If someone gets abusive toward you in response, I'd report them to Rover. There's a link to report the conversations in the conversation. I think some people just don't pay attention, honestly. I usually ask where they are first, too, but sometimes I forget. Since I mainly do dog walking and pet visits (my house sitting is set to repeat clients only), I need to know. I've significantly reduced my service area because of it but I still get the occasional request from someone outside of it.

Just wanted to add I don't think you sounded greedy either. It's a great question, honestly! I don't do sitting in my own home either, we're just not set up for it, so my experience may be a bit different with my response down below.

I am about mid range for my area. I get lots of requests and have repeat clients. I'm busy enough I don't take any new pet sitting clients and just do repeats, which still gives me a lot of business. I've also picked up regular dog walking clients, though I keep my rates pretty reasonable for those. I haven't compared my dog walking rates to the rest of the area but, where I live, there aren't a lot of dog walkers either. I am satisfied with where my rates are now but have raised them slightly a few times since starting, with no complaints from my regular customers.

I think what you charge, in the end, is up to you. I've never had to board an animal so I haven't looked into how much it costs but I do know it can be outrageous. I don't feel like people should have to go bankrupt to have someone look after their pets. When I'm house sitting, it's like a mini vacation for me! LOL Plus, I'm amazed at how often pet owners have asked what sorts of things I like to eat and have purchased snacks and things like creamer for my coffee or told me I could eat whatever was there if I wanted. So I feel like there's a little trade off, there.

My boxer is on the high end of her weight. We also add green beans to her diet to give bulk without adding a lot of extra calories.