Episode 29: What Type of Pet Sitter is Best for Rover Type Websites?

In this Episode Bella talks with Walt Galvin, an independent contractor working for Rover.  They discuss how sites like Rover can be a viable option for some pet sitters and walkers who are just starting out or want to keep it simple. Walt Galvin, independent contractor with Rover. Some of the advantages include: Not having to handle payments from clients Saving  time and money but not having to handle marketing Not having to deal with all kinds of administrative headaches and paperwork. Ability to set your own work schedule     For Walt it has turned into a substantial retirement income and he points out that it is also a good option for those who don't have the desire to hire other sitters and walkers as staff.  Walt also recommends that you pay close attention to the service agreements, particularly in regards to what insurance covers and you may need to purchase additional insurance to cover yourself. Many of these online websites do not provide adequate coverage for the pet sitters. Only the clients. Subscribe To The Show: Transcript: This is episode 29 of Bella in Your Business. Welcome to Bella in Your Business, where Bella will discuss anything and everything about your pet sitting business to help you land on target. So get ready—Bella’s got your chute. Let’s jump. Welcome to Bella in Your Business. This is Bella Vasta with Jump Consulting, and today I have a treat for you. My friend and co-admin of the Rover Dog Vacay Care.com group that I host, Walt Galvin, is with me. Walt: Doing real well. How about you, Bella? Bella: I'm wonderful. I'm so glad to have you on today because, as you know, this podcast covers a gauntlet of topics, but you are the first I’ve had about this one. Today we’re going to be talking about what type of person is right for Rover, Dog Vacay, Wag, or Care.com. I’m just going to call them “the website sitters.” I’m still trying to figure out a good name. What do you think about “website sitters”? Walt: I think that works well. It covers the gamut of all of the offerings that are out there. Bella: For sure. Why don’t you give our listeners a little bit about your background—what you did in previous careers, what led you to being listed on Rover, and where you are today? Walt: That’s a long answer, but we’ll give it to you here. I spent most of my professional career in defense electronics and defense ammunition manufacturing. About 17 years ago, I got very involved with an animal rescue group in the Washington, D.C. area called Lab Rescue of the LRCP. I’ve been with them for about 17 years, held some executive positions, and served on the board of directors for many years. I’ve had a passion for dogs my entire life. But in 2015, I retired, downsized a little, and after finishing all the “honey-do” lists around the new house, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands. My wife would come home from work and say, “What did you do today?” After a couple of weeks, she finally said, “You need to get off your butt and do something.” So I looked at my passions—dogs—and started thinking about ideas to help both dogs and people. I happened to be on Facebook one day and saw an ad for Rover. I took a look and thought it sounded interesting. At the time, they were only offering boarding or home-stay services. Later, I saw they added dog walking services and thought, “That’s a great idea for me.” So I signed up, created my profile, got approved, and sat for about three months before I got my first booking. After that, my calendar filled up quickly. Bella: And when your wife came home and asked what you did that day? Walt: I could tell her I’d walked about six miles and picked up a little dog poop along the way. Bella: But you’re still smiling and wagging your tail, right? Walt: Absolutely. I love what I do. This has been such a change for me and my entire lifestyle since I started with the website pet care providers. Bella: You said “lifestyle,” and that’s so true—it really is a lifestyle. You’re getting exercise, being outdoors, and fulfilling your passion. At this stage in life, that’s all that really matters, right? Walt: Absolutely. That’s the most important thing. I love being with my clients, both canine and human. I’ve developed friendships with many of the people I care for and their pets. It’s been a great experience. Plus, I’m making a pretty good income that supplements my retirement. Bella: I can imagine it gives you some extra play money for vacations. Walt: Yes, we’re actually planning a trip to the Mediterranean in Europe this summer. Bella: Beautiful! I love Europe. So as I’m hearing this, it doesn’t just sound like you’re enjoying the work, but also that the administrative side isn’t what excites you. If I told you to market your business every month, track invoices and payments, and handle all the admin work, I bet this lovely job wouldn’t be so lovely anymore, right? Walt: That’s exactly right, and that’s one of the reasons I decided to stay on Rover. They market my services, collect the funds, and I just do a little bit of admin work on the site. I have very little to worry about other than taking care of my clients every day. Bella: That’s perfect. It just suits your life. Not everyone wants to grow a six-figure company with a big team—it comes with more responsibility. You’ve already lived that life. Walt: Exactly. For me, it’s a lifestyle thing. I usually work from about ten to four, Monday through Friday. I don’t work evenings or weekends because most of my business is walking. Occasionally, I’ll board or house sit, but that’s rare. This gives me time to be with my wife and family. The hours are great—it’s really hit the nail on the head for what I need at this point in my life. Bella: Sounds like you’re living the dream! But it’s also important to remember that pet care isn’t all puppy breath and cuddles—it’s physically demanding. Walt: That’s true. People often don’t realize how demanding it is. Sure, you get good exercise and a reasonable income, but it’s still a physical job. Bella: Exactly. And that’s a good reminder that you also have to take care of your own health and well-being. So let’s talk about insurance. These websites offer coverage, but what did you find when you looked at it? Walt: In my professional career, I worked on government contracts and served as VP of Contracts, so I tend to read terms and conditions carefully. When I reviewed what these companies offered, I realized the coverage was limited—it mainly protected the pet owner, not the sitter. The terms clearly state that, but it’s not well-advertised. So after a few months, I decided I needed my own liability insurance. I got insights from some Facebook groups and purchased individual coverage. Bella: That’s smart. Every business owner should ask themselves how much risk they’re willing to take, and the answer determines how they move forward. Pet sitting is serious—you’ve got little lives in your hands. (Commercial break – ProPet Hero CPR ad) Bella: Welcome back. I’m here with Walt, a Rover independent contractor. So, if someone listening thinks this sounds like a good fit, what would you encourage them to consider before getting started? Walt: I’d suggest researching the different websites—Rover, Dog Vacay, Wag, and others. There’s a lot of opportunity to develop a steady income, work the hours you want, and provide the services you’re comfortable with. It’s relatively easy to get started, and for people who love dogs and want more exercise, it’s worth looking into. Bella: Absolutely. And I’ll add that there are also many established local pet sitting companies always looking for helpers. It’s amazing how many options exist now. Fifteen years ago, when I started, we didn’t have these choices. Today, you could work for a local company, list on a platform, or even start your own business. The world is your oyster, and that challenges people to really define who they are and what they want. Walt, I admire what you’re doing and the balance you’ve found. When I’m your age, I hope I’m living a life just like that—doing something fulfilling that enhances my quality of life. For everyone listening, if you want to join our Facebook group, Walt helps me moderate it. It’s called Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers on Dog Vacay, Rover, and Care.com. You can also find me at JumpConsulting.net. Click the “Work With Me” button for a free 20-minute coaching session. And if you like this podcast, subscribe so every Thursday’s new episode comes straight to you. Thank you so much for joining us today, Walt. Walt: It’s been a pleasure. Bella: Remember, everyone—always keep jumping!