An owner reached out to me asking if I could dog sit starting today. I put in the request to book, but she has yet to confirm it. I'm supposed to go over there starting at 8pm tonight. I've never met her or her dog. Should I go there before confirmation/payment has been made?
Absolutely NOT! Make sure to let the owner know that Rover's insurance only covers clients and pets who are confirmed through Rover. Not only does this guarantee that you will get paid, but also makes sure they are covered under our insurance plan. It's better and safer for EVERYONE involved!
Thank you, Daniela! I was pretty sure this was the right course of action, but wanted to double check. I don't want to leave her or her dog hanging, but I think it's safer for everyone if I wait until she confirms. Thanks for your answer!
NO NO NO NO NO! Recipe for disaster and not covered by Rover insurance if anything happens!
All the advice given is right on. Since she's traveling, you may offer her that Rover Customer Service can help her finalize the booking over the phone. That may be easier to get it complete.
I agree that you shouldn't start the stay without the booking being finalized for all of the reasons already mentioned, but since you haven't met the dog/owner yet, I'd add a small bit of advice that hasn't been said yet: you can wait until you get there and meet the dog, so long as the owner is ready to finish the booking before leaving. That way you're able to still decline without canceling the stay if there is a deal-breaker when you go over there. Essentially your M&G just happens when you arrive, and then you both make your final decision.
If you want to meet the owner/dogs before confirming, let the owner know that you will come by, and once introductions between people and pets are complete and you both still agree to complete the stay, that you will finish the booking before the owner leaves. You can do it by phone or app or website.
Absolutely not! I gently let them know I won't be able to sit their dog until the Rover contract has been completed, which means payment through the site. You can do this on site as well but it is not fair to you or the dog owner (i.e.: insurance) to go forward without a confirmation.
I would send a reminder that she'll need to confirm the booking through the inbox before you are able to start the stay. I've had several clients who didn't realize they were supposed to confirm the booking and a friendly reminder was all they needed. And if you're doing a key swap in person, that's another opportunity to remind her that the confirmation needs to happen before they leave.
Thanks, Anne! I just sent the owner a reminder. She is traveling today, so maybe that is why there is a delay. Thanks for the advice!