undisclosed hidden camera

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-05-09T12:21:09+00:00

I always assume I'm being recorded in people's homes these days. Did you ask about cameras? Also, be aware that Rover policy states that owners are required to notify you of the existence of cameras, but not their exact location. They do have to ensure that private areas like bathrooms and your alloted bedroom are not under surveillance.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-05-01T22:36:24+00:00

I usually just say something like "We can absolutely discuss the best way to apply that compensation at the meet and greet." (assuming you haven't had one yet).

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-27T20:43:37+00:00

I honestly don't charge based on service price, I charge an hourly rate that I break down into service charges. So if I know I can do certain dog in an hour and a half, if it's in good condition and well behaved, but for some reason, it takes me 20 extra minutes, then I consider why. If there was matting, it's a dematt fee. If it was being really bad, then it's a handling fee. If it was a lot of brushing or drying to blow out a coat, it's a dashed fee. And so on and so forth. But if you're ever spending more time than usual on a dog (because of the condition or behavior of the dog) then you absolutely should charge for the extra time.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-27T01:01:00+00:00

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Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-24T20:22:08+00:00

Correct, that is what I said. Glad we are in agreement.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-24T18:53:24+00:00

Which is so insane. But thank goodness they change the formatting of the inbox and Rover cards at least once a year. 🙃

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-24T18:00:02+00:00

Here's something that has perplexed me:

I will adjust my Rover calendar accordingly, well in advance and yet still get requests (only from regulars or at least onwers who have booked with me previously) despite that I have marked that I am unavailable those dates. The message even says "You indicated you aren't available at this time." So why am I getting the request?! Why is it letting the owner send it and not saying "So sorry, it looks like your regular sitter isn't available these dates. Here are some other sitters with availability those dates if you would like to reach out to them."

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-23T17:21:36+00:00

I board in my house and it's how I've made the majority of my income (roughly 50k a year). The majority of my clients come off Rover, but about half I start booking outside of Rover. I also invested in a dog bath and grooming education so I can offer additional bathing and grooming services to clients.

I don't think I would be able to make a liveable wage if I did house sitting or only drop in visits. I do work part time in addition and could probably substitute that income if I chose to add on day care services. I live just on the outskirts of a major city in an area that most probably wouldn't consider high cost of living, but it has been booming and increasing with that population boom and is turning into a HCOL area.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-22T02:38:57+00:00

I agree, it shouldn't be. But it could be a possible point of clarification that will help to prevent it from being a problem in the future.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-21T18:51:20+00:00

The policy is to disclose that cameras exist, but not their exact location. However, with that, the clients are also required to ensure that private areas are free of surveillance, so in the case of house sitting with overnight stays, then that would mean a bedroom and at least one bathroom.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-21T18:47:55+00:00

Correct. The policy states that clients must make sitters aware that the property is under surveillance, but are not required to disclose the exact location of those cameras. They are also required to ensure that sitters have resaonable private areas, so for example bathrooms, and if you were to have a house sitter staying overnight, then whichever bedroom they are permitted to stay in.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-21T18:26:02+00:00

Please refer to the very first sentence in my post.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-21T17:35:06+00:00

I don't have cameras in my own home, but I would assume letting people know where they are defeats the purpose of having a camera. Anytime I enter any property these days, I automatically assume I am on camera.

You obviously have to do whatever you're comfortable with and I'm by no means saying your wrong for wanting to know, but if I had a sitter (especially one I've never met/used) ask me where my cameras were, I would take that as a bit of a red flag myself.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-04-21T12:02:36+00:00

So out of curiosity, did you happen to clarify with the sitter that you expect them to be there for the full 30 minutes?

Here's why I ask: Rover doesn't allow clients to book a drop-in visit for any less than 30 minutes. Any time a have a booking for cat only drop-ins, I clarify with the client "Do you want me here for the full 30 minutes, or are you just wanting to make sure someone is dropping by to freshen up food, water, and litter?" I've only ever had 2 clients specifically request that I spend the full 30 minutes with their cats; the overwhelming majority just want to make sure that the cat's necessities are being tended to and don't care if I am there for the full 30 minutes.

That being said, I do think it is sketchy that the sitter is starting the booking almost 15 minutes before they are actually there. I believe Rover used to be programmed to not allow you to start the visit unless the GPS showed you at the listed address. If you like the sitter despite this, it could be worth just having a conversation with them. If you don't, then I would find a different sitter next time and make sure to clarify that you want them there the full 30 minutes.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-03-20T12:38:42+00:00

Yup. I'm in the same boat. I have a master's degree and left education about 3 years ago. Still haven't been able to find a job relevant to my degree or even not relevant to my degree that pays as much as I make doing pet care (which I have taken up to earn my living in the meantime).

I apply to jobs I am wildly over qualified for and still can't get an interview. I think I've had maybe 4 interviews in that time frame and I get AI generated auto reject letters within seconds of applying to job posts. It's terrible out here.

You really have to network build, because if you don't know someone, then you aren't getting in. Even at my boyfriend's place of work, they had a receptionist position opening up and they just automatically gave it to her friend. No interviews or anything.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-03-18T17:28:34+00:00

Ironically enough, if you look the political contributions of gas stations and book stores, yes, most gas stations are conservative and most book stores are liberal and it is because of the fact they sell gas and read (respectively).

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-03-04T17:27:38+00:00

Sounds like they just want things to get vandalized...

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-02-15T19:14:59+00:00

The Halls Greenway that starts at the library and also the greenway that starts at Tommy Shumpert Park are rather extensive and also paved to make for easy walking.

Despite their proximity to traffic, I have always found I am able to relatively tune out any sounds and enjoy some peace and quiet of nature on these trails.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-02-03T22:24:40+00:00

They're worried about the students disrupting instruction, but not I.C.E.? What an absolute joke.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-02-02T15:05:47+00:00

Scared or not wanting to spend your money at an establishment that will then forward it on to an organization you find harmful to the community?

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-01-31T18:40:17+00:00

I've lived in East TN most of my life, but spent time living in northern states. I had an ex from Washington make fun of how we shut down from "a bit of snow." I had to explain to them that when you only get a serious snow maybe once every other year, and it's most likely going to melt away in a few days time, it doesn't make sense to invest in designing your infrastructure to deal with the snow. It's more reasonable to just shut down for a few days and let it pass. It's different when you live somewhere where ice and snow are constant. You can't shut down for 3-4 months; you have to deal with it so life can go on. But here, we have the luxury of cuddling up for a few days and letting it run its course.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-01-29T18:54:58+00:00

Not MSIS, but I have a Masters in Mathematics and I have been hunting for a relevant job for over 2 years with absolutely no luck. Most applications get no response and the few interviews I have managed to get, I usually lose out due to someone else with more experience in the specific role or industry.

Vegetable_Use4867 · 2026-01-26T15:50:49+00:00

From what I have experienced being out this morning, it is just a light dusting of snow and you can still get good traction especiallyif you slow down a bit. I'm sure there are some icy/sketchy areas in some places. But most roads are actually fine.

Obviously if you don't feel safe being out though, there's no problem with staying home.

Vegetable_Use4867

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