Is it possible to watch a person's dog(s) without dropping in for 30 minutes each, or staying overnight?

Anything is possible, but the probability of someone wanting such services may be very limited to nonexistent. People hire babysitters because they absolutely need to have someone caring for their child while they're out for an evening. Dogs, generally speaking, do not require that level of 24-hour care, which is why people hire walkers or have drop-in visits. Puppies require more frequent pottying care but people either crate them or leave other indoor conveniences for them to use. The shift approach has similar drawbacks. In lieu of someone sitting in their home all day, people tend to use daycare services where the dog could play with other dogs and learn better socialization skills.

If you do decide to pursue it, be sure to describe your services very clearly in your profile. From questions posted on this board, I know that not all sitters who advertise house sitting stay overnight at the client's home. The client does need to be aware of how you will fulfill your obligations and you should be spending a majority of your time there since they are paying for 24-hour pet and house care per "nightly" charge.

Testimonials can come from people that you work with, family members, school friends, school teachers/counselers. it doesn't have to be from someone that you have watched their dog, just someone who can testify as to your character. I'm sure someone in your life will be more than happy to give you a reference. Let them choose if they want to write something down, not you choose for them.

Dog walking is a great way to start out. When you get more experience, you can expand services....if you want to. Many only do dog walking and make a serious living off of it. There is no shame in trying somethings out and deciding its not for you. And theres no shame in starting small. I'm sure as time goes by, you'll gain more confidence. And have a better idea if this right for you or not.

Most of my clients are Boarding clients. Meaning I board them in my home only. I do offer walks and drop ins. But for those who want more than one or two drop ins a day I recommend boarding.

Cinnamon, I am going to give it to you straight. Being a Rover Sitter/Walker means running your own business which can be stressful. If you are dealing with anxiety/depression volunteering to care for animals at a nearby shelter would be a great idea. However, caring for someone else's pet means you need to be functioning at full capacity. It sounds like it might be too much responsibility for you right now. Though I definitely agree that offering dog-sitting along the same lines as babysitting is a good idea! :)

Cinnamon, I would not give up. I would simply try to make things more manageable and realistic. You took the first step toward that by putting it out there and asking this question. Now, take a moment to watch Rover101 to get a bigger picture. What we do is not difficult. It takes love and compassion. Yes, it also takes organization and patience but it is possible. I know what anxiety is like. But, it doesn't make things impossible.

If you decide drop in's are best for you, I would recommend your policy be 3 visits per day, and along with taking up a lot of your time driving back and forth will cost the client more than a house sit. As Karen mentioned, this will limit your bookings and may be a service few clients wish.