Raising cost on a new request?

I think you need to charge what you're worth - so raise your prices! I agree it'd be kind of crappy for the client to expect 1 rate only to have you tell her another, but I also think she'd understand that 5 dogs and 2 cats is significantly more work than a dog or two.

If there's rate that you would take this job for (house sitting + additional animals) then tell her you realize your profile wasn't set up correctly and it would actually be $X for the stay she is requesting, so if she is still interested you can set up a meet and greet. However if you don't want this job (totally valid feeling!) tell her you apologize but there won't be time for a meet and greet and so you won't be available to accept the job.

Either way though, edit your profile NOW and raise your rates to what you're worth! You could include something in your profile that 2-3 pets are $X, but anything above 3 will incur an additional $X charge per night. You can always remove the extra pet fee if the situation doesn't seem to call for it, but I think it's better to give an unexpected discount than raise the price without warning.

They need you more than you need them. Always remember that. Be firm and don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of which is something that runs rampant in this business. The way Rover has the pricing set up is terrible and works against the service provider. As someone who runs a small independent sitting/boarding service, I've ALWAYS geared my prices toward the individual job, not a set hourly/daily rate for everyone. Each job is SO unique and requires so many different factors it doesn't make sense to have a 1 size fits all. This is why I will probably not continue with Rover and go back to self-promoting. Some jobs will be easier and some much more demanding so how does it make sense to have to choose a set price? Then you look bad when a customer requests you and the job requires being paid more than what's listed. One thing you can do is say you give a reduced rate for 1st time customers as a courtesy and to feel how intense the job is. Then you can better gauge what to charge for subsequent stays. It's astounding how poorly run this company is. They don't care at all about the workers except for taking hard earned money out of their pocket, which was already very little. There is no incentive to book through Rover since they don't offer any guarantee for the service provider and there are no background check on owners. We are taking most of the risk for little payout.

If this is something you do not wish to do, then don't do it. You don't have to accept request that comes your way. Screen carefully! Obviously this full house is not what you would like to do right now and you have every right to message back and regretfully let them know you are unavailable this time. It's not worth the extra stress, you don't need it :) Good luck. And happy anniversary ;)

This situation is outside the norm. Be straight with them. Explain that your rate was set based on a typical one/two dog sitting assignment, but if you're going to take on that much extra responsibility, you're going to have to charge an additional fee If they agree, work with them to come up with a fair rate and adjust the price on the reservation.. If they don't agree, turn down the job. And bring your rates in line with others. Your services are worth it.