The Dangers of Rover

Sept 27, 2023: Episode 133

Trigger Warning: Discussion of Animal Death, Abuse, etc, in the name of education so that we may protect our animals.

The post is lengthy. I don't share details of the abuse. I use the words "death" and "abuse", but no further info. The rest is readily available online should you choose to look. Incidents have gone on for several years, but also are as recent as this month.

All info is below, so that you may move along without accidentally reading anything.

The dangers of Rover...scroll down to read if you choose to.

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

This is absolutely a difficult topic to tackle. So many people would prefer to stay unaware, rather than ruffle any feathers. I understand this stance. It's human nature to avoid pain or discomfort. However, I'd rather feel these things than be blinded to precarious situations. I am very grateful that some of us have the luxury of never being in the situations where our beloved pets were injured or killed by negligence or malice while under the "care" of a pet sitter. I'm disgusted at how rampant the problem is, and that very little, if anything, has been done to rectify or change the problem.

Whenever I attempt to notify people of the dangers of the Rover platform, I receive negative feedback. Yes, this is to be expected. I've been verbally assaulted, accused of having ill intentions, etc. I've been told that I'm going after other sitters in order to ensure that there's more business for myself. That's absurd, and I'll demonstrate why. I've also been told that there are good and bad sitters everywhere, and that it's not a problem specific to Rover. I adamantly disagree, & I'll explain my reasoning.

In the name of transparency, I will disclose that I do own a pet service business. Yet, we've been turning away overnight jobs for over a year now. Yes, we recently expanded from a staff of 2 to 3. Yes, we currently have openings. However, anyone who has experienced my kindness knows that I would never spread lies about the "competition" I don't even like that word, as we're not competing. We're simply in the same industry. Every person has different things to offer. Since we're all unique, I don't see competition. You offer something I don't. I offer something you don't. Potential clients will resonate with each of us. Neither of us is the right person for everyone. End of story. My point is that, Keith & I have always offered free advice, mentoring, etc to aspiring & established entrepreneurs. We've also always assisted pet parents in their interviews with other providers. Our community is in desperate need of more trustworthy & dependable pet care providers, not less. My intention in sharing the info that I have is to inform others, so that they may make the best decision for their families. Safety has always been our top priority.

No, I'm not spreading misinformation in order to monopolize the industry. No, I wouldn't share info without proof. I have no ill intentions, as I want all creatures to be safe. Love & kindness is the religion of our family. This is what motivates me. I don't want anyone to be upset or uncomfortable. Yet, I'd prefer this to injury, pain, death & heartbreak. Ignorance is only bliss until the Ignorance is no longer.

Here's my disclaimer. I'm not stating that ALL Rover sitters are unsafe. Keith was a Rover sitter, until we discovered the dark side. We've connected with clients through the platform. We trusted our own dogs with their sitters. Nobody informed us of the things that have happened. Granted, some people weren't aware. Some still aren't, which is why I'm speaking up, yet again. However, there are many people who did know about the neglect and abuse, but never told us. We could've been among the masses of families who are trying to heal from traumatic experiences. I would've preferred that someone had spoken up, in order to save lives. That's why I'm here now. I'm speaking for those who aren't able to speak.

There are many facets to the dangers on Rover. Sitters & customers are misled to believe that they are insured by Rover. Rover admits on their website that their "giarantee" is not insurance. Yet, we see sitters advertising that they're "insured through Rover". Customers also believe this. They only discover this mistruth once things go horribly wrong.

Neither party is typically aware of the dark history (& present, as dogs are still being harmed and killed). Once something goes horribly wrong, Rover claims zero responsibility. In addition, they allow dangerous sitters to continue to provide services. Rover removes the negative reviews which discuss abuse, and death. I'm including neglect as abuse, as it is such. New customers see 100% 5 star reviews and feel confident that the sitter is safe. Why wouldn't they? We fell for it. Also, Rover states that they background check everyone. Is this true? We don't know. There have been articles where the customer discovered that the sitter had a criminal past. This only happened after the dog was killed and they entered into a lawsuit.

Rover doesn't care about the sitter, the pet or the customer. They've offered hush money to keep people quiet. I only know this because some people rejected the money, but publicly shared the letter and the check. Rover sometimes refuses to refund the pet sitting fees, even after the dogs were killed. Sometimes they offer a couple hundred to replace the deceased dog with a new one, as if they're interchangeable & replaceable like a child's toy. Oftentimes, they don't offer money at all. Not for the vet bill, or the burial / cremation, etc. Too bad, so sad. Not my problem. They claim no responsibility, as the sitters are independent contractors. They just settled a lawsuit for misclassifying their employees as ICs. Keith received a check yesterday for $7 and change. Often, The sitter will "ghost" the pet parent. Rover spins the situation.

You're welcome to read the BBB reviews, the news articles or YouTube videos. It's horrifying that this is happening, and more so that we have been unable to stop it. There are countless lawsuits that provide no relief, as the pets are still gone forever. Nobody really wins, when someone has died.

I wouldn't risk my credibility or my company's reputation to make any of this up. There are Facebook groups which offer support and connection for the victims. Yes, I used the word victims at it's accurate. I will post the photos of the groups. I will warn you here. Don't join if your heart can't take it. The families in these groups share details of the tragedies. I joined years ago to verify the truth. I can't be there, as it taxes my heart tremendously.

In addition to countless written and verbal accounts of these tragedies, I've met some of the victims. Yes, people here in Bend have lost their pets to sitters who were associated with Rover, and also some who were not. Local pet parents have shared stories about how their sitter robbed them, and that the police stated that they couldn't help. The pet parent willingly gave them access to their homes, didn't do a background check or verify insurance, etc. Others recount experiences of drug and alcohol fueled parties in their homes, houseless people using pet sitting as an avenue to find an empty home, etc. People have been traumatized and are having difficulty trusting again. I completely understand. We haven't even been in these situations, and it's hard to trust strangers. This is one of the many reasons why we recommend people use cameras. We've had clients who we can't accommodate, who then book other sitters. We've received many calls that their sitters never showed, and their pets have been left unattended for hours or days at a time.

I've had phone conversations with people across the US who've endured the heartache of lost or decreased pets because of Rover sitters. I have nothing to offer them than a virtual hug and a compassionate ear. This is another reason that I share this pertinent information. These families ache for the truth to be shared, so that no other pet dies alone, scared, cold, etc. So that no other family suffers this pain. In conclusion, there are safe pet care providers amongst the dangerous ones, but it's almost impossible to decipher who's who on Rover. Many of the sitters who've killed, or allowed pets to die, are still allowed to provide sitting services through Rover. All of the negative reviews were removed. So what are the answers? Although I don't have answers, I do have suggestions. Whether you're a pet parent or care provider, stay far away from Rover. You don't want to be associated with this company. I recommended this a few days ago, and was verbally harrassed. I was accused of not building people up and of being critical. This is never my intention. I'm trying to inform people, in order to, hopefully, steer them away from pain and heartache. I was also accused of not being kind or professional. This was all from other local pet care providers. Three of the local pet professionals whowant to apologize in private. Interesting.

All of the verbal abuse I have received, and any that I have yet to receive, will all be worth it should I assist in keeping animals safe. That's what's important. Not my feelings or someone else's opinions. My driving force is love. Keeping others safe, or at least attempting to, is one way I show love. Again, I only wish one of our colleagues would've warned us & our community of the dangers.

If you're a pet parent, request proof of the above mentioned items. Ask to meet or speak with current or former clients. Don't trust reviews, as they may be fake, or biased. Request more than one interview. Interview multiple care providers. When in person, ask about their camera policy. Read their body language, as it will speak volumes. Even if you don't have cameras, use this vital tool. Ensure that there's a clear contract and that boundaries are concise. Know where you both stand. Should the provider not have a current background check, you could ask that they get one. You could offer to pay for one, then have that investment go toward your bill. Should the check reveal negative results, you've invested approximately $50 to save yourself from a potentially bad experience. Question the backup plan. If they're solo, do they have anyone to cover in the case of emergency, illness or injury? "Other local pet sitters who I network with" isn't a viable answer, as we're all booked for the same in demand travel dates.

Another important tool is your pet's body language. Animals are incredibly intuitive. Listen to and trust their answers. Perhaps don't engage in conversation during these critical moments, so that you're not distracted. When meeting the sitter for the first time, give your full attention to how your pet responds. What was their initial reaction? Did they warm up to the person? If so, how long did it take? Is this typical for your pet?

If your pet is reactive, anxious, fearful or hasn't been without you in a while, we recommend investing time in trial sittings. We don't charge for these, but others may. Pets will act differently when their parents are present. We had this happen. Two pups were comfortable with us before their parents left. When the job started, one pup hid. I allotted her space & time. After a bit, I went into the room she was in, but stayed about 10 feet away and avoided eye contact. I started quietly singing lullabies. She came near me, and I still ignored her. After ten minutes, she was happily giving me consent to pet her. The entire process was on her terms, her timeline. She was in control of the boundaries. Ever since then, we've been friends. She appreciated that I wasn't a threat, but also that I didn't force myself upon her.

We arrange a visit when you're gone for an hour or two, but still in town. Go out to eat, dancing, to the movies, etc. We videotape our opening your door and how your pets react. This also shows how we react. Read the body language. Rewatch, pause, and analyze the video. Do however much or little to make you feel comfortable. Should you decide that you need to keep looking for a care provider, move on. Just like leaving a restaurant without ordering, the door is always open. You're not obligated to hire someone simply because they showed up for the interview. Most importantly, trust your gut.

When seeking care providers, ask your friends, your vet, groomer, trainer, etc. Many of the professionals know who is reputable and who isn't. Listen to who they recommend. Also listen to their unspoken words. If someone isn't recommended, they simply won't speak of them.

All of this is true to my experience. Your experience may very well differ. Keith and I have always offered free guidance to both pet providers and parents. Should you need assistance with opening or growing your business, call or email us. 541-4CANINE 4wigglyk9@gmail.com. Should you have questions about interviewing other care providers, contact us. Reach out and we'll share who we recommend. We won't be offended that you're working with someone else. We want you to be safe.

Some people think that I'm fabricating, over dramatizing or exaggerating. How I wish any of these were true. These animals would be safe, healthy, alive. Other people think that I should focus only on the positive. I'm an optimist, but that doesn't mean that I should ignore reality. I'm not going to stick my head in the sand and wish it all away. Plus, people deserve to be informed in order to take measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. We only wish someone would've informed us. Any and all verbal bashing I have received or will receive is worth it, if my message can help save animals.

Unfortunately, Rover has abuse reports going back several years, and in various locations. Still, there are new reports popping up for this year and even this month. The news states that they recently acquired PetVacay and are operating in Canada under that name. In the past, Rover refused to report to the court the number of pets who've been killed while under the care of their sitters. This is very telling. Please be safe.