I'm open to using a dog sitter or maybe being a dog sitter. But I'd want to make sure that all other pets my dog comes in contact with have had all relevant vaccinations. I absolutely wouldn't want my dog to get sick. Is there a policy regarding this on Rover?
Rover itself has no policies on vaccinations or, for that matter, on whether a dog has been neutered or spayed. You will be asked to provide information though on vaccinations when you fill in the basic information about your dog (breed, weight, up-to-date on vaccinations, good with children/cats, etc.). Individual sitters set their own requirements and may ask for documentation from a vet about vaccinations. Veterinarians differ as to what vaccinations might be necessary and there are those that are legally required, like rabies.
This has been a concern for me as a new host with Rover. I suspect I'll have to insist, while planning the meet & greet, for the owners to bring proof, or send a picture of the documentation. This should be done before the dog/dogs are dropped off. I have no allergies concerning flea bites, but an infestation is always costly and aggravating. Any owner who feels it is alright to allow their pets to live with flea bites may not be someone we should accept into our homes. I just feel for the poor pet who is being flea bitten and can do nothing to help themselves.
http://Rover.com should require that all animals be current on vaccinations AND MUST BE TREATED WITH FLEA PREVENTION MEDICATION !!! http://Rover.com sitters are like Lyft drivers- doing it for extra cash and lack all the knowledge and best practices. http://Rover.com should provide protection for all parties conducting business and require up to date vaccinations and flea prevention medication. The pet owners from my last booking did not inform me of their decision to withhold flea prevention medication until I found a flea on the dog and asked them. Now I have a heavy flea infestation in my apartment and I have used all my money to treat their dog and try to control the infestation. I'm covered in flea bites and I am pisssed!
Since all Rover sitters are independent contractors I think it's hard for them to enforce something like this. It's up to you to disclose that you require up to date vaccinations and flea treatment when you first start talking to an owner. You can make your own rules--so go for it!
The idea that Rover can't make requirements because sitters are independent is BS. Rover should be looking out for the welfare of the sitters, not just their cut of the costs. The $250 initial vet charges a sitter would pay if a pet needed care should also be the responsibility of Rover.
My understanding is this is Not a policy on Rover. However, many dog sitters ask about vaccinations and some require copies of paperwork for proof.
This seems like a bare minimum for Rover to require vaccine proof for someone looking to use these services.