Requests from across the country?

1. First, Always Trust your instincts.
2. Second, the best way to determine if it’s something to agree to is to ask relevant questions. I prefer to do it in writing, but you could also contact via the rover number if you want to try again to see if maybe they are somehow challenged with written responses only.
3. Third, also living on the west coast, I don’t find requests from east coast or other states strange. In the beginning of searching for a sitter here, many pet owners with legitimate needs have incomplete profiles and don’t provide pet photos, because at that point they’re unsure if they’ll find a match, but that gets resolved before booking. Regarding hotel watch, that doesn’t automatically set off bells. Whoever they have sit is a stranger and their pet is in a strange place. A pet owner may want to go to places or or near property where pet can’t go, (thus get a sitter), without worry of their pet going to a stranger’s home, possibly interacting with other pets, and this also gives them ability to check in during day if needed. That said, you still need to decide if that’s something you're comfortable offering.

Agree with everything Deb wrote, especially to trust your instincts. That being said many people like to travel with their dogs and will seek out sitters in their destination cities for times when they don't want to leave their dog alone in a hotel room or can't bring to a certain location, like a wedding or even a national park. So they will look for pet sitters nearby.

Going to a hotel is another story and I don't blame you for being hesitant. Some hotels/motels might have their own approved pet sitters. You could suggest this to that person. Far easier for them to coordinate/book with the hotel staff.