Giving a client your real phone number

Check out Google voice. You can get a phone number from them that forwards to your phone. My Rover # is (805)Da-Doggy 323-6449 I got it on Google voice completely free and it works awesome!

Sound advice from above ^^^^^^ I personally will never give my personal number until after a meet and greet. And even then its just like any other business you don't go giving your phone number to everyone willy nilly, I've found that the rover relay system works perfect for me.

Though I don't disagree with those who give out their personal number, I don't believe it is necessary.

When a client contacts me via my assigned Rover number, the message arrives 3 ways; by text, email, and Rover message. I have also received actual calls through my Rover number.

The only time I NEEDED to give out my personal number was when my client went to India and we could only communicate through WhatsApp.

So, no problem with those who wish to share their personal info - I just don't want new sitters to think it's necessary.

I too don't until after a meet and greet. Once the stay is confirmed I do think that it is visible on Rover.

I don't give out my real number until a meet and greet is scheduled. I then give them my cell number in case they get lost. But not until a M&G is set. That is for your protection.

I usually give my cell number just before the meet and greet and let the client know to text me if they have trouble with directions.

Hi, that's a great answer. I agree with Cari .

I've never had any issue with giving out my personal number. I also give my cell number when scheduling a M&G because Rover's messaging system occasionally has delays in delivering messages. If the client is lost or running late, I want those messages immediately.

The only reason I would refrain from giving my cell number is that I prefer to have everything regarding a Rover booking in writing. After a M&G I will often summarize what we discussed in a message to the owners and ask them to confirm just to ensure that 1) I understood everything correctly and 2) if there's an issue later on, I have our communications to refer back to. If a client were more comfortable talking on the phone, I would employ the same method.