WARNING - Dog Sitting App 'Rover' and others like it - Page 1

This is a warning to all dog owners who consider leaving their dog with someone.  Everyone should investigate and visit any location they would consider leaving their dog, BEFORE doing so.  A recent news story highlights the need to be diligent, as dog-sitting apps seem to be the new way for some people to find a place to leave their dog. I know that most people who visit this site would say "'duh', that's a given to check out a place in person", and be discriminating in where we leave our dogs, but if only one person who reads this thinks about where they leave their dog the next time then this warning will be worth it.

https://globalnews.ca/news/5886172/vancouver-family-app-dog-sitter-loses-pet/

Koots, it's truly an epidemic. I would hazard a guess that most missing dogs were "lost" by sitters or similar, found through apps or no. It's a tale as old as time.

Years ago I left a dog with a friend/co-worker who also had a GSD. She managed to lose my dog not once but TWICE in a matter of a few days. I kept getting calls because he had tags with my number. The second time I had a different friend go get him. The original sitter said I was being "silly" and of course she could watch my dog safely. Sigh....

People just don't manage dogs the way they are asked to and they have a serious problem reading instructions.

This is the reason I hire an in-house assistant when I need to travel a lot.

I have had the good fortune to have dog sitters for many years who have lived in my home. That is the way to go without doubt.

As for Rover, I agree that it is not a good idea to send your dog some place else with someone else. However, I have used Rover. I advertised that I wanted the person to live in my house and have experience with either GSDs or other large dogs. Candidates came to my house, I interviewed each, saw how they interacted with my dogs in the house and in the backyard. How they played with them. I also checked references. I was very happy with the lady I selected.

Moral of the story, Rover can work for you, but you must do your homework. And do not accept anything other than a person who will live in your house while you are gone.