Booking and paying through Rover is not only a requirement in our Terms of Service, it also protects you and the pet owners. Here’s how:

• Safe and secure payments. Our payment platform is designed to protect credit card and personal information through standard encryption measures. Paying through Rover is cashless, convenient, and keeps your personal details safe and secure. Accepting payments or paying outside our system can put you at risk for fraud.
• Personal phone numbers aren't shared. Unique Rover numbers are assigned to each pet owner and sitter, which allows you to call and text each other while keeping your actual phone numbers private. Learn more here.
  
• Simple and effective messaging. When you communicate with pet owners through your Rover account, you have the peace of mind of our built-in security features. Plus, it’s easy to use, you can book services, work out stay details, schedule Meet & Greets, and get paid securely, and share photos, all through your Rover account.
• The Rover Guarantee. When you book and pay through Rover, you’re covered by the Rover Guarantee—that’s peace of mind for sitters and pet owners alike. Check out our Rover Guarantee page to learn more about what’s covered.
• Dedicated assistance from Rover Support. When you book a service on Rover, our support team is available to help you.

Rarely, some people may choose to use our system to take advantage of pet owners or sitters. If you receive a message you think is suspicious, or someone asks to pay or communicate outside of Rover, let us know by selecting the Report button. Here's what that looks like: