If I am going to be gone for three days, am I expected to provide meals for the sitter or do they supply their own meals? Meals for pets are supplied for the duration.
At the meet and greet you will discuss your wants, needs and expectations. You tell the sitter how you like things done at your house. You tell them whether they can eat your food or not. Whether they can drink your coffee or water or not. Whether they are to stay 24 seven, or if they are allowed to leave for their 8 hour job. Whether they can touch your TV, computer, phone line, cups, plates. Where they are to sleep and what bedding to use. Whether they are allowed to have visitors, or drink alcohol or smoke. What kind of care you are expecting and wanting.
Basically YOU decide how you like things done and you will communicate this to your sitter to avoid problems and unexpected surprises. You would be surprise how many clients are clueless and afraid to tell their sitter she can't have boyfriends over, or she can't smoke in their house, and even if they are watching her on their camera, they are scared to tell her when she is breaking their rules, and then when the stay is over, they come here to complain. It's so much easier to communicate with the sitter so you both are on the same page. Good luck to you.
The best thing is to be very specific and tell the sitter what your expectations are, regarding the home and the pet. For instance, You may ask the selected sitter if they will / to please bring their own food/ beverage, or some pet owners will specify items such as “you can have this fresh fruit that is on the counter or these fresh vegetables in this bin, or this basket of snacks, etc.” Along those lines, you probably want to specify anything that is hands off or OK to use. Examples of that are a: Wi-Fi password, coffee maker and other such appliances, certain rooms (i.e. which bed/bathroom), etc.
Likewise, if it’s important that your dog is on a certain routine, communicate that clearly.
I don’t think you are obligated to provide food for the pet sitter. However, I’ve read some sitters act differently than I do and literally help themselves to whatever they want in someone else’s home. For three days, I think they should be able to bring their food and beverage with them. However some people might counter that they’ll go out for meals and leave pets unattended then, so it’s a good idea to discuss.
You are not obligated, but it's always appreciated 😊 I have several repeat clients who always leave food for me or tell me to help myself to whatever is in the fridge when I am on an extended stay.
Sometimes this is the first time people are using Rover. I tell them I am bringing my own food and if they could leave some water that would be nice. Also inform them if you are planning to smoke, drink or bring anyone else into the house during your visit. Also ask them where they would like you to sleep on overnights. Questions should be asked about where the animals are allowed to go in the house and on what furniture. Do not use there spa or pool with out permission and clean up behind yourself.