Hello, I was wondering if, when I am house sitting, I'm expected to spend the night or just the whole day there? Also, this is my first time housesitting, so any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much - Ali
Like boarding, house sitting is for 24 hours of pet care, per Rover's guidelines:
https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/ar...
Usually when a customer hires a house sitter, they would not only be interested in having their dog walked, fed, etc., but they also want someone to watch their home at night.
Every sitter here is an independent contractor and can interpret the service offerings however he/she likes. Many use the house as a base of operations and will provide other pet care during the day (like walks or drop-ins) or even go to a full-time job, but will return to the house in the evening and stay all night.
Just be sure that your profile reflects any differences from what is stated on Rover's website. It is also a good idea to discuss how you will provide your "house-sitting" service with potential customers so there is no misunderstanding about what they will get. Remember: house sitting should be considered a premium service with a higher charge because you are not only uprooting yourself, but you are entrusted with pet care while ensuring the safety of the home.
I always discuss expectations and requirements at the M&G. Some clients require that the sitter stay overnight, some don't. I usually just move into the client home and use it as my base of operations, following my own routine but at their house not mine. I will come and go, with client permission, to do other dog visits, check on my house a few times, attend church, etc. but not be gone more than 2-3 hours max.
I have read of a few clients who require 24/7 care and presence in the home. That should be charged at a premium rate because it prohibits you from your normal activities and visiting other dogs.
As far as tips: at the M&G get the alarm code and password, and have the owner demonstrate it to you. Test the key to make sure it works. Ask about the following: where will you sleep, what use of the kitchen are you allowed, how appliances, TV work, what to do with linens before you leave, how to return key if necessary, what day is trash picked up and location of outside trash containers, any automatic lights, Wifi network name and password, time of arrival and departure, will anyone else have access to the house and be coming in (housecleaner, lawn, etc). As well as the usual dog-related questions.
After you arrive, just relax and enjoy. I bring books, my cross stitch projects, and my laptop. Your main responsibility is caring for the animal(s). I try to leave the house as clean as it was when I arrived, if not better.