Does anyone charge a damage deposit?

Hi Kerry, sorry about the damage to your property. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut about a dog or have safeguards in place (like a crate or penned off area) to deal with a problematic dog. I've been in your place with an owner who just looked at me like I was from outer space when I told her about the damage her dog had done to a rug as well. No offer to reimburse. Never tipped me once in all the years I watched her dog. Stood there without a clue about what might be the right thing to do. Like you, I generally only take in one dog at a time so it isn't as if I have a huge operation and am set up whatever a dog might do to my home.

I suppose you could try to obtain a damage deposit, but if it isn't explicitly stated in your profile, then you might get a lot of people complaining to Rover which might get you kicked off. Rover would say that we are all independent contractors and can do/charge however we want and for whatever we want. Yet they won't like getting complaints about hidden costs.

Since many people don't have a clue, you could try being explicit with an owner the next time it happens, as Eric recommended. Ask them to pay for the damage. Present them with a bill. But be proactive. Ask about separation anxiety and have a way to contain the dog so he/she won't damage your home.

Did you ask her to pay for the damage? I've had dogs tear up things and was just matter of fact and told the client they needed to pay for a replacement/repair I didn't have any argument and got paid. You might ask Rover to see if they cover property damage--I believe they do but it's a $250 deductible for claims filed with them, it may be cheaper for the client just to pay out of pocket. Good luck.