IF YOU ARE BOARDING A DOG FOR A WEEK NOT JUST THE WEEKEND ARE YOU EXPECTED TO BE THERE DURING THE DAY OR CAN YOU GO TO WORK ? I LEAVE MY OWN DOG HOME BY HERSELF?
Both my husband and I work outside the home; however he sometimes works from home a couple of days per week and our 21 year old is often home during the day.
I make sure to communicate this as I only accept crate trained dogs in my house except for repeat clients who have proven to be okay when we aren't home. It's just the safe way to do things as you never know how a new dog is going to act in a new environment.
I don't think most people expect sitters don't work in some capacity, but I know a lot of stay at home people who do. So just be honest and then it's their decision to book you or not.
Definitely discuss your schedule with the owner before booking, as they may have an idea how their dog may adjust in your absence and find out if the dog was crate trained (if not, this dog may not do well crated... and it isn't safe to give 100% access to your home and then leave a new dog) . It's also worth considering any dog behaviors that are often demonstrated when dogs need to adapt to a foreign environment without human reassurance (such as excessive howling, barking, whining, etc) and if that may present future problems with neighbors.
Hi Bernadette, as the others have said, you need to communicate expectations with owners and make sure things are clearly outlined on your profile.
I work full time in addition to doing Rover. My profile states that I work 8-5, Mon-Fri, and I always reiterate that in the initial messages to owners (they don't always read profiles!) I set expectations about how often I'll be home and how long a dog will be left alone. If that won't work for the dog or the owner, I am not a good fit for them and will suggest they find a sitter that is home full time. I use baby gates and crates for all dogs staying at my house, and I let the owners know this. There may be owners who want 24/7 supervision for their pets - which if you can provide is great, but make sure you charge for this premium service! My thoughts are most dogs do get left alone for periods of time, and my house is no exception.
No, you are not required to be home 24/7. However, before accepting a booking you should discuss your work situation with the client to be certain that are fine with it. And with a new dog in the home I would crate it when you are gone so the dogs and your home remain safe.