Myra L.'s profile

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asked a question How to tell if the new customer has used the promo code?

It would be nice when new clients book that it would mention in the stay summary box that they used the promo code and alert the new client that the promo code is available before they pay? Many new clients miss the promo code opportunity. I try to make sure they know but sometimes it is hard to keep up with who has used it and not. Being new on Rover can be overwhelming for new customers.

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answered a question Could someone provide a list of vaccinations required for boarding clients?
asked a question Could someone provide a list of vaccinations required for boarding clients?

Everyone says they require proof but no ever says what they should ask for. Rabies of course. Why doesn't Rover provide a list of the vaccinations that we should ask the client to provide proof of. I don't want to be slack or go overboard with too many requirements.

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answered a question Hey All! How many of you do Rover full time, or part-time? I just started 2 weeks ago. Any tips?

I work part-time in the mornings M-F. I let clients know in advance that their dog will be crated for 4-5 hours. I make sure they are fed, have access to water, and had a potty break before I leave. I do boarding only.

I am a top sitter in my area. I started July 2017. I stay that way because I take photos and stay in contact to let the client know what we did that day or issues. I am flexible with check in and check out. I don't have "times" unless it is in the morning when I need to leave for work or pick up after I get home. I charge by nights and as long as the dog is picked up by bedtime, it's OK. I also have some of the lowest rates in my area. I have considered raising them for new clients. I try to keep it simple for my own sake and reduce the stress of clients that can't keep a schedule. Keeping up with times is tedious and I would rather put my energy into being a good pet sitter interacting with the dogs. These methods may not work for everyone but I have built a great client following and get new clients all the time. I don't have children or tons of other commitments so it works for me.

answered a question What do you use in place of free grocery plastic bags to pick up dog poo?

In my own yard, I use a claw-style poop scooper. I have a small garbage can with a lid lined with a plastic bag. I put a little odor absorbing cheap cat litter in it to help with the smell. I walk around the yard, scoop the poop, dump it in the can. I throw it away after I am finished.

commented answer Where do I find the Code for Pet Sitter Associates?

I am clueless what this is??

answered a question Have a minute to look over my profile?

You look like you have some loyal, appreciative clients! Use your headline as a catch phrase to capture the owner's attention. I don't think they care about a business name. To them, you are Rover. Think about what an owner looks for and use that to draw them in. Walt gave you great tips!!

commented question Have a minute to look over my profile?

Walt gave you some great information! I would not use the word "treat" in your title. My clients have specific feeding instruction for their pets. I give only pet-parent approved treats mostly provided by them. I am not sure what you meant by using treats in your name. It may give the wrong message.

commented answer When you disagree with the pet care instructions do you say anything?

Great advice Becky! I agree with trying to help the dogs be better with one-on-one interaction. I sent a dog home one time and the owner commented on how calm she was. The dog is very spoiled. They let her run the household and will not use crate time at all. I so wanted to tell her but I did not.

answered a question When you disagree with the pet care instructions do you say anything?

Pet parents are no different from human parents. I had my credentials as a preschool teacher but decided against it. Mostly because of the parents! I treat my dog clients and the pet parents just like child and parent. No parent wants you to tell them how to raise their child and they do not want to hear negative talk about them either. Use your words carefully and positively or maybe not at all. I just make my pet clients comfortable, loved, and cared for and follow the care plan as close as I can. They are used to a routine. I have had several clients ask how I get their dog to do certain things but when it comes to their healthcare, I usually only alert them about problems. For instance, diarrhea, etc. I keep them updated on how they are doing. This actually happened this weekend. It resolved itself. It is a tough call sometimes. I have had overweight dogs that had poor ambulation also. Maybe send them a link to Lindsay and That Mutt blog. Don't tell them it is because of their dog. Just say you are sending to all your client's this link to a blog that has information about caring for their dog.

commented answer Is the 20% Rover takes considered a tax deduction?

https://support.rover.com/hc/en-us/articles/203062540-How-do-taxes-work-#7 This article, which I am sure most have read, shows how to find your earning with the gross, fees, and net pay. I typed mine into a spreadsheet as I get paid. I am giving a copy to my tax professional to show my earnings.

commented answer Is the 20% Rover takes considered a tax deduction?

You can find the gross and deductions on Rover that match the net amount on PayPal.

answered a question Is the 20% Rover takes considered a tax deduction?

I just emailed my tax professional. I will post a reply when she responds.

commented question Any tips for walking multiple dogs?

I use a tandem leash extension. You clip it on a leash and it splits into two short, adjustable leashes. Keep the extensions short! Mine has a clip that you slide and lock. It works OK. Try to pair the dogs according to how active they are. One dog usually dominates where they both will go.

commented question Is there a way to designate two locations for sitting?

Put a statement at the first of your profile stating you cover whatever areas you serve.

commented answer Multiple Meet & Greets but we are penalized?

My booking ratings are high but repeat score went down. While still good, my point is every client may only travel once a year. To me, this seems unfair. I have good repeat clients and referrals. I have only been with Rover a short time.

commented answer Multiple Meet & Greets but we are penalized?

I agree with the Book It Now button. Many of my clients have done the meet and greet in advance, promised me the booking but not ready to pay. I don't want to hit the book it button either because I think they feel pushed to pay now. Some can't. There needs to be a way to book tentatively.

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commented question Multiple Meet & Greets but we are penalized?

I had a lady sit in my living room and she stayed on her phone. I was getting really annoyed with her. I heard her say to her husband that its only 5 minutes away. They left and I got a message a couple of days later that they would be using another sitter. So I suspect she was sitter shopping.

commented question How do I check my Holiday Perk Points?

I agree! I got the email for 640. Clicked on the Perks icon and it sent me to my profile page. No where to go from there. To me it makes no sense. I don't even know how to use or access them.

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commented answer Can I make business cards off of another site? Or do I have to use the Rover.com ones?

I used Vistaprint. Go under business cards, industry, search "dog". Mine is the lime green with a bunch of cartoon dogs on leashes.

commented question Can I make business cards off of another site? Or do I have to use the Rover.com ones?

I used Vistaprint but you cannot use Rover logo or any other references to Rover on them. I plan to order some Rover cards also.

asked a question Is there a way to send a mass email to your clients?

I am trying to plan vacation around my client's plans.

answered a question What pet health insurance do you have?

This is not a marketing post.! I don't have pet insurance but I do have my pet on the PetSmart Banfield care plan. I pay monthly and it has been worth it for me. It is perfect for our budget because I can't dole out huge amounts at one time for pet care. It cover most everything but meds. I have to pay those out of pocket. It's not insurance but to me it's the next best thing.

answered a question What months of the year are considered slow for Rover.com?

Great ideas about the motels and adoption events. I just became a Rover sitter in July. I have been steadily busy but September and December have been amazing! I have connected with owners that travel frequently (retirees, people that live away from family, etc.). They refer me to others. I have had a few hits on my business cards that I left on a bulletin board in a pet store. Really, you just have to network and see what works for you and your area. Market in the areas of town that can "afford" a pet sitter. That sounds tacky but I am a caregiver in the mornings for an elderly lady and my experience is that those are the families that can afford care for their parents and pets.

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commented question Best ways to utilize business cards?

I just got a great holiday booking by leaving my card on a bulletin board at a pet store. And I have a Meet & Greet with another pet owner tomorrow who was in the same store. Definitely leaving my cards with this store!

commented answer Can I make business cards off of another site? Or do I have to use the Rover.com ones?

I had my own business cards printed and put a comment on them to ask about an offer for a first-time customer discount. I then refer them to Rover and explain the benefits of using Rover. There are some customers in our area that do not want to use a website for boarding (mostly elderly pet-parents)

commented answer What is Rovers billing policy with night stays?

I charge this way also Christine. Travel plans can be delayed for many reasons. As long as they pick up by our human bedtimes, I am very lenient with pickup/drop off times. The only exception would be if I had plans that would be interrupted with an inconvenient time.

commented answer What is Rovers billing policy with night stays?

I recently had a stay from a referral. The dogs stayed an extra night. When I tried to bill her for the extra night, she responded with, "Thanks for the offer but not needed." Not sure why she misunderstood. I let her slide this time but I will add a billing paragraph to my profile and messages.

commented answer Promoting Business?

Thank you Walt! Just making sure Rover has the same rules I have been accustomed to with previous businesses. I love dog sitting and want to make sure I don't ruin it!

commented answer Promoting Business?

Thank you Pat! I have been considering one as well.

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