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Regular client: do you like it or find weird?

Hello! I am user of Rover and I generally like to have my doggie watched from Saturday to Sunday as I work on Saturdays and then are usually running around Sunday... basically I feel bad leaving her alone for that extended period of time. As dog sitters, would you find it weird for a client to ask you to be on their rotating list of people of watching (I wouldn't want to watch every Saturday as I know I am not the only one to have plans Sat/Sun)? Just curious about opinions!

Thank you!

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I don't find your question weird at all. I do that all the time for my clients and with my home schedule it doesn't matter if it is during the week or weekend. My clients know their pup(s) are getting a lot of TLC and also work with me when I am not available. I know that when my client plans a vacation, they are going to feel very comfortable with them in my care. Plus, they get a lot of pictures, updates. and brief funny stories their pet did.

Kathleen D.

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Laura R.

Book a Stay
Portland, OR

I don't think it's weird at all, and I definitely think it's in the best interest of you and your dog to have at least a couple sitters you know and feel comfortable with in case your primary sitter is unavailable. Personally, I think rotating sitters is a good arrangement; find a couple people you like and discuss it with them. I'd say offer it to one sitter, and let them decide how often they want to work (every other weekend, two out of three, three out of four, etc), then offer the remainder to someone else, with the possibility of using them more if your primary sitter is unavailable.

Some sitters may take offense to not being your only choice, but personally I'd avoid booking with those sitters; it's just not in your best interest to limit yourself. There's always the chance that your first choice will not work out due to scheduling or illness, and it's best to be prepared with a back up you're already familiar with and trust than to try to find someone new last minute. The best sitters are going to be the ones who want what's best for you and your dog; there are a lot of great sitters out there. Even if you love your primary sitter, there's no harm in also getting to know some of the others.

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Great answer Laura. I prefer to be their first contact but prefer if they also had a backup the client is comfortable using when I am not available.

Kathleen D.

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Deb A.

Book a Stay
Irvine, CA

Hi Maria, A lot of the dogs I watch are frequent regulars, and I prefer to be their first contact. My availability is really flexible and many clients tell me they don't want any other sitter than me to care for their dogs. However, during the meet & greet, a couple people shared that they wanted to have more than one sitter lined up in case of illness, vacation, etc. Since that conversation happened up front before any services were provided, everyone has been comfortable with the arrangements. I haven't had that conversation occur later on, but I think if you just explain your thoughts to the sitter, it will be appreciated.

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Dawn S.

 My answer to that is that it would be a great idea for us sitters

to have a back up plan if your regular sitter can't make the stay.

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Susan B.

Good question, actually!
My biggest regular client actually let me know in the Meet & Greet that she was looking to have me as one of a three sitters for her pack of 4. The day after my first sit at her place, the 3rd sitter backed out & said it was not a good fit. The client is not happy with her initial sitter, because she will only sit for 30 minute increments & the dogs need more, especially with the 5 month old puppy! So now I am her main sitter, with the old sitter as back up!

I will tell you that at the Meet & Greet, I was initially disappointed to hear that I would be one of three, which meant not as much work for me. But, she saw how I was with her fur babies & I was much more flexible to work with! She has cameras to view her babies while she is working & she can see that they are well loved & happy!

Honestly, I am glad she has someone to call in case I get sick or something happens to where I cannot be there. I've fallen in love with the dogs and am feeling like extended family, so I care.

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Amber G.

I usually help pick out my sub-sitter when I'm unavailable. I like to know my customer's are in good hands. Not all sitters are the same. BUT... when I see some one has chosen to use another sitter without me knowing I get jealous! I would like to know why? but I'm not comfortable asking. I can see when my pups have been to another sitter through the Rover reels.

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Thanks Amber! I just don't want to take up my regular sitters Saturday night... that's why I have a rotating list in case my faves can't. I just wanted to know if, as a dog sitter, you think it's weird to have a weekly sitter. :)

Maria R.

I think if you are up front that you use other sitters they will understand.

Amber G.

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Regular client: do you like it or find weird?

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