I would love this! I am booked months ahead with repeat clients, so my availability is very limited, even then I would take a repeat client over a new one. It would be a great way to make sure a new client is taken care of quickly and connected with a sitter without frustration.

I agree with everything everyone is saying in this thread. Respond to request asap, that will bump up your ratings in your zip code search! When I first started I looked at the top sitter's profiles to see what they had posted in the about me section as well as what type of photos/services they offered. How can you stand out!?

But I do want to mention that for Rover sitters such as myself, I am booked months ahead with repeat clients, so my availability is very limited, even then I would take a repeat client over a new one. That is what helps you build your business because they look to sitters such as yourself that have the open availability hence it will help grow your business!

One last tip, make sure you have a great write-up in your profile, I have a very long detailed one. I described who I am, hobbies I have, also why I got in the dog sitting business & if they booked with me what the communication would be like (my standard rule are updates 2x day with photos/description). Really make them feel like they are getting to know you before you even meet in person, that will make your meet/greet very easy as well. Treat it a bit like a dating website, get my drift?!

Good luck!

7+ days, I would raise rates by $10/day for each dog

Follow your gut. If you don't want to take it, just kindly send a message the next day that you will have to decline the offer. Don't give a reason, be professional and make sure to send the message in a timely matter. Also, always let a family/friend know where you are going for the meet/greet. I even did one a few months back, around 9pm, had my friend sit outside in the car to wait for me to make sure it was okay.

Generally, sitter will offer a discounted rate, I offer $5.00/day extra dog. It seems like if I charged more I would be ripping the client off. For long-term stays, I do consider increasing the price just because the stay will be longer and dogs will need more care/love.

I think that you have to start small, new clients are willing to book with you for short stays in the beginning to see how it goes. It's a good way to get a feel of how you like it and if you schedule can handle it. Just be upfront and make sure your calendar is always up to date. If you can't cover a day, be honest. I started a year ago with just weekend stays and since then have been able to handle long-term stays. As long as you keep in communication with them and let me know if you can't handle a request, you will grow your business in no time. Good luck!

It's a case by case basics, honestly I have some clients that give me a gift card to grab food because they want me to cook at home rather than go out all the time. In most cases though, new clients, I will bring my own food but during the meet & greet will ask them if I can cook with their pots/pans. Never had them say no to that request!

I found that staying overnight at the pet's home is better for the overall stay. Animals tend to act out, not all of course, when their owners leave and it's best to give the dog the best care while you stay overnight hence why you increase your rate. I have done stays both ways, overnight and several check-ins throughout the day, overall I see more success when I stay there. I am able to be confident when tell the owner that their pets are doing well, rather guessing what is happening at the house when I am not there. Gives you a peace of mind as well.