How does house sitting work?

If you're asking because you are planning on house-sitting: typically this means living in the clients home and taking care of their pets there, and also the house itself which includes bringing in the mail, watering plants, making sure the house is always locked, etc. Because I am unable to bring dogs into my own home I have been dog/house sitting for years. First and foremost: the meet and greet, if anything, anything at all makes you uncomfortable whether it be the owner, house, or the pet, or even the neighbors, do not accept, always go with your gut feeling. I also recommend bringing someone along for the meet and greet (they can stay in the car) but inform your client of this and explain that it's just for your own safety. Discuss with the owner what will be expected of you and what you and are not allowed to use in the house. I also always inquire as to if the dogs are okay being left alone for short periods of time or not? Right now I do not have a job, so I sit full-time, but in the past, with some clients, I was able to sit for them and also attend a full-time/part-time job. And as I general rule I always bring my own groceries, even if they say you're welcome to their food. If you are looking for a house-sitter for your house: I recommend interviewing several sitters. Make sure to ask if they have a job or if they plan on staying in the house full-time. If they're going to be walking dog(s) you'll need to arrange for a spare key. I've never had to hire a sitter for my place (a trusted neighbor takes care of it) but I would always look for honesty in a sitter if it was me. I always assure my clients that I am strictly professional and will treat their home and their pets respectfully, this means absolutely NO entertaining anyone else in their house unless otherwise approved by the owner(s). Good luck!

You're going to be the house sitter, right?

House sitting can be pretty much anything you want so long as you communicate it to pet owners and they understand. Do a search here about house sitting, you'll see a wide variation in interpretations of what the service entails. Rover's Help section does define a "night" as up to 24 hours of care, just like boarding. But there are sitters who only stay overnight (let's say from 8 pm to 8 am); I don't know how they take care of the pet during the day or if they charge additional for drop-ins or walks. Other sitters will move into the home and use it as a base of operations; they'll come and go during the day because they have other client dogs to walk or visit. When you stay full time in someone else's home, that is a premium service and deserves a higher fee. You are not only taking care of someone's pets but their home as well. You may be asked to do other small tasks, like watering plants, taking in mail, etc. Take that all into consideration when you set your rate.

Remember, you are an independent contractor and can define it however you'd like. But always make sure the client understands the parameters of your house-sitting service.

Rover's guidelines are loosely written so the pet parent and sitter can make an agreement that best fits the needs of all, including the pet.

If you're asking as the House Sitter (Thanks Karen): I'd recommend ask enough questions about the pets before you agree to meet the person to help determine if it may be a match. Some sitters will tell the client that a friend or family member will be with them at the initial meeting because you're going somewhere else afterwards (that person needs to stay silent during the meeting and allow you to form a professional relationship or they can wait near the vehicle) and other sitters will check in with a friend or family member at a pre-designated time (like 1 hour after meeting starts). Always ask to meet outside with the pet first - whether that's in a park or just a neutral space outside, where all can get to know each other, and if you're comfortable proceeding, then go inside to see where everything is kept that you need for the pet or are allowed to use.

If your mom was going to be a client: I'd suggest reading through the profiles to get an idea of who may be best matched (the verified reviews and repeat stays are based on actual bookings through Rover), then contact front runners to meet with them near the house. Ask all your questions to address all your concerns. If you want to proceed with that person, you can show them where everything is that they need for the pet(s), are permitted to use/stay. If you're going to be far away or for long, a lot of people will do a trial booking before then (often for walks, unless they're away but local and book an overnight).