I just got my first request for a meet and greet looking to housesit for the weekend and I am a little paranoid about going to an stranger’s house by myself, so the question is, we as sitters have to submit a background check but how is our safety accounted for? is the identity of the customers verified?
I hope I don’t sound to paranoid ;P
Thanks!
HI Carla, You have a valid concern. It's not being paranoid. Beyond credit card payment authorization and collection of their name/phone/address/email, I'm not aware of additional measures by Rover. I'd suggest follow your instinct, if something seems off prior to, during, or after the meet & greet. I'd also recommend that for all meet & greets and sitting arrangements, you inform a friend or family member where you will be and plan in advance when you'll check in with them. Another safety backup measure is to get a paper desk calendar, write the address etc. on the dates you will be there, and leave it in a prominent visible place at your home.
Thanks Deb, I will take my precautions since I don't have anybody to go with me today and the meet and greet has already been scheduled, I will see how everything looks like and will go from there. Thank you for your response!
Rover used to be OK - however since they moved their offices to Spain - their rules have become somewhat draconian - if you have`nt got a lawn - you`ll be suspended!
not sure why you think a lawn is required. A lot of sitters have shared grassy areas w/ neighbors. In U.S, there are mandatory Leash Laws. So many sitters/ walkers leash dogs for walks. Rover communicates against leaving dogs outside unattended. I’d advise against off leash outside- High Liability!
Welcome, Carla!
Like Deb said, always go with your gut. That's going to be your best protection. It takes a while to get comfortable with meeting strangers in your home or in theirs, but by and large Rover's users are just normal, trustworthy people looking for a sitter. There are still going to be some sketchy people out there, so listen to yourself if you have any weird feelings about a person, but generally speaking, confidence will come with experience. To start, you may feel more comfortable meeting in a public space first, or bringing a friend or family member along for the M&G, even if they stay in the car. If that's not possible, let someone know where you will be and at what time, and check in with them when the M&G is completed. Have them call you if they don't hear from you by a certain time.
Personally, I'm a boarder, so I have clients come to my home for the M&G, but instead of immediately inviting them inside, I meet them at the curb and we take our dogs for a walk together around the neighborhood to get everyone acquainted. This is mostly for the dogs' sake, since they get a chance to settle down and get to know each other, but it also allows me to get a feel for the person. I've never had any concerns with anyone I've met through Rover, but if I did, this would give me a chance to end the M&G before I put myself in a compromising situation. Even if you're a travel sitter, you can arrange your M&Gs similarly, asking to meet the client and their dog(s) at a nearby park or cafe, and walking with them for a bit to make sure everyone (human and animal) is comfortable together before going back to their home.
Like I said, most people are just regular dog owners looking for a regular sitter, and often they'll have some of the very same concerns about letting someone into their home as you do. If you conduct yourself professionally and confidently, it will put both of you at ease.
Good advice about meeting outside and going for a walk first. At least the sitter can get a small idea about their comfort with the pet parent.
To add emphasis to the already great comments above, do a meet and greet and do it in public! Your gut is your best friend here - trust your instincts!
My husband tags along and waits for me in the car for first meet greet and I also send him address I go to if he can’t.
Well all I have gotten were clients trying to defraud me, send large checks and texting my private line, which I thought was supposed to be handled through the app. So I'm feeling like I am taking as a joke instead of the pet lover that I am. Thanks
I have the same fear, every time I have a new client I get so nervous to meet them, especially if it is at their house. I haven’t really had any issues with meet & greet or 1st sitting yet but I get nervous every time still.
If they don’t have pictures for sure I try and meet them in a public place like a park and no matter what every time I have some know where I will be and check in times to call rover/911 if I don’t get back to them in time.
. So far I have never needed to call the rover line or 911 but I don’t want there to ever be a time I need to. I also really love taking care of dogs so I just keep playing it safe for 1st time clients. Oh also all new clients MUST have a meet & greet. I get things come up last minute but redflag