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Has anyone heard anything about California's AB5 affecting Rover sitters?

Hello all!

I can't find anything online specifically stating Rover sitters in California would be affected but has anyone else heard anything? Another company I was freelancing for (online) sent us an email stating they will no longer have freelancers from CA working for them because of this new rule and the company will be closing CA freelancers' accounts. I'm just hoping Rover doesn't do this too.

https://calmatters.org/commentary/gig-economy-2/ (https://calmatters.org/commentary/gig...)

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Aileen J.

I've emailed Rev Support asking for details on how this would affect California Rover sitters. I'll share with y'all what I find out.

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This is what I received back from support: "While the impact of the bill on other companies is being discussed in news coverage, our understanding is that it won’t have the same impact on the work that pet caregivers do when they use a platform like Rover."

Aileen J.

"As always, we’ll continue to watch for updates to laws, but we expect that sitters and other pet caregivers using the Rover website and app will remain independent contractors/business owners and will continue to use Rover largely as they do today." Looks like we're in the clear for now.

Aileen J.

You notice they used the term 'business owners' as I referenced below? That could have ramifications for some people on the platform.

Karen R.

Anything new on AB5?

Tod G.

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Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

I haven't heard anything officially, nor would I be affected--yet--since I do not live in California, but everything I read would point to this law affecting Rover sitters as well. The law redefines what constitutes an independent contractor and forces a company to make people employees, giving them benefits and the labor protections under the law.

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It's worrisome. I hope Rover has a better solution than the other company of just dropping their CA based workers to avoid the bill altogether.

Aileen J.

I see that Rover signed on with some other groups in May to push for more exemptions. It doesn't say which rationale Rover ICs would fit into of the 3 listed, but it could be (1) direct sellers or (2) business-to-business arrangements, both of which would require that every Rover sitter...

Karen R.

to set up a real business (licensing, inspections and insurance). Those requirements could pose problems for boarding/daycare sitters whose municipalities prohibit such businesses, getting dropped by insurance carriers for homeowners' insurance and myriad other potentialities.

Karen R.

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Rebecca E.

It seems like the best way to make sure you are in compliance with the law is to apply for a business license from your city. If you are only walking, doing drop-ins, and sitting at the pet owners home, you shouldn't be required to have liability insurance or need any type of inspection. From what I've read, the state of California only requires insurance for home occupancy businesses if you are having people (or pets :) come to your home for business, or if you have employees. Since business licenses are obtained from the city and the laws are different for every city, it may be best to check with your local government. Hope this helps some! And if anyone has more info please let us know here. The law is now in effect as of Jan 1st.

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Separate topic, but also under the umbrella of government regulations: If there's more than a specific number of pets (in my area that number is 4 or more), a commercial kennel license is required.

Deb A.

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Has anyone heard anything about California's AB5 affecting Rover sitters?

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