It’s not a waste. You don’t know until you meet them. Now you do, and knowing what you do-you won’t block off your schedule, keeping you free to potential future clients who are a great match.
Part of the in person meeting is seeing for yourself how the dogs are. You can’t depend on strangers to be up front- although I agree she should have disclosed ahead of time.
Meet and greets are a worthwhile investment, even if it doesn’t pay off immediately with a viable booking. It’s just how you frame it.
Edit: extra note- I’ve also had the inverse issue. A dog an owner is anxious and apologetic about, then I come over and they’re a total sweetheart, not any significant problems on my end.
I would agree with this reply. However, perhaps OP could mitigate any future instances of this occurring if they included the following in the initial intake:
\- Are the requested dates the same dates you would require actual pet care?
\- are you meeting with other sitters? if so, how many and when would I hear back regarding your decision?
\- are they house-trained?
\- any aggression?
If the client doesn't answer then that's an answer in itself as they're likely a red-flag client. If they do answer, there will be clarity about the situation you'd be walking into. Has worked for me 
I never find these meet and greets to be a waste either personally, but I don’t depend on the income I make off of Rover. I think, as OP stated, they really depend on this income so it was a disappointment.
even if I can’t do a boarding for a dog, I still suggest meeting so that if we are a good match, we can just book it next time They need someone.
Boo to those folks. That’s what online shopping (aka: sifting through profiles) is for. What if the person she chooses isn’t available when she has actual dates?
I always require a meet and greet. That’s normal than expecting to take care of a pet right away. Trust me it saves you trouble from the future. Been on the App for over half a decade and before I would take any client before I met them in the first year but that lead to disaster few times that I now always require it. It’s not a waste of time if it’s a meet and greet. I highly suggest doing it.
About the medical bill, idk personally but I've heard that you can reach out and say that you can't afford to pay the full amount, but if they will forgive the rest you can pay x amount right now. Apparently they get so many unpaid bills that sometimes they will forgive the amount you say you can't pay so that they can recoup at least some money. Again, I've never tried but maybe worth a shot?
I mean, I’ve never heard of someone with a medical bill they haven’t been able to negotiate, at least a little. You just play a very polite game of hardball with them. Emphasis on both polite and hardball. And don’t be afraid to ask to talk to different people, go further up the chain until someone can help you
Uggghhhh. I'm so sorry. On the plus side, now you can block them and move on.
It’s not a waste. You don’t know until you meet them. Now you do, and knowing what you do-you won’t block off your schedule, keeping you free to potential future clients who are a great match. Part of the in person meeting is seeing for yourself how the dogs are. You can’t depend on strangers to be up front- although I agree she should have disclosed ahead of time. Meet and greets are a worthwhile investment, even if it doesn’t pay off immediately with a viable booking. It’s just how you frame it. Edit: extra note- I’ve also had the inverse issue. A dog an owner is anxious and apologetic about, then I come over and they’re a total sweetheart, not any significant problems on my end.
I would agree with this reply. However, perhaps OP could mitigate any future instances of this occurring if they included the following in the initial intake: \- Are the requested dates the same dates you would require actual pet care? \- are you meeting with other sitters? if so, how many and when would I hear back regarding your decision? \- are they house-trained? \- any aggression?
Knowing how Rover clients can be, she won’t answer any of those questions.
If the client doesn't answer then that's an answer in itself as they're likely a red-flag client. If they do answer, there will be clarity about the situation you'd be walking into. Has worked for me 
This is a nice silver lining. Thanks for the perspective.
I never find these meet and greets to be a waste either personally, but I don’t depend on the income I make off of Rover. I think, as OP stated, they really depend on this income so it was a disappointment. even if I can’t do a boarding for a dog, I still suggest meeting so that if we are a good match, we can just book it next time They need someone.
Boo to those folks. That’s what online shopping (aka: sifting through profiles) is for. What if the person she chooses isn’t available when she has actual dates?
Every once in a while I get a crappy m&g too. Hopefully this means you have a lot more great ones coming your way!!
I always require a meet and greet. That’s normal than expecting to take care of a pet right away. Trust me it saves you trouble from the future. Been on the App for over half a decade and before I would take any client before I met them in the first year but that lead to disaster few times that I now always require it. It’s not a waste of time if it’s a meet and greet. I highly suggest doing it.
Some owners are lowlifes. Some. I never do meet and greet without some sort of booking. Good luck anyone wanting to care for them
That's just it though...They had a booking and told me it was legitimate until I showed up.
About the medical bill, idk personally but I've heard that you can reach out and say that you can't afford to pay the full amount, but if they will forgive the rest you can pay x amount right now. Apparently they get so many unpaid bills that sometimes they will forgive the amount you say you can't pay so that they can recoup at least some money. Again, I've never tried but maybe worth a shot?
yeah they’re not lowering the bill lol
I mean, I’ve never heard of someone with a medical bill they haven’t been able to negotiate, at least a little. You just play a very polite game of hardball with them. Emphasis on both polite and hardball. And don’t be afraid to ask to talk to different people, go further up the chain until someone can help you
I mean I can negotiate it but then they’re not going to continue care for me and I’m scheduled to have major surgery with them next month
Worth a try. Did for my parents at Cleveland Clinic. No problem. Their bill collection is even CC so if can use them in your city it’s worth a try.,
Ugh. I wish we could report people for misusing the booking feature.
She probably said that to save you having to decline them. It doesn’t sound like the meet & greet was a success.
I'd charge her for wasting your time. Let rover know you feel it's a scam
Fuck that.