I don't have any clients yet. What am I doing wrong?

Unfortunately now may not be a good time for you to try Rover. Maybe if you need a side gig you could try Uber/Lyft. They have programs that let you rent a car free if you give so many rides. That will help you get a car, get some money and eventually back on your feet. Good luck!

I realize you are frustrated, but it's hard to find work without any transportation, whether using a bus, bike, taxi, etc. Also Becky brings up a good point, I remember a couple years ago Uber was working on a program where you would lease a car thru them and pay the monthly amount with your fares.

Hi Rachael. I have quite a bit of experience with clients, and like you, had to start at zero. It took about a month before I got my first booking. Since I had never done this before, I had to start researching other sitters in order to find out what the people in my area were looking for.

I altered my profile, availability and experiences in a way that better reflected what I had to offer and ultimately my business took off. With that said, just like every other job, it requires work in the beginning that isn’t always as rewarding as you thought and sometimes isn’t for everyone.

I agree with comments of the other sitters. Your priced high for not having experience (according to Rover) and people aren’t going to take a “chance” on someone who can’t verify they’re worth that amount of money. I priced myself below the average at first and raised my prices as I became popular.

I think it IS unreasonable to ask a client for a ride. The services offered through Rover are designed to be convenient for the owners, not the sitter. They may be the ones seeking you out, but you’re still applying for a job. And if you don’t meet the necessary credentials, you won’t be considered.

The other thing I want to add is that you have to keep in mind that most people view their pups as family...their fur babies. And they want their pets to be treated that same way in your care...so if your only in it to make a buck, they will sense it. I promise you, they do.

This is an extremely rewarding job, if you truly have a passion for it. But based off your response, to the help you asked for, it doesn’t sound like you understand what you’re getting yourself into..like all jobs, there are ups and downs. The way you handle the downs will determine your success.

Every pup is unique and the “perfect” ones are very rare. Most will require accommodations on your end. Walking-They will walk you, not the other way around so be prepared to work more than just leg muscles. They will tangle their leash in your legs and refuse to pick ONE side to walk on.

Drop-in visits- You WILL be there at 6p to let Tiger out and feed him (because that’s what he is used to) or they will find someone who can. There will be really early morning and late night visits. Drive time isn’t included in the visit and neither is looking for the house, keys or gate code.

House sitting- You will be expected to treat their home better than yours...and if they are comfortable with a stranger staying in their home, it’s because they are watching every thing you do. You may not see the camera, but it’s there. And you should always conduct yourself as if there is.

Boarding-It’s the most demanding. Both for clients and for you. You WILL clean up pee, poop, throw up, dog hair, shredded trash, whatever is left unattended and looks fun to play with. They will drink toilet water, track in mud when it rains and bark at everything! Sometimes for no reason, at 5am.

You will need to entertain the energetic ones, calm the anxious ones and figure out how to separate the ones who end up not getting along. All while, planning and preparing when and where everyone needs to be fed, 2x a day, no one fights or goes hungry, where and how they will sleep so you can too.

And this is just a small portion of what it takes to be a reliable and trusted sitter/walker. And that doesn’t include you maintaining your own household..your dogs, kids, spouse, chores, errands, etc.

Honestly, your higher prices and not having a car (or being able to “shit” one) are minor issues in comparison to what owners will expect from you or what you will have to do in order to remain in business (and sane). Like I said, it has to be a passion. Not just a love for being around dogs.

I have to say that Rachael has a great writing style that's enjoyable to read, and if I were her I would look into becoming a writer or something similar :)

Gayla K. - As a sitter, I have to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments on what being a dog Sitter /Walker entails. Through the whole thing I was saying "Yup, been there!", nodding my head and laughing out loud because it's true, all of it is true...

And the people who are the best candidates for sitters and walkers for Rover wouldn't have it any other way! So thank you for that lovely and accurate description of what it is to be a great Sitter or Walker!

I just wanted to thank everyone above for responding to this post & thread so thoroughly. I am a new sitter on Rover and I have gotten fantastic bits of knowledge from you all, on how I may best direct my new business towards success, and info to consider for some things I hadn't known. Ty all! <3