Long term dog boarding

Long-Term Dog Boarding FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

Is in-home dog boarding better for my dog while I’m away?

Research that home-like environments support a dog’s wellbeing. Whether it’s fewer dogs, cosy environments, or one-to-one attention, in-home boarding can support an environment dogs are most familiar with.

On Rover, you can search for sitters who accept fewer dogs and provide one-to-one attention to limit your dog’s stress in a new place.

Will someone stay with my dog 24/7?

Some sitters may offer round-the-clock (24/7) dog care. Sometimes called constant care, sitters who offer this service are great options for puppies, older dogs, pets with medical needs or dogs with separation anxiety. Not all sitters include this in their listed rate, so mention "24/7 care" when you contact a sitter regarding their availability and experience.

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 poo breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available for dedicated customer support by email or chat if you have concerns.

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

What are my boarding options if my dog has special needs?

Many sitters note experience with special needs care, including administering medication, offering solo boarding, or caring for senior dogs. A good dog sitter will also provide cute photos and care updates to give you peace of mind. Read sitter profiles for their qualifications and experience.

Are there discounts for longer boarding bookings?

Each sitter sets their own boarding rates. While a discount is not automatically included with every booking, some sitters offer different pricing for longer bookings. You can find this information listed under their rates on their profile under ‘Bookings of 1 night or more’.

Before booking, enter the full booking dates to see the estimated price and message the sitter if you have questions about how their rates apply to a longer booking.

What happens in an emergency or if a sitter cancels?

Emergency support is available by phone or email in English, French, German, and Spanish from Mon-Sat 9am to 6pm. When an incident occurs, we recommend that sitters contact our Trust & Safety team immediately so that they can connect your sitter with a qualified vet or offer other resources to help.

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

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.

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.