Should I reduce my rate?

I, personally, don't allow negotiation of my rate. I value my time immensely, especially if I am leaving my own home to stay in a client's house. And I would never spend the night outside of my home during a holiday on a reduced rate. You could say something along the lines of:

"Unfortunately, due to the increased demand around the holidays, I am not able to negotiate my rate for house sitting services. Currently, you are receiving a discount of ($XX/night) since you are not being charged for cat care. I'd be more than happy to continue caring for (ANIMAL NAMES), but my price of $XX per night would stand."

If they are hiring a dog walker because you are not able to walk the dogs during the day, you could offer to give them the number of Rover Match so that Rover's support team can find them a sitter that is home more during the middle of the day. But speaking from experience, the sitters that are home ALL DAY with house sitting guests tend to charge above average.

I agree with Hannah. And you should also ask your client to add their cats to their profile or the Rover insurance will not be in effect for the unlisted pets

This is how I feel: the cats are often more work than the dogs. Cats react in different ways to a person living in their house who is not a family member. They may try to get away and cause more trouble by disappearing or worse hiding under a car outside at midnight just out of reach.

You might be kneeling in your pajamas in the road to try and get this cat out. Like I did.

I also feel that being paid to clean out their litter boxes is not something I want to do for free.

So I always charge extra for cats and if they don't want to pay then that's fine, that client isn't for me.

If they value your great work, they might pay extra for the cats rather than break in a new person who isn't all that easy to find.

Your rates should reflect what you feel is fair for you time and energy.

I have a really hard time with clients who don't add their cat to a request. I assume part of the problem is people don't know that each pet including cats require seperate services. I've had a number of people who have difficulty navigating the website and booking. I think it would be helpful if Rover outlines policies very clearly. I also think that most cat owners feel that cats are self sufficient. I agree with the comment that cats may actually more work but I tend to cave and don't charge for a cat. I have cats listed under my services but I often wonder how much clients read after they've decided on a sitter. I would love Rover to help with this issue.

I don't believe you should adjust your rates whatsoever. As others have said, your client needs to also list their cats in case any emergencies should ever come up. Ultimately you would be held liable as well as Rover, but that distrust would be placed on you, I feel like that may even be in violation of Rover policy. And of course, you want to make sure you're being charged rightfully and fairly. In addition to safety, consider that Rover already takes a fee and it's HOLIDAY. I would offer a discount only if after adding the additional pets that you, personally want to offer a discount simply because you want to, not on their request. It's all about what you as their trusted sitter feel to be rightful considering the time and effort you spend to make sure their furry companions have an exceptional experience. I know it can feel a little awful to say no, but you've already made such a sacrifice by not even adding on their cats! I'm sure they will understand.

My rule is: if I'm cleaning poop, they are getting charged. I don't charge for cats without a litter box but I've also never seen a cat who solely does it's business outside.