Can Rover request funds in escrow to prevent the owner from backing out after I've made travel plans for the sit? I would be flying/renting a car. What's to prevent someone from backing out and costing me money?
Since Rover isn't going to hold any funds in escrow or reimburse you for expenses in the event of a cancellation, I would suggest having the customer pay directly for your plane ticket and rental car. That way, you wouldn't be out anything. Just a thought...
That's never going to happen!
What's never going to happen? If a customer really wants a sitter to fly to wherever to sit, then they'd better expect to lay out some cash. If they don't agree, then no harm, no foul and no booking.
Why should the sitter pay for the plane ticket and car rental? If the clients wants them to travel they should purchase the airline ticket at a minimum.
Isn't that what I originally wrote?
The owner's credit card is charged prior to the reservation period, as soon as the reservation is requested. Once both people confirm, the card is charged. That way Rover has the money available to pay you once the sit is completed. That being said, the owner can cancel the sit at any time. Depending on your cancellation policy, you may or may not get paid part of the money at the time of cancellation.