I have been boarding my dog Rudy (miniature Schnoodle) through Rover since 2020. Been using a professional dog handler who boards up to 20 dogs of all sizes. Never have had an issue. It’s like camp for Rudy. I wanted to be more careful this year (due to mysterious dog illness) and find a sitter with fewer dogs, which led me to Martha and her lovely Lab, Bodie. Our meeting was delightful. Never a mention of other dogs. Rudy was very relaxed with Bodie. Martha was very good with Rudy. I immediately booked in early December. At 10:00 am on Dec 21, I texted Martha to confirm my drop off around 6 pm. At approximately 1pm, Martha responded to my text saying that I could bring Rudy earlier and then at 2:30 texted “ I want you to know that I will have two other dogs here. They have both had the most recent dog influenza shot.” (Note: Cancellation deadline was 12:00). I had no knowledge of these 2 dogs. Was concerned about the last minute text but was trusting Martha’s judgement in ensuring Rudy would be in a safe, comfortable, relaxing environment. When we arrived around 5:30 p.m., there were 2 large breed dogs….a large German Shepherd breed and a Bull Terrier…..both having at least a 50 lb advantage over Rudy. One immediately started humping Rudy. Took 2 guys and Martha to get him off, which began a growling standoff. Martha explained it was a just a dominance thing. The Bull Terrier would not let Rudy alone. Not nipping him, but overpowering him to the point Rudy got scared, which began a growling standoff and the gentleman needing to put the pittie in his kennel. Rudy was clearly unhappy. Martha kept assuring me that it was going to be fine and they needed to get used to each other. I was trying to trust Martha to the point of leaving Rudy with her! Rudy was barking and did not want us to leave. Again, not typical behavior from him! My bad for doing that to my sweet Rudy. I know enough about the unpredictability of dogs and how they can get hurt even playing given the difference in physical size. Martha’s non-concern for the potential danger worried me. I had a friend go pick up Rudy first thing next morning. Martha reported to Rover that I cancelled because I was uncomfortable with the situation and that the dogs were fine had been together for 24 hosts and even playing. Truth is, Rudy was there for 12 hours…6pm to 8am. Why the dishonesty? Martha had every opportunity to let me know, in advance, that she was going to take on 2 large dogs that she had no idea would get along with my dog. I could have then made a decision to book elsewhere. I would never have agreed to such a mismatch. Martha’s response to my concern was “I am under no obligation to tell you.” Her words exactly! I feel Martha was dishonest and not forthcoming with information that was crucial to Rudy’s safety and wellbeing. Did she purposely wait until 1 hour after the cancellation period expired to notify me of the other 2 dogs? I don’t know? She is, however, charging me the cancellation fee. And, assuming no responsibility! This appears to be similar to another complaint on this site where Martha was not forthcoming about medicating a client’s dog. And, similarly, Martha assumed no responsibility!

Martha was so amazing for the entire duration of our pups stay! It was the first time our dog had been away from the family, but she sent photos and kept us updated the whole stay. She was accommodating with flight cancellations and unforeseen issues as well which was also very helpful. Our dog came back a happy camper last night and we could tell he had a good time :) Thanks Martha!!