how do you guys deal with going on vacation and frequent clients?

We have a sitter who regularly watches our dogs and we refer clients to her when we go on vacation. My concern at first was losing our regulars to her when we go on vacation (she's fabulous) but that didn't really happen. People are very understanding about vacations. And I try to bring back a little gift for our regulars when we go on vacation. Nothing big. Just a little "we were thinking about you while we were gone" gift.

Just this week I notified my clients of my June vacation, I give them 1 month notice. I also reached out to several Rover walkers to line up someone who could cover all my clients for the 2 weeks I am gone. This year I was successful in finding 2 to cover, last year I had no response from quite a few walkers.

I have another sitter from the site I work with. I first found him on the site, read all of his reviews, I went o visit his home and see how he interacts with the dogs. Once I was satisfied, I sent him one of my client's dog for a few days of daycare and everyone was happy. So now we both take each other's over bookings or send each other dogs when we are unable to take them.

I suggest making yourself a little network or like minded sitters who work the way you do and that you trust and help each other out.