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.
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