pending profile; Advice?
I just signed up for rover about a day ago and was wondering how long until my profile is viewable to the public. Also, what kind of advice to you have for someone who is new to rover?
3 Answers
Honestly, I don't remember how long it took, but I believe that Rover indicated a range to expect when I did it. You can always contact Rover support to ask them as well. Regarding advice: * make a list of questions you want to ask the owners at the meet and greet * despite if the owners say their dog is perfect and never marks, shows aggression, etc, never immediately trust the dog(s)...during meet and greets I don't let them take the leashes off their dogs. After dog(s) are dropped off, I take them out to the yard and walk them around right away, even if the owner did this on the way in, then I give each dog a trial in the house...I first walk them around while leashed to see their reactions to where other dogs have been and even marked and to see their reactions to the cats and litter boxes. Some dogs will be given immediate freedom while others will remain tethered to me until I trust them. The dogs who follow me around and are scared of the cats rarely have to be tethered inside but the dogs who take off and ignore being called do have to be tethered or given a blocked off area so I always know where they are. * despite if the owners say their dog is okay when left alone, don't assume that they'll be okay at your place...it's a new environment...I purchased an xxl crate for when a dog comes without a crate and I ask the owners if they mind that I crate their dog(s) while I'm gone - it's for the safety of the dog(s) as well as your property. * lastly, I always give honest feedback so that the owners know what to expect when their dog(s) stays at a stranger's place and so that they aren't misled at all...I think that's a favor to other Rover sitters who may encounter the dogs also...some sitters will not give any negative feedback about the dogs in fear of a negative review...I've never had a negative review as a result of being honest, not to say that it won't happen some day, but any owner who does that is not one I would be willing to help again. ** set a guideline now for stays that go beyond the 24 hour time frame - for example, those who are dropped off in the morning but picked up in the evening - Rover does not have a way to account for the exact times on the dates, so I always ask at the meet and greet and I go in and add extra $$ to the stay for that extra day - Of course, I tell the owners about that first...if the owner asks me my preference I ask that they pick-up around the same time they dropped off or earlier and convey...
I created a list of things to bring when they drop off the dog, things like leash, food, toys, treats bedding, contact information. Primary importance - get their vet information and have them sign a vet release form, so you can have them treated if necessary. Find out the dog's normal routine - when do they eat, walk, etc. Then follow that as much as possible. I always ask how the dog acts in a car, because there is a park close by that I like to take them when the weather's nice.
As far as fees go, check out the fees of other sitters in your area, then price yourself a little below them to start with. As you get experience and client reviews, raise your price gradually. For example, I started out at $25, then increased to $28, then to $30. I may raise rates again to $35 just to match my area because I have regular clients and have several more positive reviews.
Make sure your profile is complete. Add as many pictures as you can. It took about a month for me to get my first booking, but I am now well on my way........I wish you much luck in this endeavor.