Good afternoon. I am going to be starting on the platform and wanted to know if there are any items that would be helpful t have before I start. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Definitely need to invest in weather gear! I also ended up buying a good leash to use on most of my walks, partly because rope leashes are crazy popular and not fun when a dog pulls. I also got a small and large slip leash, treat pouch, play pen that I typically keep around the front door, a wall mounted baby gate to block the kitchen, extra food/water bowls, and a spare wire crate. I personally waited to get the expensive items during holiday sales. I didn't have a spare crate at first but had an incident with a owner that mislead me about them having a crate, and I had to turn down their dog the morning of the booking. It has also turned out handy for daycare so owners don't have to bring a crate in order for me to leave the house, and it occasionally comes up that a boarder is truly crate trained but doesn't have a crate. Always always always have poop bags on hand! I also have several dog beds that are actually floor cushions from when we lived in a small apartment, but doggy guests love it as do owners. I have a lot of towels for weather and dog accidents and found a good enzyme cleaner. I also have a lot of rope toys and the remains of stuffed toys my dog has already destroyed. Most dogs won't get defensive over them and can play with them together, just check with the owner and always watch to make sure the dogs don't swallow anything. If I leave out a ball or rubber or squeaky toy, it tends to instantly get claimed by someone and has potential to cause problems. I also recommend basic first aid supplies just in case.
Kellyn, once again thank you. Lot's of information which I really appreciate. I fully agree with the weather gear since that gets overlooked. This has been quite insightful.
I suggest you start reading the various topics on the Sitter portion of Help:
Karen, I have been reading this for quite some time and it has indeed been helpful.
I’d suggest having a calendar to mark dates, rubber gloves, some doggie bags (or plastic store bags work), hand sanitizer/wipes, and cleats for boots if walking in the icy weather.
Lisa, thank you for the specifics. Especially the cleats which we tend to forget about especially since a lot of footwear is not slip-resistant.
The Rover app itself can handle most scheduling needs (but it doesn't have time slots, yet) so a digital calendar or notepad can be useful if you have a number of clients. Weather gear, but this has been stated and will vary depending on your climate. I invested in some extra toys, leash, and an adjustable collar with my information on it for stays. I also totally dog proofed my car and added safety gear. I went the extra mile because I always have dogs with me but its totally things you'll want to consider if you plan on traveling with clients. If you're boarding be sure your home is dog-proof and have cleaning supplies!
I'd say the "necessities" are weather gear, a dog bowl (always offer water after walks), treats (opt for allergen free), poop bags, a few toys, and most importantly, a good pair of shoes if you're walking! I cannot emphasize how important that is! Stay safe out there!
Kaiden, thank you for the response. I am definitely good to go on good weather gear, poop bags, and good walking shoes.