I'll have to look into the magnets that's actually a really awesome idea. Going to check in on that now! :)

Great reminder about the dollar store! Thanks.

I just read this thread and I actually really like the idea of printing out some of the photos taking during the stay and putting in a little frame, so I might actually do that!

Giving a holiday gift, I think it is a great thing to give to customers to remind them of our service. I'll be doing it this holiday for my recurring and "stand out" customers. What do you guys typically give? I'm giving out subscriptions to The Bark magazine because they offer bulk rate prices, a couple packs of treats for the pups, and maybe a little holiday themed toy or a small gift certificate for a local pet store so they can pick something out.

I've given out special one-off goodie bags for really special clients but I haven't done a holiday bag before for many clients. What do you guys typically give?

I don't do in-home sitting anymore but I'd suggest you request this information be provided during the meet and greet.

On the Vaccination records? thread, Shane makes a good point saying:

if getting copies of the records is difficult, I ask that my clients provide a veterinary reference that will verify the immunizations.

I think that's the best advice. If the owner can't get the information together before the meet and greet, you can always tell them you can't accept the booking until the vaccinations have been confirmed.

I like the app but I don't think it should be mandatory, I think it should be a badge. There have been a wide range of experiences with it. As far as I know, it will become mandatory soon. There is more discussion going on about Report Card on the When does the Report Card system go into effect? thread.

You're right! The app is really lacking! There is no way to see distance from your home within the app. It is really annoying.

From what I can tell these are the you can't do on the app* but are available online:

• See distance from your home (if it is already booked, you can click to take you to a map)
• See the full list of individual dates for walks or drop-ins. (Usually shows up like "9/1 ... 9/20" or "9/1, 9/3 ... 9/20" so you're missing the middle bit)
• Can't access your dog notes (because of that I never use them)

For me, I log into Rover.com on my phone so when a new requests comes in, I can see them on Rover's website to get all the details. After that, I'll respond to them via the app.

* I'm using an Android, I don't know about iPhone.

I agree with the overs. I'd prefer to stick around 5-miles or less from home. I was previously at 10-miles but it is way too long (even on the freeway) so I bumped it down to 7-miles or less, though 90% of my clients are within 2-3 miles of my home.

Plus they started charging clients 5-7% fees per visit up to $25.

From what I heard during the webinar, it will be required starting sometime in September. They did say that if you forgot to start or stop your walk, you could contact Rover support to sort it out and ensure you get paid. I assume since you have a windows phone and can't use the app, you could contact them at the end of each walk to ensure you get paid too. Hopefully that helps!

I'd review this list of Tips on Creating a Dog-Friendly Workplace from Bark, discuss reasons why dog-friendly companies are "good for business" which is what matters most to the higher-ups and a checklist of items to cover.

There's also a huge list of dog-friendly companies ranging from small mom and pops, mid-size, to large corporations that might help inspire you!

Unfortunately, I'm not really sure this is something that can be easily answered.

All dogs are unique not only in their natural behavioral traits but because of how they have been trained, raised, and the experiences they've had. It really depends on what's going on with the individual dogs.

If you're worried about sitting for untrained or aggressive dogs (a totally legitimate concern), make sure you do double duty when chatting and meeting with prospective customer and their dogs. Ask up front if their dog has any behavior issues, then assess the dog during the meet and greet.

Always make sure you feel comfortable with the idea of caring for the dog. Always know what your limitations are and only take on clients that you feel comfortable with.

I'd recommend checking in with your vet.

Based on my personal experience, my dog was limping similarly to how you described and after taking him to the vet we found he had soft tissue damage. In my case, this was caused likely from jumping down off something, or landing on it wrong when walking/running around. Giving my dog some doctor prescribed pain relief medication and rest (allowing him to use it normally but laying off hard exercise) fixed it for my pup. Hopefully that helps!

Go to your dashboard. It will show up there (under "Your Profile Link") along with the coupon code you defined.

I use a hydration backpack. I'm in AZ so my main concern is water! Fill it up for myself and the pup to share. I clip a collapsible dog bowl and hand sanitizer to the back of the pack. Put extra doggy bags, napkins, treats, etc inside the pocket of the pack.

I also created a small "emergency clean up" duffle too which I bring with me (to the home not to carry around), just in case. Roll of paper towels, more hand sanitizer, lotion, personal spray deodorant (get any icky smells off me), wet wipes, fabreeze, water, nature's miracle spray bottle, disposable gloves, etc.

I've had really good success with CedarCide (also available on Amazon). It works indoors, outdoors, people and for dog. I spray my dogs down occasionally and I spray myself (mosquitos love me and this keeps them away). I also bought one of their soaps for use on the dogs. Be aware the stuff smells very strong but you get used to it (or we did) and it's worth it. It smells like a woodshop.

I'd highly recommend. I'm trying to go without using Frontline and so far so good.

It's probably best to contact Rover support just so that they're aware. They can assist you with how to respond should the owner ask for additional details or confront you. Contact them at support@rover.com or [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].

Thanks for the clarification! I looked at Rover's information before answering which didn't specify it was required and it wasn't required for me. But it's good to know that it is required on a state by state basis.

Meet and Greets put in Rover's system do show up in our Google Calendars!

Owners do not go through a background check, any pet owner (not just dogs!) can sign up to Rover. It's always best, as Rover suggests, to ask all your dealbreaker questions before setting up a meet-and-greet.

As others have suggested, it is best to make safety the top priority. Good ideas include taking a friend to wait for you outside during a meet-and-greet, meeting the owner and (leashed) dog outside prior to entering their home to ensure you feel comfortable, saying no to anything you feel uncomfortable with during the discussion phase and M&G and don't be afraid to contact Rover support with anything you are concerned with.

As sitter background checks, they are only required for sitters who do house sitting inside the client's home. If you're doing pet sitting in your own home, Rover doesn't require it but they offer it as an opportunity. Getting the background check done is a big benefit for promoting yourself.

Always go with your gut! I've had several people I've told via chat that I'm not okay with their request and I've also gone to meet and greets where I've had to cut it short and tell them flat out no because they misled in their booking.

That's great news!

Those are good points! Having to deal with coordinating multiple pick-ups and drop-offs could be a lot of extra work!

If you haven't already booked it, just update the request by extending the date or adding an extra fee. If you have already booked it, on your booking page, there should be an option to "Extend the Stay". Click on that to create a new stay for the extended time. If you're unable to figure it out or can't do it, contact Rover and they can set it up for you.