Hi Allison, I would contact Rover.com support [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] for them to put you in touch with a dog sitter in your area that does not have any dogs residing in their house.

I don't experience this often but find that if they don't get back to me I move on within a day. It shows me that it's not a priority to them and I can usually fill those dropped requests pretty quickly soon after.

I would add it as an extra charge of misc. I call that "critter care" You can set a separate charge for the cat care and then another separate fee for the lizards. just hit "edit" to edit the fees before you book it

Because my home is small and my kids will be home for the summer I need to cut back on the number of dogs I watch. Mostly because alot of my dogs I get are large breed and it's hard to do multiple walks during the day when my kids are home from school. How would you handle this if a old customer chooses to rebook me? I want to go from 2 dogs/stay to 1. Also because I already have 3 at my home taking an additional 2 is usually very stressful to me.

We have 3 dogs that we own and I still take in up to 2 dogs at a time from Rover. During the holidays we have taken an additional 3 dogs plus our 3 but that's way too hectic. We have a pit bull and 2 chihuahuas. The pit bull enjoys the rover dogs more than the smaller dogs but they are tolerant and warm up slowly.

Sounds like you need to be pretty firm at this point. You need to project yourself as a business and not as a favor service. I've had clients like this and they think they can set the rules for me and do whatever they want. Like be flaky, and decide when they pay. But the thing is you are providing a service and it's not free. I would text her tonight and notify her she needs to make payment or you will contact http://Rover.com. Then I would tell her the pick up time she needs to get her dog is (make something up) 5-7pm. Or you will have http://rover.com charge her another day. If she is compliant with this and is thankful then maybe take her again as a client otherwise I wouldn't book her again. If something happens (god forbid) with her dog you can and will be liable. Think if it like that. Now ask yourself is it worth it to be a door mat or to be a professional with rules. Next time this happens do not accept the dog until the payment is confirmed.

If you strike up a conversation with a dog owner you can kinda slip it in like" I'm dog sitter if you need someone in the future here's my card" Or you can leave them on community boards like coffee shops, dog parks, etc.

you can list it on your profile. They havent added that option to the price listings yet

I have booked multiple dogs only if I know their behaviors well like the answer above. If you aren't familiar with them I would try short stays to see how they do (under 3 days) if you notice any nervousness or aggression do not book them with other dogs because it will worsen over a long stay. Especially after they get comfortable and will wanna "claim their space" . I have cut back on overlapping bookings because for me it's becoming too stressful to keep them separated if there is an issue so I try to keep my bookings to 2/per family at a time. I have found I say "yes" too many times when I should just listen to your gut. If it's something you wanna try go ahead and feel it out but don't feel obligated to do so because you will regret it if it doesn't work out.

You can also refer the clients to rover support they will be helpful in finding your clients a substitute while you are away

I would call rover support to clarify that. They are super helpful

Invest in a carpet shampooer like a Bissell seriously it's been the BEST investment i've made since sitting.

You are doing what is right for your home. She can easily take her dog somewhere else that may tolerate that behavior or she can put it in a kennel. I'm sorry but I would not accept that dog back in my home with that behavior. That is telling me that the dog is not comfortable sharing it's space and therefore should be booked in a home where it is the only dog. You can respond to that review on your page and say something to the effect of "I'm sorry your dog was not a good fit in my home, I hope he finds a space that is better suited for him." something like that shows you acknowledge the critic but are responding responsibly. I would let it go seems like they are still processing this dogs behavior because I'm sure your not the only one hes acted like this with. Good Luck Lisa