I have promoted my services on various Facebook groups that are all about dog boarding, dog sitting, dog walking, etc. So far, I've had people contact me but as soon as I let them know we have to get the booking done through Rover they disappear, or I had one that just stopped texting out of nowhere. Having a hard time finding more people in needs of a dog sitter.
I’d suggest that if you find clients outside of Rover, book them on your own. They can pay you by cash or check if that’s what you’re most comfortable with. Besides Facebook, you can post you can post on Craigslist and Nextdoor Vistaprint prints business cards (and everything else) cheaply or your local office store (staples/officedepot charge more for quicker turnaround service)- just don’t use rover logo. Start conversation and give b.cards out to owners with pets you meet. Also try to distribute b.cards at pet friendly places that will allow it and check on the supply regularly If you want to be busy quickly, don’t rely on Rover. You’ve got to market your services other ways at the same time.
If I mention Pet Sitting, I always put my link and say it’s so they can check out my profile and reviews… so they know right up front I work for a service. Then let them take it from there… if I generate the lead and THEY ask about a cash price, I will discuss it with them… otherwise, they just assume it’s all going thru the service… it’s safer for you that way, too… because ya’ll are total strangers. ALWAYS keep cards with you… anytime you see someone with a dog/cat offer them a card… Also, Amazon has some cute Pet/Dog Sitter shirts that can be a conversation starter… and the car-magnets, for neighbors of your current booking to see, etc. Everything works…