The Basics
As a cat sitter on Rover, I love helping fellow cat owners feel at ease while they’re away. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the process works, so you can understand what to expect as a sitter:
Getting Started on Rover
- Create an Account: To become a sitter, you need to sign up on the Rover website or app. It’s a straightforward process where you’ll provide basic information about yourself and your experience with cats.
- Set Up Your Profile: Your profile is your chance to shine! Share your background with animals, your love for cats, and any special skills or certifications you may have. Include engaging photos of yourself and even some furry friends you’ve cared for in the past.
Getting Noticed by Cat Owners
- Search for Opportunities: Once your profile is set up, cat owners will be able to find you through Rover’s search feature. It’s beneficial to keep your profile updated with recent availability, rates, and services offered.
- Build Trust Through Reviews: As you gain experience and receive reviews from pet owners, your profile will gain visibility. Great reviews can attract more clients, so providing excellent care is key!
Receiving Booking Requests
- Notifications: When a cat owner finds your profile and is interested in your services, you’ll receive a notification through the Rover app.
- Communication: It’s important to communicate clearly and promptly with the owner. You can discuss their specific needs, the cat’s personality, and any particular care instructions they may have.
Meet and Greet
- Schedule a Meet & Greet: Before the actual sitting begins, it’s common to have a meet and greet with the owner and their cat. This is a great opportunity to get to know the pet and ensure everyone is comfortable.
- Ask Questions: Use this time to ask about feeding routines, play preferences, medical needs, and any quirks that might help you care for their cat better.
During the Sitting
- Daily Check-Ins: Depending on the arrangement, you’ll visit the cat daily or stay overnight. Providing daily updates with photos or messages can help reassure the owner that their furry friend is happy and well cared for. I typically see it within a day or two (unless it was a bank holiday). If the client tips you after you have been paid, the payment will come automatically once it process. It will not make you wait until your next booking! I use the direct deposit option and find it the most convenient, quick and easy.
- Emergency Preparedness: Make sure you have the owner’s contact information and the vet’s details in case of an emergency. Being prepared will help you handle any unexpected situations confidently. I always ask to show where is the cat carrier or backpack used to transport kitty in as well.
After the Sitting
- Payment: After the sitting is completed, Rover processes the payment automatically, which is super convenient for both you and the owner.
- Leave Feedback: Once everything is done, leaving a review for the owner is a nice gesture. It helps build their reputation on Rover, just as their feedback helps you!
Benefits of Being a Rover Cat Sitter
- Flexible Schedule: You can choose the days and times that work best for you, allowing you to fit cat sitting around your other commitments.
- Build Relationships: You’ll get to meet a variety of cats, learn about their unique personalities, and form bonds with their owners, which can lead to repeat bookings.
- Trustworthy Environment: Rover helps facilitate safe and trustworthy interactions, ensuring that both sitters and pet owners feel secure throughout the process.
Being a cat sitter on Rover is a rewarding experience, allowing me to share my love for cats while helping others. It’s all about creating a safe and happy environment for our feline friends while giving their owners peace of mind. Start on Rover today and you’ll also get a $20 credit to book a sitter for your own pets. Both Momo and I both approve of cat sitters!