"Rover." What a perfect name for a dog-sitting company. I first heard about this national franchise from one of my readers. Knowing my interest is consumer advice, he rightly thought the pet-sitting industry would be an attention-getting topic.
Animal-lovers may find it no surprise to learn the pet care business is a huge money-maker.
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports spending in this market doubled from $510 billion in 2013 to $620 billion in 2016. And Statista.com estimates about 89.7 million dogs live in U.S. households as pets.
Rather than dropping off beloved pets at crowded kennels or burdening friends with pet care, many folks are now turning to dog-loving locals for help. They receive better and more personalized service at about half the price of traditional boarding businesses.
A bonus is the supplemental income provided to sitters. While offering 5-Star sitters in our own neighborhoods, Rover accepts fewer than 20 percent of potential sitters.
Because Rover is a national organization with hometown sitters, it's able to extend many extra services as precautions, where a one-home business just doesn't possess the resources. For example, Rover provides background checks; premium insurance that covers emergencies when your dog is in the hands of the sitter; reservation guarantee; 24/7 support; secure online payments; ongoing sitter education; trust and safety experts; a Q&A community, as well as a very helpful blog; a store; and, finally, a safety link that details profiles and verified reviews for you to study before you book the sitter.
Another great service is Rover's mobile app; it allows owners access to a GPS of the dog's walk (and even bathroom breaks), as well as personal messages from the sitter and photos of your animal.
In the Chattanooga area, you can choose among 40 pet companions. Others can be found in Ringgold and Chickamauga, Ga., and Cleveland, Whitwell, McDonald and Harrison, Tenn. - all properly vetted and waiting on your call. Rover offers boarding, home care, drop-in visits, day care and walking. Check Rover.com to find a sitter.
Rover works directly with the "Sit a Dog, Save a Life" foundation. Each time a client books an engagement, Rover.com contracts with animal benevolent organizations across the country such as "Angels Among Us Pet Rescue," an organization that rescues dogs and cats from high-kill shelters through foster care homes in the greater metro Atlanta area.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.