Doggy day care near you

Doggy Day Care FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

How do I know if day care is right for my dog?

Day care may be a good option if your dog enjoys companionship, activity, and spending time away from home. Depending on the sitter and care you arrange, day care with a sitter may include supervision, exercise, play, mental stimulation, and opportunities to socialise.

When deciding whether day care is right for your dog, consider:

• How comfortable they are in unfamiliar homes
• Whether they enjoy being around new people
• How they respond to other dogs
• Whether they can relax and rest in a different environment
• How much exercise, play and supervision they need during the day
• Whether changes to their normal routine cause stress

Sitters on Rover may offer day care options for dogs with a range of needs and preferences. Shy or anxious dogs may prefer day care focused on one-to-one human attention. Senior dogs who need more attention may enjoy smaller play groups that some sitters offer.

What is the difference between day care through Rover and a day care facility?

Day care on Rover takes place in the sitter’s home rather than at a commercial day care facility. At a sitter’s home, your dog’s care is arranged directly with an individual sitter. Depending on the sitter, the day may include walks, play, companionship, rest and care based on the routine you agree on together.

Day care facilities generally care for dogs in a commercial space. Their staffing, dog-grouping practices and available spaces will vary by facility.

Neither option is better than the other. Your dog’s unique needs will determine whether they thrive in a home or facility-based setting.

How much supervision will my pet get?

You can coordinate how much supervision you want directly with your sitter. While every sitter’s schedule varies, here are some examples of supervision by pet care service:

• Boarding or doggy day care: Many sitters can provide frequent companionship because they design their day specifically around the pets in their care or work from home.
• House sitting: Your sitter generally stays in your home for the requested duration, which may include overnight care. They may step out briefly to visit other pet clients, but your home remains their primary base.
• Drop-in visits or dog walking: These can be scheduled in 30- or 60-minute windows (and can be shorter or longer at your request) to help your pet receive dedicated attention and care during those specific times.

Interested in constant or 24/7 care? This service often incurs an additional fee but many sitters are happy to discuss this option with you.

Will my sitter send photos and updates while they care for my pet?

If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or toilet breaks occurred, for doggy day care, home visits, and dog walking services. You can also message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available by email or chat if you have concerns.

How are sitters on Rover verified?

Every sitter must complete an identity verification process before listing their services on Rover. This process checks that the sitter’s identity matches their provided documents.

Identity verification doesn't assess a sitter’s experience or suitability for your pet. To see if a sitter is the right fit, you can review each sitter's profile for ratings, verified reviews, repeat pet owner information and care style. We also recommend arranging a Meet & Greet to discuss your pet’s needs and make sure the sitter is the right fit before booking.

For more details, visit our Trust & Safety page.

How do I contact a sitter?

Open a sitter’s profile and select the option to contact them. Before getting in touch, review their availability, rates, experience and reviews. Their profile may also include information about their skills, the services they offer, and what they would like to know about your pet.

Depending on the service you choose, you may be asked to provide the dates and times when you need care. After sending a request, you can message the sitter to introduce your pet, share relevant care details, ask questions, and request a Meet & Greet.

You can contact more than one sitter to compare availability and find the right fit. A booking isn't confirmed until you and the sitter have both agreed to it.

What is the Rover Guarantee and what does it cover?

The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes dedicated customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement programme for eligible veterinary care in the rare event something goes wrong.

All bookings are backed by the Rover Guarantee, which provides up to €25,000 in eligible veterinary care reimbursement.

What is a Meet & Greet?

A Meet & Greet is a casual meeting to vet potential sitters and communicate care needs for peace of mind before a booking begins. Only sitters who've never booked with you before can schedule a Meet & Greet on Rover, but you're welcome to coordinate one in Rover messages with sitters you've previously booked. This can be helpful if you have a new pet or routine you want to go over with your sitter.

Meet & Greets can take place in person or virtually. If you're booking with a sitter for the first time, we recommend in-person Meet & Greets to get a clearer sense of how your sitter interacts with your pet or the new environment.

During the Meet & Greet, you'll have a chance to go through your pet's routine, medical needs and unique quirks. Take the time to ask your sitter questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. A Meet & Greet is a great way to prepare your pet and sitter for longer or first-time bookings. Read our tips for your first Meet & Greet.