I hired a sitter and don't get updates, is that normal?

That's highly unusual, and being a sitter yourself I'm sure you've had those moments of "Oh my gosh I'm going to send this picture to a furbaby's parent and they're gonna love it." Moving forward I would perhaps just suggest that you ask your sitters for a certain number of updates a day. It is not unreasonable to ask for updates, sounds like this sitter is slacking and not giving your pet the actual love and attention they need. I'm sorry to hear this and it might save future clients if you write a honest review that goes over their actions, or better yet, the lack thereof.

I personally send my clients a verbal update the evening that their dog got dropped off, the following morning to let them know how they did overnight with a picture and then picture/update every 2-3 days. I don't feel like sending a ton of pictures is really nessisary. I always get one really nice picture on my big camera to give them for their first booking that I add to my wall of client dog pictures in my dog room. My clients always appreciate that.

Personally, when I go on vacation I don't want to be bothered and I feel like a lot of people feel the same way. If it is a sitter you have used for multiple bookings you should trust that if there is anything wrong they will contact you. I guess I'm just the no news is good news kind of person.

I mean, different sitters have different personalities... being less communicative doesn't necessarily mean they're not a great sitter & this Q&A forum tends to be populated by sitters that go above and beyond in every aspect. I think you shouldn't be afraid to communicate upfront "hey, I would greatly appreciate if you can send an update everyday, it eases my mind" but don't expect every sitter to know that they should send updates everyday.

Personally, my experience has been that clients don't care or don't want updates like people in this forum make it seem. One of my clients thought it was weird when I asked if he wanted updates everyday. Some think super-regular updates are excessive.

So pay attention to other things the sitter does to see if they're a good sitter and make expectations clear upfront in a friendly way :).

Did you relay your update requirements at the M&G? Not all sitters provide daily updates, but most do and typically attach a photo. If this sitter doesn't meet your requirements, I wouldn't use her again.

No its not normal but neither is expecting a sitter to send 10 updates in one day if you don't tell them to. This is why meets and making your expectations of us is just as important as telling us about your animals!

There is an option to request photos and stuff, be sure you do that as that will at least prompt the sitter to send you some form of communication. We are also required to submit a photo and notes at the end of all walks and drop ins so when its that booking I rarely communicate with the owner except at the end (which is probably normal). I'd reach out to your sitter and ask them to be more communicative or even just say that you're checking in on your dog and welcome them to contact you with updates. As much as we love sharing fun dog photos I also try and avoid blowing up owners phone's with photos of their dogs and that might come off as "less" communicative to some.

Some communication is normal, none is problematic. Contact Rover support if you're worried.

Ok. So here's the thing. When I first started dog sitting, I didn't have many clients and I had time to send daily updates. And my updates are DETAILED and well thought out--so they are time consuming!

As I have grown and gotten more clients, I have come to HATE the expectation to give frequent updates. For the first stay I will update more frequently, but after that, I really need you to trust that your dog is fine with me--afterall you have decided to repeatedly come back!

I have a full time job and dogs of my own. I take 4 or more dogs depending on size, temperaments, and time of year. I can promise you that no news is good news! If I updated everyone every day, I wouldn't have time to take care of any dogs. I like to engage the dogs and do fun activities (we have pool days, costume parties, birthday parties, holiday themed activities with arts and crafts), constant updates interfere with that, especially with photos. I honestly get so burnt out on frequent updates and it was making dog sitting less enjoyable for me. I just want to have fun with your dogs, please trust that they are well and enjoy your vacation or whatever else you are doing! 😊

I think nothing should be "expected", but everything should be discussed at meet and greet. I tell clients I send about 40 pics a day and ask if they want more or less. Some even ask me first. You didn't mention if she's new to Rover or not, but if I were in your situation I would ask her directly and politely of course, that I would love to see MORE photos of my doggy and her :) Can't go wrong with that.

Before I was a Rover sitter I had hired sitters on 2 separate occasions. The first one was amazing! She updated me once a day during my long weekend away. Unfortunately she wasn't available next time I needed someone. The next person did not send regular updates and, like you, I had to ask. I had marked that I want photos during the stay. I don't think this meant she wasn't doing a good job caring for my dog but I will admit it colored my opinion. So I say yes, they should be providing updates. For first timers with me I usually send the first update and pic within 4 hours of them dropping off their dog. After it's daily, unless they are away for more than a week - then it's every day or two after the first couple of days, or if they are long term clients that are happy to receive them every couple of days. I think it's definitely reasonable to expect more updates. Maybe if she knows your a Rover sitter she doesn't think it's necessary? Or maybe she just doesn't realize how many people want updates? I have had clients that an hour after they've dropped off asked about their dog. LOL I always assume they are going to end up asking me even if I send 2 a day.

I would definitely bring it up to her as feedback, especially if she doesn't have a lot of reviews or repeat clients, as it could be impacting repeat business.

Good luck!!