Rover is the AirBnB of dog care for tourists passing through Durango, and it’s boosted business for pet sitters.
The site allows dog parents to book boarding, walks, house sitting, day care and drop-in visits.
Michelle Casias has cared for pets for 14 years, but after reading about Rover in chef and lifestyle expert Rachael Ray’s magazine, she started using the service in May and it allowed her to reach tourists for the first time.
“It sort of has exploded in my life,” she said.
With 40 acres around her Hesperus home, Casias has plenty of space for dogs, but she typically doesn’t accept more than four a day. She also doesn’t leave her charges alone for long because they can be nervous and unsettled while away from home.
Customers used to find Casias via word of mouth or local ads, but Rover let people traveling through the area find her.
Those visiting Mesa Verde, rafting or taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad can’t take their pets along, and Casias and other Rover pet sitters offer a convenient option for those tourists.
Rover also offers an alternative to boarding dogs in kennels while owners are on vacation. Sitters can offer more personal care and accommodate a dog’s schedule, Casias said.
Sitters also send regular updates and photos so owners have peace of mind while they are away.
Customers review and rate sitters, which can guide a pet owner’s decision when booking online.
Sitters and dog walkers can set their own availability and rates and it could be a nice way to make additional cash on the weekends or during the holidays, Casias said.
Casias also asks for dogs that are well socialized and nonagressive. But she is prepared for dogs that don’t play well with others and maintains a separated area for them.
Rover, a nationwide company, was founded in Seattle in 2011 after its co-founder had a negative experience with a traditional kennel.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
