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Bad vibes about a greet?

I feel odd asking this question but I can't get the idea out of my head. I was away for a while and not accepting new clients as I was busy around the holidays. I'm accepting new clients again and got my first request recently. I've been sitting for less than a year and have only had a small handful of requests and clients and all are usually the women who contact me. There's nothing really wrong with it, with having worked with dogs for six years now, that sometimes the husbands are the ones who handle the things (Even if not well) but this request came from a man, and upon stating I was interested in sitting his dogs, he gave me his number to contact outside of Rover if it were easier.

Obviously, I ignored this and continued to communicate via the app, but I do find it a little odd. I mean he could very well just jump right on the app and hunt down anyone without even reading into anything, and could've just figured that text or call would be easier, but you're pretty much throwing your personal number at a complete stranger and it's a little odd when you have this entire app right here to communicate, and I'm not sure how it makes it any easier. It's the same effect really.

I like to use google earth to scope out these houses ahead of time and usually use street view if I can for a good look. The house is a bit set back and surrounded by trees, obscuring it from the road. The meet and greet is scheduled at 6:30 when he as his wife would be home from work, in the evening and getting dark.

Maybe I just watch too many LMN movies or have too much anxiety, but mind keeps flashing red flags and usually I am nervous going to a strangers house to meet them by myself, but this one really has me anxious. Maybe I should take someone with me? Is that appropriate? I don't think I can get a friend to go last minute, my option would probably be my grandmother unless I can wake my brother up, which would be ideal. It may all just be my head overreacting but I'd rather have someone else for my own comfort and how do I say that "Oh he's here with me because this is kinda sketchy?" I've honestly never put much thought into going to houses for greets before. Maybe I was out and about and my brother was with me when I stopped by? Is it weird to show up with someone else to a meet and greet?

2 Answers

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It is absolutely appropriate to take someone with you for safety reasons. You could have them go in the home with you, or, I've read some stay in the car. But, whatever you choose, let the client know ahead of time. "I look forward to meeting you and your wife at 6:30! For safety purposes I always have someone accompany me on MnG's, they can remain in the car if you prefer".

Sometimes people aren't familiar with Rover's phone/text capabilities. Rover generates a phone number for you and the client to use. There is no need for personal phones, email, etc. The client may not have understood this.

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I set my M&Gs at a public park during daylight hours. If I can't be in public daylight, I bring my husband, which is easily explained by saying he'll be helping with the dogs. I'm a new sitter, but I've already had multiple scammy/creepy things happen, so I'm taking no chances. Be safe! Trust your gut!

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If you don't feel good about any communication, then don't pursue it. Call Rover Customer Support to ask about him, i.e., whether he has booked anyone else in the past.

Frequently, when someone asks to contact you directly, outside Rover, it would be a good indication of a scam. However, from what you've described, it could be that the person is older and unfamiliar with using the website, let alone the app.

There is nothing wrong with having someone accompany you to the house for a M&G.

Like you, I would say that most of the people who contact me are female. If they have a spouse/partner, they are still the ones who take care of placing their pet. However, in a few cases, it was the male of the couple for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the dog is really more "his" or the wife/girlfriend's schedule doesn't allow for it. Sometimes, the woman contacts me, but both come to my home. It really varies and I really don't think twice about it.

Good luck!