have a Meet and Greet first with a pet and owner so everyone feels confident and safe. If you are going day to day, sometimes that might not be able to happen.

I think you can make it work, just might take a few ups and downs! Good luck! :)