why should i keep using rover after i use it for the first time, when i already have the sitter's info? why pass by rover then?
Rover not only protects it's customers, but their hosts as well. They play the middle man, and make sure both parties are being taken care of. Booking with Rover makes the entire process a lot easier, and takes the stress off of both the sitters and customers. You don't have to worry about payment because rover takes care of it. You submit the payment via rover, rover holds the payment until 48 hours after the stay has been completed. This is to ensure that there are no disputes or extensions, and they give you that 48 hour buffer to contact them of any issues. Rover provides premium insurance, which covers your dogs in the unfortunate occurrence that they become ill or injured.
The amount of resources that are available for sitters would cost them at least 5 times as much to establish on their own. Rover is a great way sitters to establish themselves, and take some of the burden of running a pet sitting business (not matter how big or small it is) away. If sitters had to do any of this themselves, I could guarantee you their rates would be much higher than they are now, because they would need to offset the costs of running the business in order to make a profit. It's one of the main reasons why my prices are so reasonable and flexible, because I would be charging a lot more had I had to pay for a lot of the resources they provide. I have personally looked into it, and there's no way I could run a business and still keep my current rates. I'd have to nearly double my rates, and it would suck because I love providing an affordable alternative to boarding facilities! We NEED more sitters in my area, because more and more parents are wanting to book their dogs with families, instead of facilities!
This is great insight, Isabella!
Rover protects both the sitter's and the client's interests. If your dog is injured or becomes ill during a stay, Rover insurance covers their vet care, leaving only the deductible to worry about. Rover support also provides for both parties should either party have a concern. Finally, Rover sitters agree to continue to use Rover for bookings. We get to advertise for free through them. The only money Rover makes is through our bookings. Essentially they only make money if we do, and if we cheat and book outside we're not honoring that arrangement. Personally, I wouldn't be that comfortable leaving my dogs with someone willing to ignore that agreement they accepted.
Protection/insurance depends on your state. In the policies of Rover it states that if your state requires you to have insurance you must use your insurance first and if there is more than $250 left after that Rover will cover it and they may hold you responsible if you don't have what the state req
"Rover not only protects it's customers, but their hosts as well."- just one comment about this. Unfortunately, as hosts our personal belongings are not protected. I sat a very destructive dog who managed to do about $200 in damage over a 4 night period (which I was never away from for more than 20 minutes at a time). Learned that us sitters are only protected if we are 'travel sitting' in the clients home. Essentially, Rover protects the client's personal belongings from their dog but can not cover your personal belongings from THEIR dog. Just wanted to add this since I learned this the hard way. I will be very happy if this changes, but as for now, this is the policy.
Hi Mo,
Booking through Rover gives you access to 24/7 emergency support and every stay is covered with Premium Insurance. Rover is also more convenient - it's cashless and allows you to pay through the platform. The Rover Support team would be happy to answer any other questions you might have at [Edit: Rover’s contact options have changed. Visit the Rover Help Center at https://support.rover.com/ to find the phone number, help articles, or chat with the team].