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Has anyone set their business up as an LLC after starting with rover? [closed]

Kathleen D.'s profile image

I have considered setting up my pet sitting business as an LLC since I pet sit in my home. I -almost- want the added protection even though the client signs a rover contract to protect rover and sitters. With the homeowners insurance, protection package and rover client contract, my husband doesn't want me to spend the extra money. I would like to ask why and if it is worth it due to the rover protection?

Closed for the following reason duplicate question by Kathleen D.
close date 2017-02-05 11:17:34.353303

Comments

LLC also protects your personal assets if your business sued.

Leah F.'s profile image Leah F.

5 Answers

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Cari C.'s profile image

I don't see the need to create an LLC just for your dog sitting business. Rover provides insurance, and your homeowner's insurance should cover anything else. The only reason for an LLC is for tax purposes, and I just don't see it being worthwhile. I just file a Schedule C as a sole proprietor. There is extra record keeping for an LLC as well as additional tax filing requirements.

Comments

Thank Carl. I thought the LLC would be protection of personal property in case of a law suit but I realized there is protection in the contract the customer sighs.

Kathleen D.'s profile image Kathleen D.

The dog owners sign a contract when they book with us (the dogsitters)?

Jill H.'s profile image Jill H.

Rover's "insurance" is secondary, though. Meaning that it only kicks in when you have exhausted your home insurance. They're tricky like that. If you provide services, an LLC would pretty much ensure that any legal issues will be handled through the LLC rather than leaving you bankrupt, personally.

Arni R.'s profile image Arni R.

I think people are forgetting the benefits of LLC for tax purposes. I'm no tax attorney or accountant, but I can imagine tax write offs. Imagine you have a backyard that you let the dogs use while dog sitting. Any landscaping maintenance costs, construction costs, upkeep, etc. could be "expenses"

Allora A.'s profile image Allora A.

You could also include housekeeping costs as an expense since it would be part of the business of dog sitting. If you use your cell phone to exchange messages, the cell phone bill could be a business expense. There are a lot of "expenses" one could incur but again, I would speak with your accountant

Allora A.'s profile image Allora A.
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Susan B.'s profile image

Good Question. I have thought about the different official make ups of small businesses in this realm myself.
I only allow dogs from the same household to stay in my home (I know it limits me, but helps my stress level). I also watch dogs in their homes and walk them for an hourly rate.
I decided to keep my business as a sole proprietorship, and bought the 1st year of Premium Insurance through Rover as piece of mind. Next year I might buy a separate liability insurance to cover me for the times I am hired outside of Rover, but that depends on what direction the business goes by then. Thank Dog my husband does taxes and can file appropriately for us, because that is not my strength.

Comments

Thank you Susan. Taxes aren't my strong suit either!

Kathleen D.'s profile image Kathleen D.

I didn’t even know river offered insurance for the SITTER to buy? I thought rover insurance was just for the dog owners, that 20% rover takes out of our paycheck?

Jill H.'s profile image Jill H.

Rover's "insurance" is secondary, though. Meaning that it only kicks in when you have exhausted your home insurance. They're tricky like that. If you provide services, an LLC would pretty much ensure that any legal issues will be handled through the LLC rather than leaving you bankrupt, personally.

Arni R.'s profile image Arni R.

How do you go about getting Rover to pay you through my S-Corp if I'm already a registered Rover Sitter?

Libby R.'s profile image Libby R.
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Sandi W.'s profile image

I just set up an LLC and got an EIN on the advice of my Accountant. Will let you know how it all pans out.

Comments

You can find more information about LLCs and S Corps on NOLO and Legal Zoom. Rover does not protect the independent contractor if he or she is sued if the dog escapes and gets killed or bites someone, pet sitter insurance is something that everyone should get.

Casandra C.'s profile image Casandra C.

Hi Sandi! How did you manage your financial information as far as getting Rover to pay you as an LLC? Did you have to start over with a new profile and PayPal account? I am thinking about doing the same thing.

Christel M.'s profile image Christel M.

Also curious to this original response!

Nicole M.'s profile image Nicole M.

Also curious about how to get paid through my S-Corp on Rover! Following this thread!

Libby R.'s profile image Libby R.
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Carmen C.'s profile image

I have checked into this in my area. We only host one dog at a time and, frankly, the extra cost of licensing is not worth it to us. If you host several dogs at a time it may be worth it. I would have to side with your husband on this, but it's really up to you.

Comments

Thanks Carmen. He will definitely side with you.

Kathleen D.'s profile image Kathleen D.
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Moureene T.'s profile image

You might want to consider an S corp. While Rover's insurance and your homeowners cover certain things, you are still left open for anything beyond that coverage - personally. People's pets are like family and one single accident by a devastated client can be disastrous. The s corp is its own entity and you become an employee of that entity, meaning there are potential benefits, such as being abke to claim unemployment if something happens or your incone drops below a certain point. It sounds complicated but is actually quite simple.

Comments

This is a very old post.

Kathleen D.'s profile image Kathleen D.

Yes, but it's still relevant to those on the forum with the same question.

Moureene T.'s profile image Moureene T.

Great 4 your info but goes back to everyone who responded.

Kathleen D.'s profile image Kathleen D.

The forum is a community. The questions posted are not just for the poster but all others on the forum as well. Good you closed the thread since you didn't want more answers / responses / posts

Moureene T.'s profile image Moureene T.

How do you go about getting Rover to pay you through my S-Corp if I'm already a registered Rover Sitter?

Libby R.'s profile image Libby R.
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