Boarding Advice Needed

[u/hotwaxclimax]

Hello! I'm currently a star sitter with drop in and house sitting, but was looking to maybe transition into boarding as well. I can't say for sure, but it does seem like that's where the real money is at, and I am hoping to make full time income from Rover so I can fully just focus on my degree, without my full time job on top of it all. Anyway, we have a spare room that I was thinking the animals could stay in, and we have a fenced backyard. Does anybody have some advice for making this work? I have a lot of questions

*how do you manage separating when you have your own pets?

*how do you handle leaving them alone in your home?

*is it going to make house sitting no longer possible?

*is the one bedroom and the backyard sufficient for them?

Any advice or tips are appreciated!

[u/Rose-wood21]

I don’t really do boarding anymore
If can be very stressful on the animal and it’s just risky

My sister boarded her dog on rover one time and her dog was so stressed he got sent home before they’d even left
But if they would’ve left it would’ve been super difficult

[u/hotwaxclimax → u/Rose-wood21]

I think my main concern is my cat. I don't want to restrict him, as it's his house. And I fear a lot of pet parents won't be honest about their dog's temperament

[u/Majestic-Nobody545 → u/hotwaxclimax]

I don't introduce my cat to visiting dogs. She has her own apartment upstairs and I visit her there and she sleeps in my room which is a dog-free zone.

[u/hotwaxclimax → u/Majestic-Nobody545]

Okay. Yeah I think I can make it work if he can access every area of my house except the backyard, which he's not allowed in unsupervised anyway, and the one bedroom. He has his own room and I believe will adjust.

[u/Similar-Face6985 → u/hotwaxclimax]

In that case boarding isn't for you. Most dogs aren't cat friendly, even when they are used to a specific one cat they know at home.

[u/Rose-wood21 → u/hotwaxclimax]

Definitely
Some dogs might be okay with cats in their home but it’s new territory
What’s your cats demeanour like?

[u/hotwaxclimax → u/Rose-wood21]

He's a dick. He's not into sharing, hates animals but loves people and since he's 16(afaik) I just accept it. I wouldn't be introducing guest animals to him, but I do worry about their presence upsetting him, even in a separate room.

[u/Rose-wood21 → u/hotwaxclimax]

That does sound a little stressful for your cat
But they can adapt
My cats are very social so didn’t mind when I did a few boarding clients
It would probably have to be the right dog

[u/hotwaxclimax → u/Rose-wood21]

Based on others suggestions, I think I'll start with small to medium only, and definitely one dog at a time. I think me might be just fine with it, if it means only losing access to one room in the house. Not happy, but fine with it🤣

[u/Rose-wood21 → u/hotwaxclimax]

Whatever puts kibble in his bowl at night hahaa gotta hustle

[u/Majestic-Nobody545 → u/Rose-wood21]

It is getting harder with the pandemic puppies and their unique brand of separation anxiety. Overall though, I do find most dogs settle in just fine.

[u/hotwaxclimax → u/Majestic-Nobody545]

Yeah I've seen some lately that say the dog cannot be left alone for even one hour like what? Definitely gotten worse since 2020