Is anyone using the call in leads from Rover? The one where you pay 50% of each clients first visit to Rover and then keep 85% for each following stay? What are your thoughts on this service?

I think it depends a lot on what percentage of clients turn into return business. In my experience, most people looking for sitters just don't need the service very frequently. Though I have a lot of return business, a lot of my clients just don't need a sitter that often. There are the occasional clients who travel frequently for work or pleasure and aren't able to take their dogs, but for most it's a pretty rare thing. If it turns out that the clients who use a Rover employee's assistance to find a sitter are more frequently clients who need a sitter regularly, then it could be a fantastic opportunity to grow your business. However, if most clients using the service have only infrequent need for a sitter, then it may not be useful for most sitters.

I haven't heard of this. Last I knew, Rover Premier Sitters earn 75% of the fees the owners pay. However, I think this could be worth it, especially if the first stay is like a get acquainted short stay, like day care or walk or an overnight.This sounds like you only give up 50% for the first bookings, then Rover standard rate applies.

To provide a different perspective, there are companies that charge for each lead given, whether or not it results in a new client, where the cost can be around $15. However, if it's a good match and the dog returns again and again, it's a great investment.

I agree that it seems steep. It seems most of my clients don't need services frequently enough to make it worth it. Also I have a hard time imagining people would rather call in and ask for help rather than search the website. In today's world of technology most people would rather not make a phone call when they can find all the same information online.

I have a pretty solid client base that keeps me busy - and I always love hearing back from owners that they'd like to book me again. While I would like SOME clients from this program, I just don't know that I could justify the 50% coming from my pocket, so I would probably opt out, as I do think that I get plenty of inquiries already. I'm sure this would be helpful for someone who is new to petsitting, though, and is trying to increase their reviews, etc.

I hadn't heard of this option, but honestly no, I would never let them take 50%.

If you are looking to build clients, you will have much better luck advertising via Rover on Craigslist or Nextdoor neighbor websites. Another option is you could off a 10% discount to past clients for future stays if they write a review (helps you with Rover algorithm) or if they refer a friend that books a stay. I've been doing this as a side job for 3.5 years and believe me, you'll get to the point you'll turn down people left and right or end up with 10 dogs at the holidays. :) #TrueStory

Good luck!

I really didn't like the sound of it at first. I thought 50% was a lot more than 15% just to pick a sitter. I did sign up for it in early December when things were so slow for me. So far I haven't had a call from that Rover service. The pet owner aught to pay the fee rather than the sitter. Would Rover ever pick the "best sitter for this dog" if the sitter was not signed up for the 50% deal? I doubt it.

I signed up for it as I am newer and trying to get things going, however I have not received one call or pet this way. So I figure nothing ventured nothing gained.