I believe they're mandatory now. The update applied during the middle of one of my bookings, so I don't think I'll be certain 'til I renew my next monthly booking. They're advertising it on their app as well.

It should be an optional service. Highlight sitters who provide it if they must, as we get reviewed and sorted already by such things.

We pay Rover a fee for them to serve as a third party to help advertise, manage and connect us to clients. I do not pay them to tell me how to run my business or to give me mandatory hurdles. They're simply using this as a tactic to stand out and help reduce problems they'd have to dedicate time towards. I understand that, but don't mandate the change or if they do, then incentivize it by lowering the fee charged to me. Their app cards uses my data and battery and adds extra work. At least they could consider making sitters happy too- we are paying them as well.