I also would like to meet other sitters in my area. I think this is a good idea and could be good for everyones business.

Since Baxter was a rescue and you were probably his main caregiver he might be mad at you. Give him some time and don't force him. I think he will come around. This was his first experience being away from you. Even if he was happy he probably still missed you.

I operated a small kennel with my sister for 2 1/2 years. We charged $10/night. It was a lot of work cleaning the kennels everyday and the bedding. The dogs were let out 3 times a day starting at 6:30 am and them fed at 8am. I now live in a different state and do home and traveling sitting. I started my business last March. I only accept 2 dogs at a time in my home usually from the same family. I am making about the same amount of money as my sister is working her butt of at the kennel. My customers want to know that their dogs are sitting on my lap, playing ball in my backyard,laying on my couch and being cuddle and loved. I have 5 furbabies of my own and most of the guest I have had fit in with my gang really well. They bring their babies here because they don't want them in a kennel while they are on vacation. But again it depend on your location. I would suggest that you buy something that can be used for another use temporarily before you build a permanent kennel in your garage and see how much business you get. Or put in 2 kennels at first. Maybe use kennel panels. Whatever you decide good luck.

I only have a 70% rating on photo's posted. Some of my customers have told me in person that they do not want photo's posted to Rover even though Rover requests them. That makes my standing lower. I have pictures of all my stays. I take them for my own welfare. They go in the dogs folder and just in case, heaven forbid the dog would get lost I have immediate access to a recent picture. Also some of them are just so darn cute. But even if you miss a repeat customer picture they count that. It also is hard to get some of your customer to write reviews even if they are pleased with your service.

I didn't raise my main fee but raised the fee for additional dogs. I noticed in my area that I was lower than anyone else when it came to the second dog. You can always adjust your rate if it is a regular customer and you don't want to charge them as much.

I was also worried about not giving a stellar review for my clients. I felt that I needed to know for future reference but was concerned that the owner might take it the wrong way. I am glad to know that they are not shared.