I do not have a data plan on my phone to be able to offer Rover Cards. How can they withhold pay if we are not able to provide the Rover Cards? That's ridiculous and incredibly frustrating

Good points. All things that I have been thinking as well. I am hoping they do not make it mandatory, for reasons that you mentioned.

Like everyone else, I understand how the Rover Cards can be valuable. However I hope that Rover does NOT make them mandatory! I do not have a data plan so I can save money on my phone bill. I cannot afford to add a data plan to my phone bill just so I can submit Rover Cards. I always send lots of photos during my stays and on top of text updates, I leave hand written notes for my clients.

This has happened to me many times as well as to other Rover sitters in my area that I communicate with pretty consistently! I have also read many other sitters' comments about this issue on other feeds. Maybe "almost all sitters" isn't accurate but to say it's happened to a lot of sitters would be

I love Carly's idea: print out some great photos that you may have snapped when you boarded him! If you can contact her and ask for her home address, I think sending those sweet photos in a card with a handwritten note expressing sympathy for her loss...that would be really nice :)

I see you said that since he is not food motivated, using treats has been unsuccessful. Is he by any chance TOY motivated? Would bringing a concealed squeaky toy with you on the walk, pulling it out and squeaking it when he's laid down and using it to somewhat lure him back to the residence possibly help to get him moving again? Just a thought

During the Meet & Greet, I always ask the client how often they would like updates! Some really like getting a text message every time I do a drop in visit or take their pup for a walk, and some like occasional updates. I always include pictures throughout the dates booked as well so the client can see the fun that their pup is having and be reassured that they are being well taken care of.

If my dogs will be interacting with a client's dogs during a Meet & Greet or stay, I always ask both temperament questions and health questions before the Meet & Greet is scheduled just to cover all bases. So sorry that happened!

When someone books me for multiple days in a row I typically check the weather reports for those days before our Meet & Greet. If rain is predicted for any of the days, I ask the owner how their pups handle being walked/going outside to potty in the rain. Personally, one of my dogs has no issue with the rain at all but the other dog can't stand the rain and would rather "hold it" all day than put even one paw in the rain. Because of my own dogs' different temperaments regarding rain I make a point to ask the owner about that. If they say that their dog does not like the rain and typically refuses to go outside in the rain, I ask if they feel comfortable with me altering my drop-in time around the weather for that/those specific day/days. Usually they have a very positive response and appreciate me accommodating their dog's particular stubborness :) Maybe something to consider adding to your list of Meet & Greet questions! If their dog does not have any issue with going outside in the rain, then of course we are expected to hold to our commitment and bring whatever covering (umbrella, rain coat, etc) necessary with us. When that is the case, I always like to ask how they usually dry their dog so they can set out a towel, a blow dryer or paper towels for me to use on the pup after those very wet walks :)

Always be sure as well to make sure that any time you're engaging in a text conversation with your clients, you always send the last response. If their last text to you is a natural end to a conversation you two were having and you leave the conversation that way, in Rover's eyes their last text is considered something that you didn't respond to; and therefore, it can potentially hurt your response percentage. Make sure you always send the last text in every conversation :)

Sorry that happened, Shaun! At least you noticed it. That seems like something that Rover would address.

Lisa, Paying attention to each ingredient in people foods that we give our pups is so important; great job catching that in on your Peanut Butter label! Like Karen suggested, take a look at various brands of Peanut Butter because there are several brands that do not include xylitol in the making of their products :)

While I understand how you might feel like they can be a waste of time in some cases, Meet & Greets are incredibly important for both you as the sitter and the pet owner. I never accept a sitting job without a Meet & Greet. It allows the owner to get a feel for me as an individual, gauge my interactions with their pet(s), and note their pets' reaction to me. I've had several first time Rover users tell me how reassuring a Meet & Greet before booking truly is. As a pet owner myself, I would personally feel very uncomfortable booking someone to take care of my 2 dogs without meeting them first. As a sitter, Meet & Greets also allow me to determine if I feel comfortable with the various aspects of each individual job. If the dog owner(s) are unable to do an in-person Meet & Greet because of a very last minute booking and they are a first time booker, I offer the option of a Skype Meet & Greet.

Since Rover encourages pet owners to schedule multiple Meet & Greets when they are in need of a pet sitter, there is always a chance that they may feel more comfortable with another sitter for whatever reason. However, while that can be a bit frustrating, I'd encourage you to also consider every Meet & Greet as a networking opportunity. If the pet owner was impressed with you but chose someone else because of their availability options or distance to their residence, you STILL made a good impression. That means they may recommend you to a friend, or try to book you in future :)

Barbara, I'm SO sorry you had that experience w/ a previous sitter! Your consideration was certainly taken advantage of in that situation, but I hope you know that her decision to keep the $ is not a reflection on other sitters on Rover :) So many of us have proven our integrity & trustworthiness :)