I have a client that thinks a 36 hr. period is fine for boarding -- i.e., drop off at 9am Saturday and p/u at 5pm Sunday. When I called her on it, because its happening repeatedly and getting longer and longer, she accuses me of being inflexible which is what she liked about me. I tried to explain that working drop offs around her baby's nap schedule, or her husbands work schedule is being flexible. Being expected to watch her dog for 36 hrs. for the same money another pays for 24 hrs. is unfair. She eventually cancelled the booking, and I bet won't contact me again. I saw several postings of similar situations and people made reference to this being on the Rover site. I can't find it. Can anyone tell me where or send me a copy? Appreciate it -- great dog -- would like him back. Thanks!

That would be such a nice feature. If we added notes to a dogs profile maybe there could be an option to "share with other sitters". Course that would mean the last name would have to be added to the dog's....otherwise which Bailey is which??

Also I've found a great urine cleaner and it's right in your closet --pure white vinegar -- right from the bottle. Found this on a dog site: blot spot with thick paper towel -- standing on it and repeat as needed to get as much out as possible. Slowly pour the vinegar into the spot and pour enough for it to go deep into the carpet. Wait 10 minutes. Again blot with paper towels and a newspaper on top (gives more cushion to your weight). Repeat until paper towel barely damp (I turn the newspaper and open and refold, etc.) It then suggests when almost dry to the touch to put a light dusting of baking soda on the spot and let it completely dry then vacuum. WORKS WONDERFULLY -- also for vomit or diarrhea. And vinegar will not fade carpet or fabric (have used on chair a male marked). I had a little trouble with the baking soda in my sun porch -- the carpet is a really tight weave, so the soda left a mark, but I took a dry brush to it and it came out. In that room, I skip that step and haven't noticed any difference. Some dogs have been sniffing around and I thought "oh no, isn't working", but they just walk away....try it. cheap enough if you don't like the results. But don't be stingy on how much use use. I have an area rug in the dining room and have put newspaper and paper towels on top and under for blotting (pt against the rug) and then fresh of each underneath until totally dry so my floors don't get wet. Definitely the down side to our business....

I agree. Its on the bottom of my business card that I give to clients new to Rover at the meet/greet. I stress its for the first booking. I have way too much to keep track of myself to keep after them. Sometimes I think to ask at drop off and if they forgot tell them to call support.

I've been lucky because I never had a scheduled meet/greet do a no show. I've had several requests for boardings not respond to me. When I get an initial request, I check my calendar board to be sure I'm not overly full because I like to control the number small medium large dogs I have and sometimes there's 1-2 ddc thrown in the mix. I then respond if I am available, I'd like to call and discuss further -- I give a couple date/time options for them to chose from and request a cell number because I hate talking on the Rover assigned number because of the echo. I always try to do a chat and then schedule the meet/greet because sometimes you can find out things about the dog(s) before the meet/greet that they will not fit into your home/environment (an example would be a client wanting their dog to be the only one you board -- that doesn't work in my business). I'll give them about 24 hrs. (depending on how far out their booking dates are) to respond. When I hear nothing, I text again that "Are you still in need of a sitter for __; I haven't heard from you about a good time to call you". If another 24 hrs. goes by and still no response, I text for the last time and say "since I haven't heard from you, I have to assume you are not longer interested in my sitting for their dog on (dates) and that unless I hear from them by the end of the day I'll archive this request. Nine out of 10 times I don't hear, and I archive it. I chalk it up to the overall rudeness of society in general these days. How hard would it be to text "my plans changed" or "sorry I found someone else".

If I have a meet and greet while I have visitors, everyone participates. The exception are the very large, very strong visitors. They get to chill in my bedroom or their crate if they have one. Otherwise, everyone joins the fun and its a great benefit to see how the new dog reacts to all different breeds, sizes, sex, etc. so if you have that dog booked and get another request you'll know if it'll work or not. I pull my car out and we meet/greet in the garage. Enough room and no one can escape its the door down. Then each of mine go into the backyard. Once everyone has met the new dog, the new dog and owners join the others in the back yard (can be let off leash to run and pee and play). Once everyones comfy, we all go inside for the same assessment and see how they do in the house. That's when I find out it they're allowed on furniture, ask other questions (or answer them) and watch the people relax to see their pup will be loved, safe and happy. Only a couple times have I turned a family away for incompatibility -- but that's the VALUE of the meet/greet.

I give a goodie bag for new clients only which consists of a thank you note, an all natural treat from the local Pets Supplies Plus and a poop bag holder (I bought clear labels and print my name, phone number and URL on them and stick above the Rover logo and put clear nail polish over it all to give it a better chance of sticking). It's amazing how many people don't even acknowledge the gift, but from the number of repeat clients I've had, I'd say its worth the extra attention.

I've asked them to take the selection for dropping off/pick up times for boarding because it is totally one sided and because noon is convenient for you doesn't mean it is for me or that I don't have another scheduled at noon. I tell my clients we'll talk/text the day before for a time.

Walt you're my hero! I never noticed this..will come in so handy. I assume it stays from booking to booking for the same dog?

Lisa--can you tell me where on Rover it explains that a boarding is 24 hr. period? I'm having trouble with a client and would like to direct their attention to this. They think it's MY rule and I'm unreasonable. Thanks. Please feel free to email me a link if you have it norma.larson@att.net

I was going to ask -- "$50 April promotion for using your promotion card?" I give out my promo card a lot and have never gotten a bonus for it. Can you explain? Where do we find out about these promotions? This is the first I've heard. Thanks all!

what kind of insurance do you have? where did you get it and would you mind sharing the cost? What does it cover? Thanks

I've been burned with the few that there was no time for a meet/greet. Now it's a firm rule. You want this for tomorrow -- you better make time to come over today or find someone else.

I've had a basket chewed by a puppy. A pix to owner requesting repayment was sufficient. I've had a wild dog and another that wouldn't come out of the back yard, picked up by the emergency contact in their profile. Do not hesitate to notify the owner that someone has to come to get the dog NOW.

I have mine set up by miles vs. time. $10 up to 15 miles but within the limits of my community I wave the fee. I did have one lady about 20 miles away and charged her $50 round trip and she was fine with it. Hard to figure - I go high to discourage it, but for 70 miles I'd charge at least $65

I think they changed the archive to decline and archive. You set the number of clients you can handle by category -- 6 walks, 3 drop in, 2 boarders as an example. One should not overlap to the other....I don't know if I'm making sense. Most of the Rover site is less than user-friendly.

I've never had this happen. Did you schedule the meet/greet thru the app? Then it should recognize it. I've some one my schedule right now that have been waiting several weeks because I didn't want the meet/greet too far ahead of the booking so the dogs would forget and Rover never commented.

yeah but if this happened hours before the people left, what about the animals?? Can't just leave the house and shut the door.....thats being between the rock and a hard place.

Great advice and reminder for all of us. I did have it once where the people were procrastinating because they didn't want Rover taking the money out of their account weeks before the booking. Explained like people hotel or airlines. Book it pay for it, or risk losing the spot.

GREAT idea. I'll remember this -- which number did you give them -- the support line?

I'm having that problem now. Clients thinking 36 hrs is an acceptable timeframe for one night of boarding. Can you explain how you handled it. I'm now being accused of "changing the rules". One mentioned extended p/u fee, or I was charging for a doggie day care day. Looking for help. Thx

I'm having trouble with clients that think 36 hours is an acceptable one night boarding time. Drop off 9am and p/u 5pm next day. They are not understanding the 24 hrs. and accusing me of not being flexible. Can you explain the extended pick up time fee you use? Thanks.

I always remind people at the meet/greet to bring their food, bed, crate -- anything they need to feel comfy and at home. I've never been expected to provide food not to mention switching food to any other food risks diarrhea and/or vomiting without sufficient time to wean to the new food.

Thanks for the explanation -- I get it also from one client and thought it odd, cute but odd for a text message. Didn't know how she did it either....

I've had the same problem and it's hit/miss as to who will do it and when. I breeder suggested to me to get boy toddler underpants to use as diapers -- tail can go thru the fly and there's enough room for a disposable pad. I've only used once since suggested and it worked well. Belly bands are better, but expensive. Usually if you catch them and scold/punish somehow, they're done. I've had it at meet/greets (parents are notified, because they're dog doesn't do things like that! haha) and then it's done. But others repeat. I have tried wiping the wall, chair leg etc. (anything NOT fabric) with bleach and that seems to help remove the smell for the next guy. On fabric, pure white vinegar (right from the bottle -- will not fade fabrics) helps. But it's an uphill battle. Downside of this business we've elected!! Good luck!

Did you order the car magnets thru Rover? Wondering about their quality and how strong they are. When they arrive will you please post?

I've also put cards on the windshields when I see dogs in a car in the parking lot somewhere.

I did Vistaprint business cards also and always have a stash with me. When I'm at the pet store and people are walking in/out with their dogs, I say hi and hand them a card. Everyone's very interested. I'm new to Rover, so I don't know if this is bringing in business, but worth it.