I understand your predicament.
Did the client cancel via the app? When we they do this brings your business cancellation policy into effect.
If you already have a confirmed booking that everyone agreed to, vs I think I will need you. That is different than promise. I do not hold ANY days for bookings, only confirmed bookings get the precious slots. “ Oh my credit card isn’t working right I will get you the cash” NO. Etc.
Remember something untoward and shitty may have happened in clients life-everything from death in the family, getting fired, divorce, vacation plans fell apart. Next time, look at the person, express sympathy, empathy, “I’m sorry to hear that, I was looking forward to playing with and walking Dog’s name here”. “I hope everything is OK with you and your family”. This is a nice all
Encompassing sentiment that doesn’t invite big long stories, it lets the person know that you understand weird scary stupid annoying shit happens. Pause, and ask the client to cancel the booking through the Rover app, as that is the only way to free up those days in your schedule on the Rover App.
When they are having trouble with cancelling, (technology hiccups) and you are right there, (depending on how you are feeling) you can offer to walk them through the cancellation on their phone/computer. I’ve done this sort of tech help many times. You can walk them through the steps, or offer “May I drive?” And put your hand out. Also offer up that “sometimes the app has a snit and not figuring something out on it-well the app is having a snit. (if they are struggling)
Give the person an easy straightforward reason, explanation while you fix it. I will also narrate what I am doing, plus advise the person they will get email confirmation of the cancellation-schedule change etc
When I am authorized to leave early, or client happens to be home, I leave notes in the Rover card that is sent to the owner. IE: Owner came home before end of visit and advised me I was authorized to leave at XYZ hours. Also, “Report from walk given in person”
Especially when things are odd, new to you and or client, there is no harm in doing a narrative when you get home. Just add it on to entry. “ client advised I was No longer needed 4 booking. Asked client to cancel booking via app.