Client wants to add an additional dog after a booking?

Personally, I do not haggle or negotiate with clients. The cost of Rover sitters compared to alternative, and in my opinion, inferior services (like daycare or boarding facilities) is ridiculously low. Plus, I hate not only the act of haggling with someone but also the constant debating "is this price reasonable for the amount of work? Next booking: ok is this different price reasonable for the amount of work?" It also caters to people who will try to take advantage of your services - people looking to pay less even though you're already a bargain. I do not mind people asking if my prices are negotiable - it is a totally fair question and I understand wanting to save money - but getting upset over a $5 difference when anywhere else they would be automatically charged double and be lectured about the facility's "stated rates" if they asked for a discount? Then informing you they used to pay lower with a previous sitter that is no longer available (or they're no longer using for some reason)? That's a bit over the top in my opinion. Besides, whatever they paid someone else is completely irrelevant. They're paying you now.
Also, I highly recommend not basing your rates on a meet and greet. I have never met a dog during a meet and greet who acted the same during the stay. Dogs have tons of behaviors that take time or triggers to manifest. A second dog could literally increase your amount of work and stress by 1000%. I think of it like this: It's totally possible that, while dog #1 is super chill and easy, dog #2 has constant accidents in the house, has severe separation anxiety when owners are not present, barks randomly or barks at anything that moves outside or anything that goes bump in the night, is a hard puller on leash or actively tries to attack other dogs on walks, is always digging in the trash or chewing on personal items or furniture when you leave the room, growls/snarls/charges you when you enter the home without the owner present, and the list goes on and on. Also note that most of these behaviors would be very difficult to notice during a meet and greet.
I would handle the situation by validating their perspective and situation and providing a gentle reminder of all the great things you offer their dog(s). Something like "I completely understand where you're coming from. I didn't mean to take you by surprise with the additional dog rate, and I wish Rover posted these rates more prominently on sitter profiles. I pride myself on providing the best possible care for the pups I sit for, and I can also take care of other household chores while you're away. I keep my rates low because I understand how tough it can be to travel when we have furry family members at home to take care of. I ... (more)