There's always the possibility of losing business when going on vacation, but it's not a reason to stay available all the time. Clients have lives and understand that sitters also have lives. They might try someone new and ultimately decide to go back to you, as well. I would let them know when you get back with a nice message and a picture, mentioning that you miss their dogs. Most people should respond positively to that.

If the "service dog" is not with its handler, it shouldn't wear the working vest.

I agree with all the other commenters, it is unfortunately not policed and it's also not anyone's business.

The issue with arriving early on the day of the stay is that most clients would not be home, hence you coming over to take care of their dog. If you are more comfortable in a public setting at first, always make sure to have a second m&g in their home before the stay.

You can also decline the booking. Someone else might want it.

Rover is awesome! I love their service. It's totally worth it for me!

I just got accepted into the RoverGO program which means that Rover will take 25% of my earnings. That is MORE than fair. I worked for another company that took 40-70% of my earnings (I didn't know how much they were charging until close to the end of my employment with them). Rover is incredible. If you want to make more money, charge more for your services.

Hey Megan, it sounds like you are undercharging for your house sitting! I would adjust your rates :)

For me, house sitting is easier than drop ins because I go to sleep with the dogs and wake up with them, so it's easier to get them out and is less driving for me.

It makes sense that your client would choose the cheapest option on your profile, but you have to figure that since you will be "living" with the dogs, you won't have to wake up at 6am to drive over to walk them, and you won't have to leave your house at 10pm to walk them.

I don't board, or have dogs, so I always go to the client's house. It's easiest for them, and it helps me because I get to see where everything is in their house and ask questions if needed.

I also make sure that my boyfriend knows the address of the place I'm going and has the times, just in case something were to happen. Luckily, I've never had an issue, but it's good to be cautious!

I'm a cat mom, and I also have many cat clients this season. I always spend at least 30 minutes with the cat, more if I can spare it and the cat is friendly. I use Rover cards and it's important to me for my client to see that I was there for the full 30 minutes that they paid for, even if the cat isn't around for that whole time.

House sitting is a full time gig, but when a client expects you to stay 24/7 with no breaks, that is absolutely a different kind of job. I refer to that as "live-in dog nannying" because it really is much more difficult and demanding than normal house sitting.

I have had this come up before as well. I agree with Stacey, you should be charging double your normal rate. My house sitting price includes the majority of my time spent with the client's dog(s), but it also leaves time for me to go do other drop in visits or walks, not to mention take care of my own animals. You have to factor in all the business you would be losing if you stayed at this client's house 24/7.

If you are uncomfortable staying there 24/7, suggest to your client that she book another sitter in conjunction with you and then you can each get time away from the dog to do other visits or just get a break.