Has anyone heard of Rover.com?

[Patiod]

I was stuck - our 14 yo dachshund has never been away from his people before (my parents were older and didn't travel, my husband and I moved in to take care of my dad, and it's now our dog).

We are heading out for a week in Key West (our first time away together in 4 years), and couldn't find anyone to take Frank. He's terrified of other dogs, and would not do well in a kennel - all he wants is to sleep in the same room with a person - he follows me around all day from my home office to the kitchen to the bedroom to the TV room - he has a little bed in every room (well, he shares the sofa in the TV room).

I think I actually posted here soliciting opinions about whether he should come with us, and I think most of you encouraged us to leave him home unless we were driving (we're flying).

So I stumbled on "Rover.com" last night - it matches dog sitters with people who don't want to put their dog in a kennel. I found a woman 20 minutes away who works at home, and we're going to go meet her today. For the same price as a kennel, she'll keep Frankie in her house all day - no other pets. Exactly what we want for him. I'll report back after vacation on how it works out.

For the stay-at-home or student dog lovers in its service area, I would think this would be a great way to earn some extra money occasionally. Of course, not every dog will be 14 and sleep all day, but $20-$50 a day isn't bad if the owners provide all the food, toys, etc. (that's the range I saw in Philadelphia)

[KC]

1. That's a

really neat idea. The woman I've used comes to my house and takes mine out morning and evening, but I think I like this idea
almost even more. And since she works at home, the dog isn't alone all day and night. I think it's great too not having any other animals at her house.
I can't wait to hear how it works out !

[Walk away]

2. I make my living as a Doggie Day Care owner and a Pet Sitter.

I have a small network of people in my area that I match up large dogs with as I specialize in Tinies. Please reconsider having you sitter provide food. I recommend that each dog come with his dry food in a zip lock baggie (or small daily baggies in a big one) and any fresh food (like cooked chicken breast) in small baggies enclosed in a larger freezer baggie that can go in the freezer and daily bags can be defrosted one at a time. Your instruction sheet should include exact amounts for day and night feedings, heating instructions if any. Save your Pet Sitter, your Dog and you a nasty case of the runs. Changes can wreak havoc with doggy's digestive system...especially when in a stress situation (even fun is stressful while Mom and Dad are away). Consider buying a few gallons of water if your sitter doesn't filter. I use a whole house water filter for the dogs. Bring your dogs regular treats too. It's no money saver if you have to take our dog to the vet for Flagyl.

[Patiod]

3. Thanks for the advice -- I wasn't clear

I intended to provide the food all along -- I was trying to say that if you're the provider, it's a good deal being paid and NOT having to provide food (as a kennel might)!

We will bring his regular food + extras (biscuits). You make a good point about providing continuity. He needs a new bed, so we'll get it tomorrow so he has time to break it in at home and isn't confronting a new bed as well.

[Walk away]

4. I hope your baby has a great time on vacation (and you as well)! nt

[Curmudgeoness]

5. This really is a nice idea.

I already have a neighbor who takes very good care of my cat at my house, but if I didn't have her, I would check this out.

I might even look into something like this if I can ever retire....for some extra money doing something that I would enjoy.

Glad you made the decision to leave the dog home....I think that the trip may have been too much for your baby. Let us know how this works out.

[Patiod]

6. Thanks!

He has a bad heart - I think the airport and plane ride would NOT be a good thing.

The reason I posted this is because I could picture folks in the DU Pets group making a few extra dollars this way.

[Lisa0825]

7. OMG - I found this old post while searching for something else....

This is AWESOME!!! They also have cat care as an option under "more filters" in the sitter search. I generally am OK leaving my cats alone a few nights as they have each other for company and have all been in good health, but I recently had health issues come up in one and was just thinking about what to do the next time I travel.

I am definitely bookmarking this site!!!