This is true. And as luck would have it, today's new client called up two hours before the agreed drop off time beginning a one week stay to ask to bring the pup over NOW. I negotiated that they come just one hour early, dropped the chores I was doing and jumped in the shower. <sigh>

I have low tolerance for flaky behavior--Deb A's. suggestion is very good as an attempt to tighten up the pickup times. But what if the disrespectful behavior continues? This has happened only once so far with me. When they tried to book again I declined and referred them to the free Rover Match.

I am not a Facebook user but I joined this support and networking group on Facebook and found such a bounty of helpful information! I am still rather new to the Rover experience. As my client base grows, new questions frequently come up. This community is a great resource and so is the one on Facebook. They complement one another. As independent contractors, it can feel at times that we are "going it alone"-- I'm finding the Facebook group a massive resource as well as an instant connection to some great sitters!

Erica M: This is perfectly said! "The bottom line is, I try not to focus on what other sitters are doing but rather on how can I better service my clients while their pet is in my care." Yes! Exactly!

Would love continuing updates on the Rover-DogVacay merger as it progresses. Important info!

For boarding my charge for the first dog is $29, then $21 for the second, so an $8 discount when two dogs board. I only take a maximum of 2 dogs at a time, from the same family. It took me awhile to get a grasp of the pricing system. The Q & A board and searching my zip code provides good info.

I think Lauren R. sums it up very well--it is about how competitive you wish to be. I give a slight discount for the second dog but I keep in mind what the market will bear. I set my rates based on what Rover suggests plus me keeping up with what my fellow local Rover sitters charge.

Thanks for your comments Kyle and Kathleen! Indeed, I found Rover support extremely helpful in breaking down my problem and addressing it step by step.

Here in part, is the answer from a Rover rep. I found it very helpful: "I recommend politely telling the client again that you are unable to watch her dog, and suggest she checks out Rover Match. Match is a complimentary service that connects pet owners with great sitters nearby. If they're interested, they can just fill out this form: https://www.rover.com/rover-match/#phone-number (https://www.rover.com/rover-match/#ph...). A team member will reach out shortly. They also can always call the Rover Match team 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].

There is not a way to block anyone on Rover, but if someone makes you uncomfortable, we ask that you flag the conversation as inappropriate.

To report a message, open the conversation and select Report this conversation under the Send button

In terms of your response time, this is only going to be an issue if she sends multiple requests, as your response rate is only based on the time it takes you reply to new requests, not every message. "

Thank you, Kathleen! I copy/pasted my forum Q from the support ticket and I will update here with Rover's response. Asking them to reach out to her is a very good idea! I will do that as well.

A potential, now rejected client continues to message me despite me not being available to sit her dog and despite my offers to accommodate her previously, which were rejected. I have decided that I do not want her as a client. I apologized and told her that I'm afraid I cannot help her. I gave her the # and urged her to call Rover Support for assistance.

Here is my question. Despite my having archived her requests and labelled them "owner not good fit" her messages are still coming through. Will my no longer answering her messages affect my booking score? Also, is there any way to block a rejected client?

I'm not seeing an edit button next to the stay cost. Has this changed? Thanks!

"There may also be a way to spin the smoking issue..." This is great advice--super helpful!