score:

What do you consider overnight when dog sitting?

When I dog sit, there seems to be inconsistencies with different owners on what dog sitting means. I am currently sitting for a family who basically needs me to be at the house from 5pm-9am without leaving to go eat dinner or have a life. The owner messaged me yesterday at 7pm while I was eating dinner with a friend to celebrate Halloween. (This was maybe 30 min after the dogs have eaten dinner and gone potty) She was asking when I was going to get back to the house since the neighbors texted her that the dogs were barking. (They bark all the time, and they have cameras in the house). I am just frustrated because to me, an overnight visit is how it sounds. I make sure the dogs eat dinner, they go potty, have someone in the house at night while they sleep, and then have breakfast and another potty break in the morning. If she wants me to be at the house earlier so they can go potty, they need to book a separate dog walk, because I cannot spend an entire day at her house when the service is overnight and I'm only getting paid $30. She seems to want me to stay there almost all hours of the day.

SO... What do you set as the hours you will be at the home during a sit?

What do you consider "overnight"??

2 Answers

Sort by » oldest newest most voted

score:

Walt G.

As independent contractors, we individually determine the hours we stay at a home for a house sitting booking. Your time at the house should be discussed and agreed upon by both you and the owner at the M&G and prior to accepting the booking. Personally, I tell the client I will be in their home from 7P to 7A give or take a little, and I drop in once during the day to let the pups out or take them on a short walk. House sitting typically is for a 24 hour period. And don't let a client badger you. And also consider your rate is way too low - many of us use a 3X multiplier of their walk or drop in rate. And most of us charge the same rate for walks as drop ins!! Best of luck

score:

Michele M.

Also, remember that what you charge a client is adjustable before bookings: if the client's needs are different from the services covered by your regular rate, let them know and use Modify to adjust the rate. You can either increase the individual per service, or make a blanket adjustment (up or down!). I've personally done this when pets required medical care or monitoring due to illness.

Michele

Q&A Community

Connect with fellow dog lovers and learn from one another

What do you consider overnight when dog sitting?

2 Answers

Related questions

Need Help?

Learn More

Need Help?

About Rover