One of the most common forms of pet care is drop-in visits. Drop-in visits, also known as pet drop-ins, are a convenient care option in which a pet sitter stops by to provide food, water, exercise, and attention for your pet while you’re away.
A drop-in visit can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of pet and the level of care they need.
The best way to determine if a drop-in visit is enough for your pet is to match:
- Your pet’s needs
- Your schedule or travel plans
- Your pet’s personality or temperament
Keep reading to learn what you can request during a drop-in visit, what to consider when choosing a sitter, and the available alternative services.
What Is a Drop-In Visit for Pets?
Drop-in visits offer a different level of supervision and care than dog walking or house sitting. During the drop-in, you can make requests of your pet sitter, such as:
- Portioning out meals for your pets
- Refilling water bowls or fountains
- Providing toilet breaks for dogs in the garden or around the neighbourhood
- Playing with your pets for mental and physical stimulation
- Helping with exercise, including walks, if enough time has been reserved
- Confirming presence of the pet, particularly cats who like to hide
- Quick grooming tasks, such as brushing or paw wiping
Be clear about what your pet needs during the Meet & Greet. Since drop-ins are booked by time frames, pet sitters generally focus on what can be completed within the scheduled time window. Going through your care instructions step-by-step during the Meet & Greet will help clarify expectations.
Note that if you have additional, bespoke service requests, such as pet transportation or full-service grooming, a sitter may request add-on fees. For peace of mind, don’t forget to ask your sitter to send photo updates showing that your pet’s needs are met.
How Long Is a Drop-In Visit for Dogs and Cats?
On Rover, pet drop-ins start at 30- or 60-minute visits. To ensure your pet’s unique needs are met, choosing the right time window and duration for your drop-in visits is important.
Your introverted or shy cat may appreciate one long 90-minute visit per day to get to know their sitter. Multiple 30-minute visits may startle them at first! On the other hand, if you’re in the office and have a young puppy, you may want two 30-minute visits throughout the day to keep up with their toilet training timeline.
While the length of time can be decided between you and your sitter, the number of drop-in visits you schedule also matters. In general, you can choose between:
- Single drop-in visits for pets who need a quick check-in for meals, toilet breaks, play, or meds. This option is great for low-maintenance cats and pet parents who have long workdays.
- Multiple drop-in visits for pets with an active lifestyle and a consistent routine. Multiple drop-in visits are great for independent pets who can relax while no one is home, or for cats who need more socialisation while their pet parent is away on a long trip.
Pro tip: When deciding on the length of the drop-in, consider how your pet’s personality might interfere with the task. A dog who loves to be chased before putting on their harness may need a 45-minute drop-in rather than a 30-minute one to accommodate their unique personality.
Drop-Ins vs. Dog Walks vs. House Sitting
Combine the length of time you’re away from home with your pet’s needs, routine, and personality to determine if drop-ins are enough for your pet. If you’re gone for a week and you’ve requested multiple drop-in visits or a few hour-long drop-ins, you may want to consider if house sitting or in-home boarding with a sitter may be less stressful.
| Drop-In | Dog Walking | House Sitting | |
| Costs | £-££ | £-££ | ££-£££ |
| Consistent care | No | No | Can be arranged |
| Ideal for | Independent dogs and cats who need to be checked on one to three times a day | Dogs who need a toilet break along with exercise, mental stimulation, or a leisurely stroll | Pets who need all-day care or overnight care while you are away for multiple nights |
| May not suit | Pets with separation anxiety or pet parents who are away for a long-term trip (2+ weeks) | Dogs who need additional care, such as medication, during their check-in | Pets who need midday relief or meals while their pet parent is gone for the day |
| Services that may be available | Meals, water, toilet breaks, play, litter tray clean-up | On-lead walking in your neighbourhood or somewhere close by | Meals, water, toilet breaks, play, litter tray clean-up and added peace of mind for your home |
| Medical services available | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
| Ideal duration | 30 or 60 mins | 30 or 60 mins | A few hours per day to overnight |
You can also ask your prospective pet sitter which service will best mimic your pet’s normal routine. Many pets adjust more easily when their routines are maintained, especially when their favourite person is away.
Note that if a dog walker is taking your dog out with other dogs, they’ll need to ensure the pack is well controlled and that the number of dogs they are walking falls below the limit set by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) from the local council. Ask your walker what their usual protocol is and where they’re planning to walk your dog, and check the local regulations on pack size.
Drop-In FAQs
Do drop-in visits on Rover include dog walks?
If you see a sitter list dog walking and drop-ins on their profile, ask for the difference between the two. You can also ask what tasks are included in your sitter’s drop-in pricing.
Not all drop-in visits include dog walks, but if you have booked enough time, sitters may choose to include walks as part of their drop-in service. Some pet sitters may ask you to book dog walking as a separate service if you want longer walks or have specific requirements for your dog’s walk.
Why are some dog walking rates lower than drop-in visits?
Since service rates are set by sitters and dog walkers, you’ll see a variety of rates based on your area. In some cases, dog walker rates may be lower because a dog sitter or walker will complete a walk. Additional tasks that need to be done at your home, such as feeding or picking up poo in the garden, may be better suited for a drop-in visit instead.
How long do sitters on Rover stay?
Drop-in visits on Rover are offered in 30- and 60-minute increments, but booking windows can be adjusted as needed. When contacting a potential pet sitter through Rover, you and your sitter can agree on how long they will stay with your pet.
Sitters can mark the booking as started upon arrival at your property. Don’t forget to demonstrate how to use a key, code, or special entry door before the booking!
How will sitters enter my home?
Discuss key and access code options with your sitter during the Meet & Greet to understand what works best for your arrangement. Some sitters prefer a physical key, while others will accept lockboxes and digital codes.
Keep in mind that cold weather can affect lockboxes, making them difficult to open or access!
