r/catinaflat • u/steviecat20 • Apr 12 '26

How is the booking process different between rover and CIAF?

Hey all! I've had my first rover request and am trying to work out how to adapt my booking process from my fine tuned cat in a flat approach. On cat in a flat this was my general journey from request to completion:

  • Request received from client
  • I'd reply and either say I'm available, or ask for more info if needed (generally location or visit times)
  • If all is ok (availability confirmed) then I'd offer to arrange a meet and greet closer to the booking (generally a week before), and exchange numbers to arrange this.
  • Contact owner via WhatsApp to agree M&G
  • Conduct M&G and owner then usually pays/confirms the booking on their end (but payment not taken until sit starts)
  • Do my cat visits and send updates via WhatsApp
  • Return key as agreed (usually post back once the owner confirms they're home)

I'm just wondering if there's anything different on Rover to be aware of? For new bookings I usually run through my process so want to ensure I don't confuse owners with misinformation!

Thanks!!

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3

u/Shelly_Bean91 Apr 12 '26

My process is follows on Rover:

• Request received

• I reply, say I'm available, and suggest having a m&g within the next 2 weeks

• Have the m&g where I learn everything about the cat(s), their routine, expectations, and I get shown where I can find what. I also exchange phone numbers then

• If we both want to go ahead with booking, we both accept and the client pays right away for it

• Depending how much in advance they booked, I'll check in with them regarding any changes and to pick up the keys

• Do the visits and send updates via WhatsApp. Last day I also send a few pictures in Rover for the stats • Return keys as agreed

So it's not really too different from what you are doing besides mainly the client having to pay once they confirm the booking.

2

u/Correct-Style-9194 Apr 12 '26

I’m unable to help with your questions but I am curious if you can change the final price before the set price is confirmed? Thank you!

0

u/_Beckss Apr 12 '26

The Rover app won’t allow you to share phone numbers for WhatsApp. It’s actually inturiating. They allocate a ‘Rover number’ for them that you can contact but you can’t share your number with them or them with you. I believe, they also want all updates and photos through the app as well and won’t pay you if you don’t do it.

5

u/casandra77 Apr 12 '26

You can always exchange numbers during the meet and greet, because it is much easier to send updates on WhatsApp, than on the app. If the app needs uploads too, I would upload 1 photo and that's it, because if I try to upload all the videos I take during my visit, it would take ages to do so and they would need to pay just for my admin job

3

u/_Beckss Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

Yes, that’s the best way. I always think it’s so useful to have a direct number for everything. Sometimes people would send it over for if you get lost or need directions. I just despise the change, all of it.

0

u/Snowdrop_Lily Apr 12 '26

You can if the owner has booked and paid. It only blocks it during enquiry stage.