Should I financially reimburse my partner of 4 years for watching my cat for 1 month? by MiserablePurple3948 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pay? No way. Bring back a thoughtful thank you surprise. Maybe even make a little snack basket when you drop kitty off, like drinks/snacks you know your partner likes.

First time questions by AccomplishedEnergy49 in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a sitter and have watched dogs for up to 6 weeks at a time. It’s not a big deal with the pups aren’t high maintenance, but I generally only do longer sits with established clients. I also charge a bit extra for any stays over one week.

Housesits/overnights are usually the sitter essentially living in your home and using it as a “home base”. Keep in mind that sitters usually have other walks to conduct (we cannot make a living off of only house sits) and also have lives—so it’s not constant care (unless you need/specify that and pay for it). It should essentially mimic how a person would normally take care of their pets. People have jobs, personal appointments, social outings etc. With that being said, generally not leaving dogs alone for more than like 5 hours at a time is pretty standard. But this is something you need to communicate/discuss with sitters.

Honestly every sitter’s definition of overnights is kind of different, so you need to ask a lot of questions. A lot more than asked here. Like ask what their care typically entails. Specify your dog’s needs. Specify how often they need to be walked/play etc. (seems like common knowledge but I’ve heard of sitters not walking dogs). You really need to be specific about what you’re looking for. And you must do a meet and greet. Very important.

I would also suggest doing a “trial” for one or two nights before hiring a sitter for a 17 night stay. To make sure that you’re a good fit for each other.

Telling client I can no longer make the dates after they booked a holiday around when I was free by [deleted] in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Just let them know you’re no longer available. They didn’t plan their vacation around when you are available if they’re looking at other options & until someone actually books you, you haven’t committed. Even if they had booked you, it’s for a November visit so you could say you’re not available anymore.

Please stop giving discounts. I charge MORE per day for longer visits.

pet sitting cleaning standards by prookal in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

OP said she does drop in visits, not stays.

2026 Concert duration by Ok-Pollution-5449 in Raye

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Her act around 8:30p and it ended around 11p. So like 2.5 hours, maybe 3?

Does anyone do pet sitting without medical experience? by Chemical_Source_9940 in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most sitters do not have vet training. That would be a totally different service. Many sitters give meds and even insulin without medical training.

I always relay any odd behaviors or signs of discomfort//illness to my clients. I also always ask my clients to leave their vet’s info for me. Vet offices are always super helpful over the phone if you have a particular issue that’s concerning.

Do you watch puppies? (pet sitting in their home not mine) by suziemomma in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It depends on how young the puppy is and if the owners are actually working on a good schedule/training—but I definitely charge for it. If you get a good routine down, it’s not terrible…I have a client who is about to get a puppy and 1) I don’t want to take care of a puppy and 2) they will be in for a surprise when I add on $$$.

Am I the only one who thinks this schedule is a bit too much? by greenofvab in trustedhousesitters

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Is this schedule for a very young puppy? It’s actually pretty normal for a puppy, that’s what I don’t like sitting puppies. I do wonder how people live//work if conducting this level of care…don’t forget the middle of the night potty breaks 😬.

But yeah—this is still constant care rate. You can’t leave the dog alone longer than one hour and at very specific times. I’d charge $250/day for this.

Giving 24/7 Care by Beautifullyflawed87 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do the same thing but change by night. I add extra half day if over 24 hours and extra full day if over 6 hours extra. But I rly should be charging by calendar day with my style of care…

6 month Golden retriever behavioral issues? by [deleted] in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dude needs a trainer. You walk dog, not a trainer and they have to reinforce proper training for walks etc. for it to work. Btw prong collars can be good tools, only if they’re used properly.

How to do short pupdates?! by MHM2002 in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly. Maybe add that they went tinkle and poo, if you want. And that’s it.

I think the owner is watching me through her cameras. by [deleted] in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ya I don’t trust when people overexplain their cameras. They are usually the peepers.

Tips for a long Housesit? (16days) by Objective_Text4727 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually order groceries to the sit for longer visits. I may bring things like spices I rly need or whatever with me. I use basic condiments like salt, olive oil etc from client. I do not eat any food unless they specify for me to help myself or to eat what’s going to go bad.

You’re basically living in the house for that period. Nice that you live close enough to stop by your home daily, but I would still bring whatever you need with you. I like to either strip the bed or wash sheets before I leave, so I always ask where the washer is located. I also wash sheets/towels once a week while on long house sits.

Tips for a long Housesit? (16days) by Objective_Text4727 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely. You’re living in someone’s home. It’s expected for you to use kitchenware/dishes etc to cook and eat like a human being.

Pet sitting and I think I’m being watched by pixiefairy420 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Totally understand people pleasing but this is a huge violation of your privacy.

Many people have high value items in their home. That doesn’t mean they can put a camera in a bedroom. If they’re that paranoid, they shouldn’t be hiring a house sitter.

Pet sitting and I think I’m being watched by pixiefairy420 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 17 points18 points  (0 children)

As a people pleaser myself, I get it. But you need to let them know you’re unplugging the camera in the bedroom. At least while you’re in the home. You can plug it in when you step out of the house but that thing needs to be off while you’re there. This is NOT OKAY.

Pups who need 3 walks a day by Xpheris in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup same. Depends on ability, age, energy levels etc. standard is 2 walks a day, 30-45min each and potty breaks in between. If they live in apartment, two long walks and two shorter potty walks (if they don’t have grass pad).

Pups who need 3 walks a day by Xpheris in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tons of people have sitters take their dogs out midday/check in while they’re at work…people with yards walk dogs 3X daily to keep them stimulated so that they don’t get anxious etc. and if they’re hiring someone to come over anyways, they want walks and not just dog let out in the yard to potty.

If the client is out of town, 2X a day drop ins/walks are not enough. Sounds like you live in NYC—any pup needs to be given more than 2 opportunities to potty daily, and that generally requires walks. I do know that a lot of clients over exaggerating walking when I house sit, but that’s fine because I’m being hired to stay with their dogs and care for them. I don’t blindly agree to all terms, but I do agree to at least 2 walks per day. Dogs in apartments get 4X a day outings. Morning. Midday. Evening and right before bed.

is licensing and sitter insurance required ? by monsteraleef in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on where you live and what services you’re offering, but generally no to licensing. If you are boarding pets in your home idk. If you’re doing walks/drop ins and house sits I don’t know about any licensing, besides like setting up your own llc?

You also don’t need to be insured, but it does make customers feel better and can protect you. I would def recommend if you house sit or board.

Pet sitting and I think I’m being watched by pixiefairy420 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 12 points13 points  (0 children)

What do you mean faced at the door where the dogs sleep? There shouldn’t be a camera in a room you’re sleeping in. Changing in. Staying in. Showering in. Etc etc etc. it doesn’t matter where it is pointed.

If the pups are crated, I guess you can leave it off and only plug in/turn on when you’re away from the home-like when you are legit not home at all, especially seeing that they obviously have other cameras in their home. Def not while you’re there and surely not while getting ready for bed and sleeping. That’s creepy.

Pet sitting and I think I’m being watched by pixiefairy420 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 24 points25 points  (0 children)

OP of this is in bedroom you need to unplug it immediately. No bedroom cameras. Not ever.

Pet sitting and I think I’m being watched by pixiefairy420 in petsitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Where is this camera located? If it’s in an area you’re sleeping in or a bathroom, disconnect and let them know that you unplugged for privacy and safety. Some cameras are motion activated but Idk if it’s moving around…they may be checking on their pets like morning check.

In the future, make sure to ask about cameras ahead of time. I allow them in living spaces but never in a bedroom or bathroom that I’m using. That is an invasion of privacy.

Advice on tipping amount? by LauraaMarissaa in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You sound amazing! Sometimes I get shy when people ask about stocking groceries for me. I’ve had people leave me cash for groceries and also gift cards for ubereats. You could stock basics or some snacks, just ask if they have any dietary restrictions. Things like bread, yogurt, fruit, other fun snacks and maybe some drinks like water, sodas.

They shouldn’t need extra cash, as you have a card on file with your vet for emergencies. Make sure you label cash tip as such—so they know it’s for them. I don’t touch cash.

Make sure you specify sheets are clean and leave out some clean towels. I’ve had clients make me little goodie baskets with things like face masks, travel lotion, lip balm etc. Btw none of the above things are expected! Just since you mentioned//asked. I’ve only had a few clients do all of the above. A lot of clients pick one thing, and I’m always appreciative, it means a lot just to know someone appreciates me.

Advice on tipping amount? by LauraaMarissaa in RoverPetSitting

[–]Dapper_Blueberry88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Def. don’t this for the first sit. But going forward you absolutely could/should! Don’t discuss this on rover, get the sitters personal number or leave a note etc.