I think mine was done within three days. I'd contact support--something doesn't seem right.

I can usually walk both dogs from the same family at the same time. If there are two from the same family, they tend to entertain each other more. I charge $25/night and $12/2nd dog--but I only take more than one dog if they are from the same family.

That seems like an add-on service for some clients. I could see owners of bigger dogs using that more. You'd have to offer walking , but include running in your profile. Not everyone will read your profile, so maybe offer to clients who seem to have the type of dog that will benefit when they contact you initially.

I would address with the owner. Best case scenario, the dog is spoiled and with some additional work on your part (depends if it's worth it to you) you may be able to redirect the dogs behavior with positive reinforcement. Rewarding with attention or food when behaving as they should. Taking away affection (if you have to leave the room.

Worst case, you or someone else could get injured. Depending on your knowledge/training, it may be an issue you work around---possibly for an additional fee.

I have met owners at their home for a meet and greet maybe 15-30 minutes---but I wouldn't stay over. Seems shady--are they paying for that night? I don't offer house sitting as i have my own dog to care for, but to me its significant comfort inconvenience either way so I wouldn't see why anyone would do it for free--as a typical meet and greet is.

It may be helpful to politely explain, they do not have a space reserved until booked--so there are no surprises if they try to book last minute for a busy sitter.

I charge a little extra for a second dog. For boarding, its half price for the second dog. I only accept one dog family. More than one dog is more work, so it's definitely worth extra--depends on the sitter if it is full price or discounted.

Sitters are not protected by Rover's insurance (with the exception of the sitter's dog being hurt by a rover dog). Their property is not covered nor is the sitter if there is an injury or accident. For what the insurance does cover, be aware of the $500 deductible.

I have a facebook page for my 'business'. It links to my rover page and includes my discount code. Works well, even have paid for them to advertise certain posts. Relatively little if any investment, unless successful.

I have had clients ask to pay for an extra day as a tip. If they offer it, I certainly don't ask them to use another method. That said, Rover will charge tax and their small fee to the owner as well as take their percentage from the sitter. So obviously it's best to tip in person, if at all possible. Sometimes people are tired or rushed to finally get home and may forget all about it until they are home and ask to "extend the stay". Many ways to go about it. You can also mail a gift card or something if you boarded your dog.

The people who generally use rover are willing to pay a good amount for dog care so abandoning is pretty rare. Rover would provide assistance on their end as well. You'd be more likely to have an owner take a little longer, rather than abandon.

Sometimes, even dogs that are house trained at their residence tend to mark elsewhere, especially if another dog (usually male) is present. My dog, as well trained as he normally is, can be a jerk elsewhere. I plan in advance and send him with 'belly bands'. He loses a little dignity--but he does it to himself. With these, just marking is generally contained. If they just pee all the time (versus a quick mark) you may need to tuck a maxi pad or something to soak up extra. Just a belly band generally is fine for small dogs. which seem to have more of an issue with it.

I have asked a sitter for a custom arrangement like that. She used enhanced day care rates (the sitter can edit the rate for each service when a booking request is sent). I dropped my dog off around 11 am, and she returned him to my hotel around 930pm each night. Worked well on my vacation as an obsessed dog mom. Depending on need, be prepared to pay a fair amount extra--but for some people, it's worth it, especially from a quality sitter.

As a sitter myself, no one has require an extra service like that, but I would be open to most things.

You should have your own promo code for the client to enter to save the $20. To see and/or edit your code--click on your name drop down box, select profile. Under account info, choose update. Then the promote tab and you will find the code.

I am a sitter that says only one dog. However, I will make exceptions for one dog family (within reason, of course). Due to my space, that's generally a two dog family (unless tiny), plus my own. Having dogs from different clients, especially if the sitter has their own, might be risky unless you have training in dog behavior. Having two dogs from the same family is completely different and sometimes makes the adjustment easier for them.

This varies for each sitter. Some (a rare few, but some) actually charge more per day for extended stays like that. Those aside, it's about 50/50. Some do discount for long stay, some do not as it doesn't change the amount of work done per day. They liken it to the idea that you wouldn't work mon-thur for a certain wage and give your employer a discount (such as half your wage) for the ability to work Friday. Obviously, everyone wants to save money, but these are people caring for your dog, not a sweater on sale at the mall. I am willing to pay well for quality care. Something to keep on mind, besides which sitters offer an extended stay discount.

I fall in the middle. For a new client, I generally don't unless a rare situation. For returning clients with easy dogs, I don't mind a couple dollars off per day.

Sitters with negative reviews probably won't receive many, if any, new requests--so they probably fade to the bottom fast. As well as Jamie's point, most sitters try to make sure the client is pleased with the experience.

I believe it may have to do with daycare being a more day to day situation, even if a regular client, as people may have sick days or something. Boarding is generally a longer term commitment for an entire 24 hour period per day--not to mention clients are generally away.

Depends on what services you offer. You can set a fee for a certain radius from your address. If that is something you do not want to offer, it isn't required. I offer it, but so far none of my clients have requested it--which is fine, so I have one last chance to check in with the pup parent before they leave and much more convenient for me. It's good to at least offer the service, even if a decent charge, if possible as it may be required for the occasional client who is willing to pay a good amount for the extra service.

You make your prices. Prices are largely location/market based. A price that is competitive in one area may be high or very cheap, in another. See what is being charged in your area on average. If you don't have any verified stay reviews, charge under the average (maybe ~$5 under) until you receive a review or two, then go up slightly to just under average. After a few reviews, you should be able to be successfully charging the average. Build experience and reviews (even other skills) and you can raise your prices accordingly. I recommend doing in little increments, less likely to stand out to returning clients but adds up over time. Some sitters chose to offer "grandfathered" rates for a certain amount of time if raising more than a couple dollars but do not want to alienate previous clients.

You choose your rates. Rover does take out a 20% fee if you are just signing up--that comes out of your price, it is not also. Just in case a client mentions it. Rover charges another small fee to the client (i want to say maybe 3-5%) in the booking. Some clients may think the fee is charged by the sitter.

Daycare is generally daytime work hours maybe 7/8-5/6pm. Boarding is usually 24 hours, I don't charge extra unless its within a few hours of being an extra day unless a very difficult dog or a stay lasting two days or less. Walking and drop ins are 30 mins. In the winter, I let my walking clients know that if it is too cold outside, the additional time after potty breaks, will be spent inside either playing with the dog, belly/back rubs, etc. Responsible owners will appreciate it as they don't want their dog to hurt their paws and the animal still receives the necessities and receives attention for the entire time.

Make sure you consider certain things before your first client, so you are prepared. If you board, asking pick up and drop off times is ideal. Some people may think they can stay 1 day and 22 hours and it only counts as one night stay. Most are reasonable, some even paying an entire extra day for an extra 3-4 hours past 24-hour mark (on last day) for a tip. Clearing this up, in the beginning, will save stress when comes up on the last day.

I check in about any particular quirks, something they may be more likely to get into/eat, anything they are afraid of, etc. If you are a walker, are there any homes (or even streets) you should not walk past? Sometimes it is just wise to avoid areas that would rile up the dog. If walking or house sitting, might anyone else be there? Two reasons. First, you won't be scared/surprised if you see someone. Second, you will know who is suppose to be around, if your client is out of town.

I am an excellent internet researcher (might be a little stalker-ish, but always used for a useful purpose). That said, even if you only have their Rover name (first name and last initial) and a general idea of where they live you might be able to find them on Facebook, or a google search with as much as you do know. Then you'd have their full name. If you choose to friend them on Facebook, you'd have their actual number number, which may or may not tell you where they live. Usually, their name is enough, at least in my area. My county offers an easy way to search property tax records by either owner's name or address (which would give you their full name). The clients that doesn't work for, I have found either a business address or home address otherwise on the internet. Sounds stalker-ish now that I write it out. But I promise, only for good purposes. No one has been freaked out by a card showing up, just wouldn't explain how and no one has asked.

I always provide my actual cell number to clients, just in case.

As a sitter, I have received some type of tip from roughly 2/3's of my clients. I never expect one, but am always appreciative if it happens. They vary, though. Sometimes if a dog is staying a little later than technically covered on the last day (like picking up 4-6 hours later, if you are strict with the 24 hour/per day stay rule), some clients will have you extend the stay to pay an entire extra day, for the extra time, as a nice tip. I don't charge unless it is more than an added 14-16 hrs, depending on the situation, length for stay, awesomeness of the dog, etc. I also have received baked goods and gift cards.

I also like to give a little goodie bag for stays lasting at least 2-3 days. If you plan ahead of time, it's easy to get some cute items for cheap (a small toy or treat, small treat for the owner (gourmet cookie or nice chocolate bar), if a repeat client, I try to make small personalized items. Shutterfly has the free magnets promotion every once in a while. It's not free as they charge more than you'd expect for shipping, but it comes to maybe $2 a magnet and clients love it. I use a photo from the stay with their name or the year. You can get cheap bags/containers and lots of cheap decorating items or filler items from eBay if you shop early.

I would recommend tipping (as I would in all service situations) but as a sitter, I do not expect them. We accept a fee we set. Factor in an appropriate tip in your pricing, if you must.

If I was your client, I would love a free groom. Even a free bath, I would be thrilled! Great idea if you have the skills. Almost free (besides time) but still offers a great value for the client. The owner will feel better about their pups stay knowing the one on one attention and spa treatment!

I use photos from stays and use them for Shutterfly's 'free item' promos--you do pay more than you would expect for shipping. All good quality items for a good price, even considering shipping. Just don't expect it to be free. When they offer the set of 4 magnets--I usually jump on that. Just about $2 a magnet and it's personalized. I will include a small treat or toy that the dog would like as well as a little treat for the owner (such as a gourmet cookie or nice chocolate bar).

For new guests that are at least a 2-3 night stay, I will give a similar 'goodie bag' minus the personalized item, though. I throw in a small card, stamped with dog images/words/phrases, encouraging them to leave a review. Rarely expected, but very well received. I am rather new and am trying to build a client base as well as great reviews. An extra $4-5 is worth it to me--I would do a little more if it were a regular client on Christmas, but not necessarily for a brand new one. You have to buy the stuff ahead of time to make it a good value. Pick up things on clearance that will last long (like the toys and some treats). Ebay (so many cute dog related items for cheap) and even the dollar store are great places to look.