score:
1

Can I charge a fee for the meet and greet?

I have been on two separate meet and greets where the dog owners were shocked at the $50.oo a day including overnight with their "children" ( this is at 14 - 16 hrs a day with the pets) When they asked the amount I charge that told them it was just as listed on the rover.com site they found me at. I stayed with each group over an hour and drove in total for both gruops over 80 miles. Their dogs loved me and they seemed to like me as well until they found out the over night price. It is a standard rate and actually a good deal in my opinion I would be happy to pay that knowing my animals were well cared for and loved while I was away.

5 Answers

Sort by ยป oldest newest most voted
score:
0

Since this has happened to you twice, I would make sure the pet parents understood the rate/total cost before I went to meet them. Get it in writing via Rover's messaging system before you set up the date. I've never had anyone just request a M&G. They've always entered all the potential booking information, which clearly shows the total cost of the engagement.

score:
3

I would make sure the potential client knows the price of what they are charging. Even if it should be obvious on your profile. Ask what they are needing and repeat to them the overnight/daily charge and then the total.

Don't charge for meet and greets. It's industry standard for these to be free. I have dog sat for nearly 9 years and now when i look for a professional i am still put off by being charged for a meet and greet because i will only spend time on a meet and greet and interview you if i seriously think they will be a good potential fit.

score:
2

There isn't a way to charge for a M&G through Rover unless you're booking a stay, and in my opinion, it would scare off a lot of potential clients. They'll never get to see how good you are with their pets if they never get a chance to meet you. That said, it might be worth spending a little more time chatting with the client on the phone or through Rover's messaging service before setting up a M&G, especially if you're having to travel to meet them. I agree, $50/night isn't an obscene amount (it would be high for my area, but I'm sure you've looked into the going rates in your neck of the woods).

People, for whatever reason, don't always consider the cost of pet care when they think of travel expenses, so our rates initially seem steep. They assume a dog lover will be more than happy to watch their dog for next to nothing, without thinking of the effort and time we spend. Sometimes you have to sell them on the benefits of spending a little more. For instance, I could list my futon in my spare bedroom on AirBNB for more than I charge per night for pet sitting, and people would gladly pay it. What's more, they wouldn't expect me to feed them, cuddle them, take them for walks, comfort them when they're stressed and homesick, or pick up after them while they are here. And yet, we do ALL these things and more for their beloved pets while they are away. Make sure your clients know exactly what they are paying for and why it's worth it before you make a big trek to meet them. If they understand the value in what we do, it will be worth it.

score:
1

Hi Dorothy,

I see your price listed at $30, but I'm not sure if you are charging extra for those stays in particular. On the subject of charging for a meet and greet- I'd encourage you not to charge. I've had over 150 meet and greets and feel like it's part of the booking process. Since you are a home sitter, is there a reason the dog owners are not coming to your home instead of you coming to them? From my experience, if it's a home stay, the owner brings their dog to my home for the meet and greet. If it's a traveling stay, I usually go to their home for a meet and greet. This might reduce the friction of you traveling, plus the dog owner can actually see where their dog is going to be staying and meet your dogs if you have any.

I'd give customer support a call if you have any other questions!

score:
0

I agree charging a fee shouldn't happen. But before you do the meet & greet, send a message to the client/customer explain to them of what your prices are. Explain what is involved. I know for me I charge 2 different prices...Come & go...within 15miles is a different price then overnight travel more miles. I have to ask where they are located before I can say what services I offer. If they are still hesitant on that use your judgment if you should do the meet & greet. Good Luck :)