Does Rover interview the pet sitter and visit the pet sitters home ?

Hi, Carolyn.

Rover does conduct phone interviews with potential sitters and reviews profile information. Some sitters have completed an in-home screening, though it is not required for profile activation. This is largely because Rover is based in Seattle but serves cities all over. Rover, and us sitters, really encourage in-person meetings between clients and sitters to ensure that the environment and personalities are good fits all around. Some dogs may be excitable when strangers enter the home. Or some sitters may not have tidiness skills. If, however, you have a serious concern about the safety of a sitter's home after a M&G, you may contact Rover directly.

I sincerely hope you have better Rover experiences in the future!

Rover does not conduct phone interviews or screen their sitters, they conduct a criminal background check and may ask for a readiness plan for new sitters wanting to hosts dogs of multiple families. That is why both Rover and the sitters strongly recommend M&Gs prior to leaving your dog with anyone. As a dog parent first, I understand how nerve racking it must be to leave your beloved pooch with a stranger so I would suggest scheduling M&Gs with a few sitters, meet them all and choose who ever you are most comfortable with.

You can also look at the photos and customer reviews to help you find someone you like, I know many of my clients have commented on the cleanliness of my home in a positive manner in their reviews so I am sure other sitters in your area have had the same type of comments. Now days most people have facetime, skype, whatsapp, etc so you can always ask for a video chat virtual tour.

As far as the sitter's dog not being controlled, I will have to agree with Hannah, the first few minutes of two energetic dogs meeting for the first time can be very hectic, even with the best of dogs. So I wouldnt judge a dog by the first few minutes of excitement. (But then again, I wasnt there and perhaps the sitter's dog was completely out of control.) That is why I like to introduce new dogs outside my home and take them on a walk or dog park run right away so they can let out some steam, not feel territorial and actually get to know each other before being in a closed environment.

Good luck in finding just the right sitter for your dog!