This option is ideal for pets with medical needs, multi-pet households, and cats (who often prefer to stay in a familiar environment). Unlike a drop-in visit, where the sitter simply pops over to the house once or twice a day to check in, housesitting requires an overnight stay.

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Pet Boarding

Boarding your pet overnight is a popular option for those who travel. Kennels, pet hotels, and other professional boarding facilities have a rotating staff that cares for dogs at all hours. You might also choose to board your dog at a sitter’s home, where they can receive ongoing love and care as well.

Social dogs that enjoy new people and pups may thrive at a boarding facility, but pets who prefer solitude will find this a challenge. If you’re boarding your pet with a sitter, it’s important to ask about resident animals in the home as well as other boarders.

Services may include:

• Daily meals
• Outdoor and indoor exercise
• Playtime with other pets
• Administering medication
• Comfortable spots to lounge and sleep
• Add-on services such as grooming, baths, and swimming

Since cats traditionally prefer their own home and may become stressed with other pets, it’s usually best to avoid boarding for feline companions.

Dog Daycare

Whether you’re bogged down at the office or enjoying a day trip, chances are your dog will crave extra attention when you’re not around. Daycare gives your pup the chance to play, socialize, and be cared for during busy days. Unlike boarding, daycare is not an overnight service; it requires a drop-off and pick-up on the same day.

Services may include:

• Outdoor and indoor exercise
• Playtime with other pets
• Add-on services such as grooming, swimming, and training

In addition to professional dog daycare facilities, some pet sitters offer in-home daycare too. This can be a good option for pets who might do better in smaller groups or calmer home environments.

Drop-In Visits

Quick drop-in visits are an efficient way to give your pet some love on longer days. During a drop-in, a sitter will stop by for a visit (lasting 30 or 60 minutes through Rover) once or twice a day. For dogs, this might include a potty break, some playtime, and fresh food and water. For cats, it may mean fresh food and water, a clean litterbox, and pets.

Services may include:

• Daily meal(s)
• Letting dog outside
• Cleaning litter box
• Playtime and pets
• Add-on services such as dog walking or additional time (i.e., upgrading from a 30-minute visit to a 60-minute visit)

While this option might suit dog parents who are just away from home for a couple of extra hours, drop-ins are a great option for cat guardians who are gone for a few days. Easygoing, healthy adult cats are usually just fine with care once a day to ensure they have access to fresh food and a clean box.

Dog Walking

Adopting a dog is a big commitment, and maintaining a consistent walking routine can be difficult when life gets busy. Fortunately, professional dog walkers help ensure your pup gets the exercise they need in your absence. Unlike a drop-in visit, which focuses on basic care (i.e., food and potty breaks), dog walking is all about keeping your pet active.

This service typically includes a long walk, though some sitters may also offer extra options like providing meals or playtime. Keep in mind that some dog walkers handle multiple dogs at once, so if your pup prefers solo attention, be sure to choose a one-on-one walker.

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Board & Train

Pet parents seeking help with obedience training or reactive behaviors may consider a board and train program, where dogs stay overnight with a professional trainer. While typically more expensive than other forms of pet care, this option focuses specifically on your dog’s needs and can be well worth the investment for those seeking expert help in building healthy habits.

Choosing the Right Type of Service

The duration you need pet care, along with your pet’s specific needs, will determine the type of service that works best for you. Some pet parents only use sitters occasionally (such as during a vacation), while others rely on regular care through dog walking or drop-in visits. Depending on your pet’s temperament, routine, and health, certain types of pet care may work better than others.

Cats

Generally, cats are creatures of habit, which means they can become stressed and anxious at any sign of change. It’s usually best to keep a cat in their own environment, which means hiring a house sitter or drop-in sitter for your cat. Certain cats may be okay to board at a cat-specific facility or in the quiet, pet-free home of a trusted sitter.

Puppies

Leaving your puppy is no easy feat! While some pups are just fine staying at a boarding facility by 4 to 6 months of age, others may find a kennel overwhelming. You might consider hiring a house sitter to stay with your puppy if you plan to be away from home for a longer duration, or try out dog daycare to help teach positive socialization.

Shy and anxious dogs

Being away from an anxious dog can be stressful for both human and canine. Before booking an overnight stay, consider how your dog handles new people, pets, and environments. Visiting a boarding facility and speaking with the staff can help you determine if it’s a good fit. If your dog prefers familiar surroundings, hiring an in-home sitter may be a better option.

Reactive and pet-selective dogs

A reactive pup, or one that struggles with other pets, may fare best with one-on-one care. This can include booking a pet sitter to stay in your home if you’re traveling, or ensuring that your dog walker knows your dog’s specific triggers before taking them for a stroll.

High-energy dogs

Social, high-energy dogs will have a field day playing with other pups at daycare. These dogs often enjoy the excitement of boarding overnight at a facility or in a sitter’s home. However, even the most outgoing dogs benefit from proper socialization and basic training before being placed in a multi-pet environment.

Choosing a Professional Pet Sitter

It can feel daunting to trust someone new with your pet. Platforms like Rover offer a plethora of certified caretakers, each with a different set of skills or certifications. Though location and rates are important when finding the right sitter, it’s important to look into the following too:

• Check a sitter’s profile for a certified background check and any specific pet-care licensing/certifications
• Look for reviews from pet parents with similar pets, and don’t be afraid to ask for references!
• Request a Meet & Greet with a sitter before booking to assess their willingness to get to know your pet, as well as how your pet responds

It can feel like a lot of work to find just the right care fit for your pet—but figuring out just what they need is worth it for the peace of mind of knowing your pet is in good, loving hands.

One of the most common forms of pet care is drop-in visits. Drop-in visits, also known as pet drop-ins, are a convenient care option where a pet sitter stops by to provide food, water, exercise, and attention for a pet while you’re away.

A regular drop-in visit can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes long, depending on the type of pet and level of care they need.

The best way to determine if a drop-in visit is enough for your pet is to match:

• Your pet’s needs
• Your schedule or travel plans
• Your pet’s personality or temperament

Keep reading to learn what you can request during a drop-in visit, considerations when choosing a sitter, and available alternative services.

What Is a Drop-In Visit for Pets?

Drop-in visits offer a different level of supervision and care than dog walking or house sitting. For a peace of mind, request your sitter to provide a photo update to show your pet’s needs are taken care of.

During the drop-in, you can make requests of your pet sitter, such as:

• Portioning out meals for your pets
• Refilling water bowls or fountains
• Providing potty breaks for dogs in the backyard or around the block
• Playing with your pets for mental and physical stimulation
• Helping with exercise, including walks, if enough time has been reserved
• Confirming presence of the pet, particularly cats who like to hide
• Quick grooming tasks, such as brushing or paw wiping

Be clear about what your pet needs during the Meet & Greet. Since drop-ins are booked by time frames, pet sitters generally focus on what can be completed within the scheduled time window. Going through your care instructions step-by-step during the Meet & Greet will help communicate expectations clearly.

Note that if you have additional, bespoke service requests, such as pet transportation or full-service grooming, a sitter may request add-on fees.

How Long Is a Drop-In Visit for Dogs and Cats?

On Rover, pet drop-ins start at 30 or 60-minute visits. To make sure your pet’s unique needs are met, choosing the right time window and length for your drop-in visits is important.

Your introverted or shy cat may appreciate one long 90-minute visit per day to get to know their sitter.  Multiple 30-minute visits may startle them at first! On the other hand, if you’re in the office and have a young puppy, you may want two 30-minute visits throughout the day to keep up with their potty training timeline.

While the length of time can be decided between you and your sitter, the amount of drop-in visits you schedule also matters. In general, you can choose between:

• Single drop-in visits for pets who need a quick check-in for meals, potty, play, or meds. This option is great for low maintenance cats and pet parents who have long work days.
• Multiple drop-in visits for pets who have a more active lifestyle and consistent routine. Multiple drop-in visits are great for independent pets who can relax while no one is home or cats who need more socialization while their pet parent is gone for a long trip.

Pro tip: When deciding on the length of the drop-in, factor in how your pet’s personality might interfere with a task. A dog who loves to be chased before putting on their harness may need a 45-minute drop-in rather than 30 to accommodate their unique personality.

Drop-Ins vs. Dog Walks vs. House Sitting

Combine the length of time you’re away from home with your pet’s needs, routine, and personality to determine if drop-ins are enough for your pet. If you’re gone for a week and you’ve requested multiple drop-in visits or a few hour-long drop-ins, you may want to consider if house sitting or in-home boarding with a sitter may be less stressful.

You can also ask your prospective pet sitter which service will mimic your pet’s normal routine best. Many pets adjust more easily when their routines are maintained, especially when their favorite person is away.

Drop-In FAQs

Do drop-in visits on Rover include dog walks?

If you see a sitter list dog walking and drop-ins on their profile, ask for the difference between the two. You can also ask what tasks are included in your sitter’s drop-in pricing.

Not all drop-in visits include dog walks but, if you have booked enough time, sitters may choose to include walks as part of their drop-in service. Some pet sitters may request you to book dog walking as a separate service if you want longer walks or have specific requirements for your dog’s walk.

Why are some dog walking rates lower than drop-in visits?

Since service rates are set by sitters and dog walkers, you’ll see a variety of rates based on your area. In some cases, dog walker rates may be lower because a dog sitter or walker will complete a walk. Additional tasks that need to be done in your home, such as feeding or picking up poop in the yard, may fit better as a drop-in visit instead.

How long do sitters on Rover stay?

Drop-in visits on Rover are offered at 30 and 60 minutes but booking windows can be adjusted as needed. When contacting a potential pet sitter through Rover, you and your sitter can agree how long they will stay with your pet.

Sitters have the option to mark the booking as started once they arrive at your property. Don’t forget to demonstrate how to use a key, code, or special entry door before the booking!

How will sitters enter my home?

Discuss key and access code options with your sitter during the Meet & Greet to understand what works best for your arrangement. Some sitters prefer a physical key while others will accept lockboxes and digital codes.

Keep in mind cold weather can affect lockboxes, making them difficult to open or access!

Most dogs really love going for walks. It lets them get out of the house with their beloved owners and explore the world around them. Walks are also a great way for the two of you to bond and provide necessary exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. Going for walks should be fun and stimulating for your dog. It’s also important to exhibit proper etiquette when out in public and on the leash.

Here’s how to walk a dog, from getting ready to go to keeping them safe while en route.

Scheduling Your Dog’s Walks

Possibly the hardest part of walking your dog is finding the time to do it! When you’re busy with work, family, and everything else, the day can quickly get away from you. However, walks are important to your dog’s health and well-being (not to mention your own), so do your best to build your dog’s walks into your daily routine. Show your dog that you’re excited about getting some exercise and they will be more willing and excited to go, too.

If your dog seems bored or is acting out, it’s possible that they’re not getting out enough. Consider taking your dog for a full walk at least once a day.

What to Bring on a Walk

You will need to choose an appropriate leash for your dog. It should be comfortable for both you and your dog, easy to handle, and not too long; four to six feet is ideal. Before walking puppies, make sure they have been properly introduced to their leash.

You might also consider a harness over a collar. Harnesses redirect any straining onto the dog’s shoulders and chest rather than their neck. A harness also gives you greater control over your dog, and many dogs find them more comfortable to wear when on a leash, especially if he or she pulls.

Paying Attention to Your Dog

When out on your walk, pay attention to the environment around you. To make the walks enjoyable and safe, you must maintain control of your dog at all times. Keep your dog close to you when you are around other dogs or people by keeping a short leash. Ideally, your dog should walk at your side and should not be walking more than a few feet ahead of you because you will not have control if a distraction comes along.

If you notice potential distractions (like cats, birds, other dogs) before your dog, you may be able to minimize their reaction. You can have your dog sit and look at you while the distraction passes. Keeping some tasty treats in a pouch or your pocket might help your dog focus on you as well.

Don’t assume other people or dogs want to meet your dog. Always ask before you allow your dog to greet others. Make sure your dog is well-socialized and trained on how to properly meet other dogs and people (especially children). If they’re not there yet, kindly tell people who try to approach your dog that they shouldn’t. It’s not rude and is for their own safety.

Cleaning Up After Your Dog

Part of being a responsible dog owner is leaving no trace that you were there. That means you should always pick up after your dog! Rather than leaving poop around the neighborhood or park, it’s only considerate to others to carry poop bags with you so you can clean up. No one wants to step in poop!

It’s also rude to let your dog wander into private yards. Keep your dog on the curb strip side of the sidewalk (the part between the sidewalk and the street) whenever possible. Be sure to avoid letting your dog eliminate in people’s yards as well. If they do, pick it up!

Consider getting a poop bag holder that will attach to your dog’s leash or stuff a few bags in your pocket before walking out the door. Deposit the filled bags in a public garbage can along your walk or wait until you get home to dispose of it.

Keeping an Eye on the Weather

Walking outside does come with its hazards and it’s important to adapt your walks to the day’s weather. Keep walks short in hot weather or with senior dogs. It’s time to head home if your dog stops walking, begins to slow down, or shows any signs of exhaustion. Contact a vet right away if you see signs of heatstroke.

Avoid asphalt on hot summer days, as the road can burn your dog’s paw pads. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog. On these days, consider a walk in a grassy park instead, and be sure to take some water with you.

In winter, protect your dog’s paws from icy, snowy, or salted roads. Watch for signs that your dog’s feet are getting too cold, as they’re susceptible to frostbite. Doggy boots can help, but you’ll have to let your dog get used to them as most dogs find boots to be far from natural.

Also, if your dog has a short coat, you might want to get a doggy sweater to keep them warm on walks. Dogs are usually more accepting of these than boots and once your dog associates the sweater with the fun of going for a walk, they will likely welcome getting dressed.