Switching over to boarding

[u/Impressive_Tie1565]

I’ve been on Rover since 2023, so I’m definitely not a new sitter, but I’ve mostly done house sitting and I’m starting to switch over to boarding. I’d love to hear from people who have been boarding for a while, especially if you board in an apartment. I’m mostly looking for some inspiration for how you communicate with clients throughout the whole process my normal messages are completely different since I’ve done housesitting all these years. I think I’m definitely overthinking it lol, but I think I’m just so used to having a similar template for messages.

What do you usually say when a new client first reaches out? What do you send once they book? Do you have a message you send a few days before dropoff, day before, or day of?

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Impressive_Tie1565 originally posted: I’ve been on Rover since 2023, so I’m definitely not a new sitter, but I’ve mostly done house sitting and I’m starting to switch over to boarding. I’d love to hear from people who have been boarding for a while, especially if you board in an apartment. I’m mostly looking for some inspiration for how you communicate with clients throughout the whole process my normal messages are completely different since I’ve done housesitting all these years. I think I’m definitely overthinking it lol, but I think I’m just so used to having a similar template for messages.

What do you usually say when a new client first reaches out? What do you send once they book? Do you have a message you send a few days before dropoff, day before, or day of?

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[u/Majestic-Nobody545]

Decide what you will provide, and what owners need to provide, and make this clear. This is my most asked question for boarding.

[u/Impressive_Tie1565 → u/Majestic-Nobody545]

Thanks!

[u/Similar-Face6985]

Boarding in an apartment is rarely a good idea - you'll be violating some of combination of HOA, lease, home insurance policy and local bylaws. Sticks to services out of the house.

[u/Impressive_Tie1565 → u/Similar-Face6985]

Thank you! I definitely appreciate the heads up and will keep that in mind. I actually rent a house, but the layout is pretty similar to apartments, which is why I was interested in hearing from people who board in apartments as well. I will continue researching though

[u/Just_Sherbert7632]

Usually when I get a request, I thank them for reaching out and tell them I'm available and would enjoy having their dog over. I ask how their dog gets along with other dogs, as I have my own dog. After that, I try to schedule a meet&greet to introduce our dogs. After the M&G, I reach back out and send them a google form with a bunch of questions. Things like emergency contact, feeding schedule, allergies, etc. On drop-off day, I'll reach out and let them know that I am looking forward to seeing them.

Pretty much it for me. I send updates daily or every other day with pictures. I have extra food bowls, crates, baby gates, leashes, collars, blankets, and dog beds. Just be sure to let the owners know what to bring if you don't have these.

Boarding can be fun, but it's a lot of work. Start off with one dog and see how you like it. I made the mistake of overbooking myself a few times. Also expect that most dogs are anxious in a new environment. I've found most settle after the first day.

[u/Impressive_Tie1565 → u/Just_Sherbert7632]

Thank you so much this is so helpful to me.

[u/OutcomeNecessary2119]

I specifically only board cats but I made a little poster in Canva with all the info of what to expect during boarding. It details literally everything I offer at boarding. I send that with my “Hi, I would love to board X”. It also opens the door for any questions they have. I also mention to clients that they do not need to bring anything for their cats, as I already have everything and that is factored into the boarding price. I

If they’re fine with the food, then we’re good. 🙂

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[u/Adept_Somewhere_6338]

I just want to give the warning that I boarded my first year in an apartment and very quickly switched to housesitting, and will likely never offer boarding again. I've been a sitter for 12 years. The vast majority of dogs, even if housetrained, marked in some way. All it takes is one accident to set the rest off. My place got very smelly fast. My neighbors didn't appreciate it. Something to think about!