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Overnight Dog Boarding FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

How is boarding in a sitter’s home different from a traditional kennel?

When you book dog boarding on Rover, your dog stays overnight in a sitter’s home. A traditional kennel or boarding facility typically cares for dogs in a commercial setting, often with multiple staff members and a set daily schedule.

The environment and care arrangements in a sitter’s home vary by sitter. Some sitters may accept only one client’s pets at a time, while others may care for several dogs. Review each sitter’s profile and arrange a Meet & Greet to ask about resident pets, other dogs, supervision, sleeping arrangements, exercise, medication, and the sitter’s home environment.

Consider your dog’s normal routine, comfort around other animals, supervision needs and preferred environment. Whether you choose home boarding or a kennel, confirm what care is included and how your dog’s needs would be handled before booking.

What type of dog boarding experiences are available?

You can find personalised dog boarding care on Rover based on your dog’s needs, a sitter’s experience, home environment, and the dogs they might accommodate. When sending a request to a sitter, ask if they offer a specific boarding arrangement. You can ask if sitters offer:

• puppy-only boarding
• solo or single-dog boarding
• senior dog boarding
• anxious or reactive dog boarding
• separation anxiety dog boarding
• boarding for multiple pets from the same household
• activity-focused boarding
• luxury-style boarding

Some sitters may include additional enrichment options or extra comforts. For example, activity-focused boarding sitters may advertise more exercise opportunities, like hikes and runs. Luxury-style boarding may offer more premium care, such as a dedicated room, TV, or more one-on-one attention. Browse profiles and ask sitters about their services to find the right fit.

These are not standardized categories offered by every sitter. Specialized arrangements or additional services may be priced differently from the sitter’s standard boarding rate.

Will my sitters 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 poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.

The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.

How do I know a sitter on Rover is experienced and reliable?

On Rover, pet sitters in the US report an average of 13-14 years of experience for dog and/or cat care. Sitters must also pass a background check before they are listed with us. You can confirm a sitter’s identity verification by looking for the blue or gold badge on their profile. Most sitter profiles include verified reviews from local pet parents, star ratings, and repeat pet parent booking rates.

Additionally, every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 in eligible vet care reimbursement and 24/7 phone support in English.

For extra peace of mind, schedule a Meet & Greet before booking to get to know your potential sitter.

How should I prepare my dog for their first boarding stay?

Before the first stay, arrange a Meet & Greet so your dog(s) can meet the sitter and you can discuss their usual routine, feeding, medication, behaviour, supervision needs, vet details and emergency contacts. Ask the sitter whether they need vaccination records or any other information before drop-off.

Bring enough of your dog’s regular food and medication for the stay, with clear written instructions, along with any agreed essentials and a familiar item such as their bed, blanket or toy. If your dog is nervous in new environments, ask whether a short trial stay would be helpful before a longer booking.

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 have never booked with you before can schedule a Meet & Greet on Rover; however, you are welcome to coordinate one in Rover messages with sitters you have 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 are 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 will have a chance to walk 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. Meet & Greets are a great way to prepare your pet and sitter for longer stays or first-time bookings. Read our tips for your first Meet & Greet.

What is Rover Guarantee and what does it cover?

Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes 24/7 customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement program 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 happens in an emergency or if a sitter cancels?

Emergency support is available by phone or email in English 24/7. When an incident occurs, we recommend that sitters contact our Trust & Safety team immediately so that they can connect your sitter with a board-certified veterinarian or offer other resources to help.

If a sitter needs to cancel at the last minute, Rover’s reservation protection means our team will work with you to find a suitable replacement as quickly as possible.