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Best Practices for Apartment Boarding?

Hi all, I'm new to Rover, but am on my 5th booking. I've always kind of felt out each client, so drop offs and pick ups look different, etc. When I meet clients I usually A: allow dogs to meet outside, B: then invite them into my house, "show them around", C: use a baby gate to keep my pup in his playroom to allow guest dog to feel safe to roam.

I live in a nice apartment, and work really hard to keep things clean, but a lot of times between work, dog classes, and life's activities, it's not as easy as it seems. I always clean up before a dog comes, but I find myself SO ANXIOUS that a dog owner will make judgement against my apartment. I understand that I have made a choice to invite them into my home by hosting on rover, please don't mistake this question, I am not complaining, I Just want to provide the best service possible.

My question is, what are YOUR best practices around keeping home "show ready" and spotless, meet and greet procedures, pick ups-drop offs. I've searched forum high and low, but havent found any candid advice on these general best practices.

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Carly H.

I too try to keep my home generally clean, but life happens! Before a meet and greet or drop off, I will put away miscellaneous items (shoes, stuff sitting on the tables, food, etc.) and will tidy pillows and blankets on the couches. I will also try to run the vacuum. I've tossed all kinds of random things into a bedroom and closed the door before a M&G though! Wrapping paper, packages, laundry I've been folding, you name it!

Best practice I would say is look at your house like an outsider - walk in and look around for things that a stranger might notice (smell, dust, crumbs) as well as things that they might imagine their dog getting into (food on the counter, shoes strewn about, open garbage can). That said, I think we all see our own homes most critically! Rarely do people expect spotless, and I think as long as it is safe and cozy, owners will be glad to have their dog stay!

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Thanks for your kindness Carly! It's SO relieving to know I'm not the only one who occasionally pulls a "throw n go".

Taylor B.

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Lea, Louise, Rick & Leila P.

In my years of boarding, there was only one person who did not have their dog stay due to the house not being spotless. I could tell by his attitude, looking around, and concern over keeping his white dog clean, that it wouldn't be a fit.

As long as you do your best, most people are pretty forgiving when it comes to that sort of thing. Things don't have to be perfect for them to know that their pet will be comfortable and well cared for. Hearing your concern over it is a good sign that your place is presentable most of the time. ☺

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Mary S.

I usually do meet and greets at a park. I live in an upstairs apartment and I rather have the dogs get to know each other in a neutral area. I have a pretty regular apartment, nothing fancy at all. I keep things clean pretty much always. Sometimes there are things lingering around and may be a few dishes in the sink but generally it’s clean. When clients drop off their dogs sometimes they like to come inside, be regardless; if I am boarding a new dog I make sure everything is clean, dusted and sanatized.

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Cesar M.

We sweep, Vaccum , clean counters and tables, keep anything on top of surfaces minimal and tidy. We decorate with plants and a few cut flowers and burn a subtle candle or two before the arrive, then tidy and water,down garden and tidy cushions and sofa and dog toy areas, and make sure all lights are on and lights in the garden, and have a few treats out ready for meet and greet and fresh glass of water for guests ready.

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Best Practices for Apartment Boarding?

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