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Does housesitting automatically imply the sitter staying the night?

I was under the impression that booking a sitter to housesit meant that they would spend the night, but it doesn't seem like our last sitter did that. The bed looked like it hadn't been touched at all. I've made a mental note to make sure I explicitly ask for that next time I book a sitter for housesitting. However, I really thought housesitting automatically meant staying the night. Does it not? It doesn't seem fair if not because the housesitting option costs extra, and if the sitter wasn't going to stay the night, I would've just paid for drop in visits.

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Unfortunately, you can't assume anything because all sitters on Rover are independent and decide on what they're going to do and for what rate.

House sitting is by far the most controversial and subject to interpretation, despite Rover's FAQ saying that each night of house sitting is good for up to 24 hours of care, just like boarding, and should therefore be considered an all-inclusive service. My view of what that entails is the same as yours, and as such should be considered a premium service commanding a higher rate because the sitter has to uproot herself/himself while providing some added security for your home.

However--and this is a big however--not everyone does share our interpretation. Some sitters will arrive in the evening and leave in the morning, e.g., 7pm-7am, and may charge for drop-ins/walks during the day. Some sitters will move in and use your home as their base of operation while performing drop-ins/walks for other animals under their care. Some sitters have full-time jobs or are students and will return periodically as permitted by their schedules to check on the pet.

So what this boils down to is that you have to ask either through Rover's messaging system or at the Meet & Greet (highly recommended) exactly how the sitter operates. You have to communicate your needs and find someone who will meet them. You don't have to accept what they'll do. You should be able to find a sitter that will do as you wish. Remember, though, the lower the rate, the lower level of service.

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Every Rover sitter is an independent business owner and defines the services offered. House-sitting does imply overnight, but not everyone sees it that way. Many sitters will also require 3-4 drop-in visits each day if you are away. Time to ask a lot more questions when contacting a sitter.

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I did ask questions, but I didn't realize I needed to ask about staying the night since Rover FAQs state that housesitting means staying the night. Now that I know not all sitters follow those Rover guidelines, I'll be sure to ask explicitly for it which I already said in my original comments.

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No. It doesn't imply anything. YOU and the sitter must talk details first and you need to tell them your expectations.

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With all due respect, Rover's FAQ states that housesitting means staying the night. That's why I never explicitly asked for it when I booked a housesitter before. Now that I know that sitters don't always follow those Rover guidelines, I'll be sure to ask the next sitter I book.

Absolutely agree with you telling your next sitter all your expectations and explaining them their duties/jobs you want done in your home.

My 1st booking at premium rate for a 12 hour day house sitting, the sitter had me book at meet and greet. They went home and sent me a text they would be coming and going several times. Not agreed and contrary to my saying I expect sitter to stay at my home, not leave. Not acceptable.

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What happens when you book a house sitter for a week, the day I’m leaving to catch an airplane and the house sitter doesn’t show up? How does Rover ensure that this doesn’t happen?

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Rover will not be aware until that’s reported to them. Then, they would take action on sitter’s account and at request of pet owner/client can transfer the booking to another available sitter. To avoid this stress, I’d suggest booking sitter(s) services long before leaving town to test it out.