Do the standard rates seem low to anyone?

I completely agree! I've been sitting independently for over 5 years and I started off charging $25.00 a night (I stay in the client's house over-night, 24/7) and between buying my own groceries, and gas for my car I literally was not making a single penny. I actually added up the cost of gas and groceries so I was literally BUYING my own services! Thank god I met a fantastic couple not far from my house who insisted on paying me $50 a night and I've been sitting for them for years now and they're more like family friends than anything at this point. But once they became steady clients (they usually went out of town or state once or twice a month) I stopped advertising my pet-sitting altogether because people were not willing to pay enough to make it worth my while. I'm brand new to Rover, my profile is still under review, and while I don't mean to say anything bad about Rover because I think it is a really great service, honestly, between the 20% that they take, and you providing your own food, gas, and doing all the work, I'm beginning to think I could do much better on my own, the way I used to.

I definitely think that it's low, esp if you consider what the hourly breakdown would be, and the fact that you literally have a beloved family member's life in your hands. I am not on Rover for income (I have a full time job, but just really want to spend more time w/ puppies), but if I was, I think it would be very hard to make a sustainable living. My primary dogsitting client (a 5-mo boston terrier) is offline, a friend of a friend, and the first time I worked for them, they laughed and playfully scolded me for undervaluing myself when they asked my rate and I suggested the $25/night figure from Rover. (We now do 50, and we generally do it for days instead of nights, so it usually includes their return day).

As an independent contractor, you are free to set your own rate schedule, sure Rover recommends a rate but you don't have to accept them if you believe them to be to low. Many sitters look at what their local pet care companies charge and pick a rate slightly below those rates. I looked at your area and your rates are comparable to your competition, so be aware if you set your rates too high many folks will be drawn to a lower price point. Best of luck to you

I think the reason the local pet care companies don't charge higher for puppies than for dogs is that they know they could end up with a long-term customer, and puppies grow up fast. It might be worth it.

But you can also open a negotiation with them -- puppies are a lot of work, you will be doing training as well as dogsitting, and their puppy will be learning how to behave in a home rather than a daycare environment. It might be worth more to them for a few months until the puppy is reliably housetrained.