I was surprised to see that my sitter had taken in two big dogs to sit the same time my 2 little dogs were there. I didn't realize it until I came to pick my dogs up, they didn't act like they were, but I'm sure they didn't like it.
The total number of dogs a sitter accepts is shown on their profile. Also, a sitter may have dogs and other pets of their own. Since this is important to you, then you need to ask sitters specifically about this situation before you book with them.
Some sitters watch animals for a living. So only making say, $60/day to watch only one dog isn’t even minimum wage, so a professional sitter usually has more than one fur baby at a clip. Not always all day... I usually accept up to three animals for day care and only one or two at night IF they know each other. Dogs are pack animals they like to socialize so if your babies are antisocial with strange dog’s or if you are nervous about them being around larger animals never hesitate to ask. They are your pups and you should feel comfortable.
You are absolutely allowed to ask, and should. But never assume anything. Read profiles. I have found that most sitters have their own pets, but I have rarely been successful blending families who don't know each other.
Rover sitters are not employees of Rover but rather are independent contractors. Rover has certain standards in place for them, but they allow a lot of freedom for how each sitter operates, and this is one of those areas where sitters can set their own policies.
I am a full time professional sitter on Rover and I watch a lot of dogs at once. I would tell sitters who are starting out that if you are expecting to grow then you will have to test your patience a little bit and watch a few more than usual. If you’re wanting to make a little bit of money that’s fine to but based on Rover’s scoring system be prepared to fall down the list quickly if you don’t accept bookings. It takes some grind to finally get to a point where majority of the dogs you consistently watch all know each other. My first year I watched 300+ completely different dogs. I spent 12 years as a dog handler in the Marine Corps so I know how to scan the behaviors and strategically plan for what will be a good fit and what won’t. You can definitely make a business out of it. It just really comes down to time and patience.
Absolutely do NOT assume your dogs will be only ones there. I give an option that if you only want your dogs then that’s fine but I need to know that when you book. If you do not ask or request we will book what we hold. If we can take 4 and you have 1 then expect the other 3 spots to be filled. Some sitters will not accommodate this, others will. This is a side job for me that I do just for the enjoyment and extra spending g money so I do not mind to only take one, but if I dont know that’s what is wanted I won’t know to do it
The sitter can choose to only take one client at a time and that will show up on the sitter's profile saying "Takes only one client at a time" under the heading "When (sitter's name) watches your pet". If the sitter does not say that on their profile, then you can reasonably assume that their might be other dogs being boarded along with yours.
Before we even meet I always make sure that the prospective client knows that there very likely WILL be other dogs being boarded at the same time. That way we don't waste each others time having a useless "meet & greet".
The sitter profile will say how many dogs they will take, however, the sitter has a schedule and can tell you how many dogs will be there.
Depends on the situation. For instance, I have 2 spots available. If it's a first-time stay - I avoid allowing another dog to book from another family since I'm not sure how they will act once they get here. If I've had experience with both dogs and think they will be ok together, I like to inform both owners ahead of time before officially booking. Usually, they are ok with it and my clients only end up overlapping by a day or two.
Ah yes, I take in one dog at a time. This means I focus on the one dog. Due to space and I am better with one dog at a time. Depends on who the dog is too. Ask them first and the profile tells you. If you are unsure you can always ask.
This is always dependent on how your dog is and how the sitter runs things.
On filters you can lut takes in one client or dog at a time. Says dog or client, people show up if this is what they selelcted. Let them know you have to dogs. I only take in 1 dog, 1 client means 1 pet owner but always mention the amount of dogs.
Ah yes, I take in one dog at a time. This means I focus on the one dog. Due to space and I am better with one dog at a time. Depends on who the dog is too. But mention you have 2 dogs. I checked it is 1 client at a time.
That's good to know! I want my clients to know that, but if you make two spots available on your calendar, one client has one dog, it still shows one space available. I manually change the availability on my calendar or else it shows I am available.
You are absolutely allowed to ask, and should. But never assume yours are the only pets in the house. Read profiles. I have found that most sitters have their own pets. I do not and have rarely been successful blending families who don't know each other.