I am biased, because I have a pretty strict "no people food" policy, but a half pound of turkey every day on top of dog food for a 12 pound dog is excessive. I wouldn't change the dog's feeding routine while the pup is in your care, and I wouldn't contact the vet without owner's permission, but I would notify the owner that you think the turkey may be contributing to the pup's health issues. I think there are ways to approach owners about their dogs' health without sounding preachy, and if you demonstrate you really just care about the dog, it should be well received. If they then instruct you to change the diet, then that's excellent!

Perhaps something like..."This morning I went to feed Fido his turkey and noticed that the sodium content for his portion is nearly 2000mg. It's wild what companies are able to sneak into food these days, I had no idea there was that much in turkey! I know the recommended daily intake for humans is around that much, so perhaps it is contributing to his thirst. Would you be open to me trying just the dog food for a day or two and see if it helps?"

Also- I generally don't keep deli meat for 2 weeks... eat it in a week, maybe 1.5, then toss it!

I implemented a $10 fee for any key exchanges, but for this one I think you will have to eat the time/effort. Lock boxes are a great solution as well :)

I have a similar issue in Boston, with a range over a mile or two capturing folks who live on the other side of the River, which isn't ideal for me. I've suggested to Rover multiple times a feature that allows you to "draw" your own service radius- perhaps suggest to Rover as well?

I'm spoiled because I live in a big, high density city. I carry business cards with me when I am out in the neighborhood and hand them out after I ask to say hi to pups who are out for walks. But otherwise I think you are doing all you can. Others might have input!

With Rover's percentage and taxes, you really only take home half of what your rate is, so making anything less than $20 for an overnight isn't feasible to me. My time is worth more than $5/hour.

Personally, I don't even try. I find that the people who want to pay lower rates end up being a problem later down the road, and if people think I am too expensive for their pet, then I'd rather find a client who values me.

Part of the problem might be that you are marked as unavailable until April 2019 other than some availability this week. If you are booked that far in advance, go you! Otherwise, most of my requests are for visits that are more than a week away, so you won't be showing up if I search for a visit that starts 11/20 or later.

Hi Sara,

I usually say something like, "Even though Kitty doesn't need hands-on care, in order to be covered by Rover's insurance, they need a profile as well".

Additionally, the rates I charge often incorporate the "if something goes WRONG" fee- i.e. if the cat has a medical event, but I'm not booked for the cat, I am still responsible for taking the animal to the vet, and should be compensated for that "risk".

Hope this helps!

What you are doing is essentially babysitting their dogs. I'd charge an hourly rate. In the 4-5 hours you are with his dogs, you could squeeze in 4 other clients.

Sure, but an overnight stay doesn't require you to be at the house from certain hours and not leave. I base my rates on the # of "Active hours". For an overnight, most pups require 4 hours (3-4 walks plus feeding) of time I need to be dedicated to only them.

Set a rate that works for you, regardless of attracting customers. Remember Rover takes about 20%, and another 30% needs to be paid quarterly for taxes. It looks like you are charging $25, so you are only taking home $12.5 right now for 24 hours of care. Most pups require about 3 hours of "hands on" care (feeding, walks), so you are making just over $4 an hour right now.

Once you have something that is comfortable for you, I would increase either at a regular interval (annually, every two years), or when something increases the quality of your care (my clients saw a bump after I took classes related to pet care). I've been on the platform for 6 years now, and have doubled. I bumped $10 after my first year after realizing I hadn't set my prices high enough, then bumped again after a few years, and once more after I took classes related to my sitting. Probably due for another raise. It's harder to raise prices with current clients.

I agree with Walt's advice to post local adds. I also got a few business cards and hand them out to folks I meet in the neighborhood.

It is also my experience that it takes some time to get a good client base. I joined over 6 years ago, and I think I maybe had one visit in my first year (granted Rover wasn't as big of a "thing" back then).

Also, as a heads up your pricing seems super low to me. Remember that Rover takes a percentage (I think 20%?), and if you make more than $600, this is considered taxable income and you will have to declare it. Rover doesn't withhold for you, so you need to set aside about 30% of all your earnings to pay quarterly. So for a 30 minute drop in (plus commute time to the client's house), you are essentially making $5/hour.

Eating grass can be a sign that your pup isn't feeling well- he thinks that it will aid his digestion. You might want to try another food (he might have an intolerance or allergy to something in his current food). It might also be a sign of a blockage in his stomach. If you have a yard and let him run free there is not much you can do to stop him other than physically watching him while he is outside and stepping in when he starts "grazing". On walks, keep a quick pace so he doesn't have time to eat, and move along when he starts munching.

I agree with Hillary's response. I use PayPal and made over $600 this year and received nothing from them.

Yes, in the future you should definitely charge more for services that are over 24 hours. Some sitters just charge a daycare fee, others charge for an extra night, it's up to you. Make sure you know when a parent is dropping off and picking up before you book so you can charge accordingly! If something like this happens, you can "extend the stay" via the app or website.

Something that is important to factor into your pricing is taxes! We are independant contractors, so we end up paying a pretty penny on our taxes. I expect to keep about half of my earnings. Adjust rates accordingly!!

I find that redirecting is the best course of action. Substitute your arm for a toy or bone. Also, stop playing with her. If you continue even when she is hurting you, she will think that the roughness of her play is okay. If you stop, she will know she can't be too rough, otherwise playtime is over.

Hi Kelly,

The owner does not read the review, and it does not go on their profile. It is, as mentioned, for internal use only.

Excessive head shaking can be indicative of multiple things, but check first for ear infection! If your pup has stinky ears, is scratching more than usual, has blood or discharge coming from the ears, or has matted fur in the ear canal these are all potentially pointing to an ear infection!

I agree with Kathleen and Erica- this information should be in your profile.

Instead of expanding how many dogs you take, I would suggest increasing your price point a bit.

Hi Belinda,

All Rover sitters are independent contractors, and are able to set their own rates and fees. For example, I charge a key fee for picking up and dropping off keys before and after a stay. Personally I include all care required for the 24 hours I am house sitting (so if a stay starts at 9am on Monday, I do all walks and feedings from then until 9am on Tuesday) but will charge additional fees after the 24 hours (so if you needed a walk at 12 noon on Tuesday, that would be extra). That being said, I do also know sitters that charge the overnight fee and then also for walks and feedings. We all run our businesses differently!

I hope this information helps!

I agree with Cari! This is why it is important to always have the owner confirm the booking before you start a service. I wanted to add that if an owner hasn't confirmed the booking the day before the stay starts, I send them a message reminding them to confirm, and I never render services without a confirmed booking!

Up to you, but my overnight fee is 24 hour all-inclusive (so includes all walks, feedings, etc..)

Hi Rita!

Ugh, it is uncomfortable when pet parents use methods that we find unacceptable. I would explain to her that you have policies against crating for more than a certain number of hours, that you do not use shock or prong collars, and that you aren't comfortable limiting water intake, as it could bring on dehydration and other health issues. Due to these differences in methods, you don't feel like you are the best fit for her and her pup. You don't have to go into specifics, you can also just say you don't think you are a good fit and that you are happy to call Rover to help find another sitter!

If you feel that the dog or other pups in her care are being abused, you can report to Rover and get their advice, or report her to authorities. I would be careful about doing this without very good evidence about mistreatment or neglect.

The bottom line is, never take a client that you don't feel comfortable with. I've done it and regret it every single time!

So there are three ways to handle this in my opinion:

1) Implement a late fee. You can do this on Rover by adding the previous week's late fees to the total for the following week, or "extend the stay". I think if you call Rover Support they would also help you out. I personally would do an hourly rate like $12/extra hour until you reach your daycare fee of $35. The problem with this is that psychologically if people feel like they are paying for being late or cancelling, then they are less likely to adhere to time restrictions. That is, if she thinks she is compensating you for your time, she will feel less bad about being late. It most likely won't change her behavior, but at least you will be getting paid!

2) If she is more than 15 minutes late, tell her that you will be boarding the dog overnight and charging for the service, as well as any food or other necessities. I feel like this is a bit extreme, but if you have plans after 5:15 and need to leave the house, there aren't many other options in order to maintain your quality of life.

3) Drop the client. Explain that while you love her pup, you cannot continue to work for free. I would say you understand that sometimes things come up (traffic, having to work late, etc...) but they should happen rarely.

Hope this helps!

It is entirely up to you on how you charge. Technically, one day of boarding is 24 hours, so two nights of boarding would cover Friday from 7am until Sunday at 7am. If I were you, I would add the doggy daycare!

Hi Sarah,

I have had 56 customers and all of them have been legitimate pet parents, so I wouldn't be too concerned about fake profiles. If you are very concerned about it, have the owner fill out their complete profile (upload a picture of their pet, their pet's care info, and basic information). From there, you can ask any follow up questions you may have and schedule a meet and greet so you can meet both the client and the pet to make sure it is a good fit. I always have a meet and greet before agreeing to sit for a pet.

In terms of safety for meet and greets, tell someone like a roommate or partner or friend where you will be, and about how long you will be gone. You can also have someone come along and wait in the car while you do the M&G if that makes you feel more comfortable!

Good luck!