Aside from being watched while housesitting, the idea of being heard creeps me out. Now I don't care if the owners hear me baby talk to their dog and talk to myself while I go about my day. But, if I'm stuck at someone's house and get a personal call I would like to be able to take it without the owners potentially listening in. About a year ago I had a week-long sit and my doctor called with some test results. It wasn't something that I wanted to wait on, so I took the call. Fast forward a couple weeks and I'm telling the owner I have to take medical leave after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and she responded, "Yes, I heard." I had never mentioned this to her previously, and she did not know any of my other clients to get the news through word of mouth. So this lady was watching/listening to me talk to my doctor about my soon-to-be yeeted uterus like some sort of reality show.
Exactly this. For me, the visuals are creepy and I’m always conscious of what I’m doing/wearing but the absolute worst part is the audio.
House sitting is already hard because I’m sleeping away from my pets and husband, but I hate feeling like I can’t even talk freely to him on the phone. Not about the family I’m sitting for, but literally anything. I try to text him anything I have going on and get on the phone to hear about his day so I can just hear his voice and mostly ask questions. It’s kind of awful.
But I can’t do boarding, so this is where I’m at.
Being away from your own home and family can be so exhausting as is. Not being able to have a private conversation with them makes me feel so secluded. At this point I only house sit for a select group of regulars and no longer accept new clients. I too wish I could board, but it's not a possibility. I miss the money of regular housesitting gigs, but it's not worth my sanity.
Yeah I haven't had a new housesitting client in over three years. Right now I only have four clients who I really like that I housesit for. The more you do housesittings, the pickier you get with clients and their homes.
Ugh, I would feel so violated. I’m sorry you had to endure the health issues along with the creepiness of that client. Some pet owners need to recognize it’s a vulnerable experience to sleep alone in a near-stranger’s house and we deserve a certain level of privacy.
Eleven states, including mine, require two-party consent to record audio. If clients don’t respect my legal right to agree to being recorded, I have no interest in staying overnight in their home.
When IP mentions living in a ‘shitty world’, I reflect on the loss of privacy of the gig worker. It’s house sitting, not retail.
Not the first mention of being surveilled in this sub.
Wow, that’s absolutely beyond thoughtless of the owner. It’s one thing to hear something, it’s another to be so thoughtless. I’m sorry – I hope you’re doing well.
There were also cameras outside. But to your point, I never suggested they remove their security measures for my comfort. I opted to no longer sit for them or others with indoor cameras for my comfort.
I once had a week of drop ins with a situation like yours where the owner had cameras wired into the ceilings, and also a doorbell camera. She consistently watched what I did, would message me about every single thing I did to tell me if I had done it the right or wrong way, and if I said anything to her cat she would comment on it. It was a hugely mentally exhausting booking, and now I can’t relax around cameras which effects how I talk to/interact with the animals because I feel like I’m performing for clients and never know if they’re watching or not. And tbh cameras aren’t even that useful, the same booking with the controlling client her cat locked himself in a closet and she didn’t know because her cameras didn’t point there and so I found him locked in the next day 🤷♂️
This exact thing happened to me. And it was a 6 day long booking too. The house was TINY and they had a camera in every corner, literally. I ended up staying upstairs for most of the time since I didn’t want to be on camera. I accidentally got the dog bowls mixed up.. text message immediately. Let the dogs outside before feeding since I had stepped out for a few hours.. texted me that I should have fed them first. One of her dogs killed a newborn baby bunny in front of me, I literally was so traumatized I wasn’t thinking of the cameras and was crying to my mom about it on the phone. Got another text about that!
They were a young couple that had 3 large breed dogs in a tiny 1 bedroom house if that tells you anything. I think they were some of those people that are overly picky with who watches their dogs. The dogs were actually very good despite the bunny murder, they just had no room to get their energy out, and weren’t allowed in the fenced backyard unsupervised. German shepherd, husky/rot mix, and a pit mix. It was one of my first bookings and probably would have watched the dogs again if it wasn’t for the owner.
I don't like being watched. I'm surprised that you're surprised by this. Drop-in cameras are fine, housesitting cameras inside is a big no for me. I want to be able to fart during yoga in peace.
This. I have regulars with cameras and I don't mind it for a drop-in. I do appreciate when people tell me beforehand, though.
House sits are totally different though. That takes it from *working* in view of a camera to *living* in front of a camera. Not cool.
Yes absolutely no problem for drop ins or walks. And I'd be totally comfortable with outdoor cameras for house sits or indoor if it's not at all an area I would spend a lot of time in, or they explicitly said to only plug it in while I'm out of the house.
I don't mind cameras for drop ins, or if they are pointed at pet-only areas, but for house sitting & cameras in the general area I dislike it.
We are essentially using their home as our home for a period of time & knowing that someone can just peek in at whatever we're doing in "our home"/living space at any time is really uncomfortable. I feel like I can never truly relax & am on edge for the entire sit. I get why owners want them as they have a stranger in their home but it's just uncomfy!
I totally understand!!!
I don't house sit, so that must be why I wasn't processing the issue with it. I definitely would be more cautious of cameras if I were there longer than 30 minutes.
the main reason why sitter don't like camera is because
it's just so tiring to dressing yourself up properly every morning and everyday when you could just lounge around the house in your undies or full commando and playing with the pets. I don't like pet sitting with camera because of how much laundry I have to do.
Like in a Camera house if I got a spill or a dog slobber on my shirt, I gotta go change it instead of just splashing water on my bare chest and wipe it off in a house without camera.
In a camera house, I gotta do laundry at least twice a day, in a house without camera, laundry is like almost never to once a week, since Im walking around with just my undies on.
Yeah, I feel like it's respectful and more sanitary to treat a house sit like a slumber party at a new friends place, so not someone you would lounge in undies or naked around! I mean I don't even know what's been on all the owners furniture so for my own peace of mind I will wear PJs lol
I wouldn’t be full naked but I def am in an oversized T and wear thongs only lol but only at bedtime so if I run to the kitchen for water in the middle of the night that’s it (and I change the sheets so that’s not a concern)
This is definitely not the norm and probably going to convince people to get cameras to catch weirdo sitters that hang around naked
You played yourself
this person is not the norm. if you have cameras, it's respectful to let the sitter turn them off if they're facing the sitter. feeling watched is a reason I would not take a 2nd booking.
Ya know I totally understand getting up early in the morning to feed them, still in your undies and then immediately going back to sleep. But like naked? What? That’s just so bizarre.
I usually sleep naked or close to it in my own bed at my own home, but I wouldn't ever do that in someone else's bed, especially a client. It seems weird af
Edit: this may be my paranoia but I also don't feel comfy changing in any room other than a bathroom in clients homes, because I've unfortunately heard too many stories of cameras in bedrooms...
No. What's to stop.ypu from putting rat poison in their food??? At least you get recorded doing it, and will catch you and hopefully prevent another seriel killing. Extreme, I know, but absolutely why you have cameras in your home watching the stranger you allowed in! Period!!!!
I went to a house with several inside and outside cams and by their texts I knew they were watching me occasionally. I’m a person not a zoo animal. I’ll send pics of your pet throughout the and if it’s like a walk or a drop in idc abt cams. But a sitting where I’m supposed to be there most of the time? Fuck that, don’t sit there and watch me, it’s an invasion of privacy
Your in THEIR home!!!!
You have no privacy except the bathroom, and in some states the, bedroom. A living room is considered a public living area for all resident according to the law. This isn't recording in a bnb. It's recording the potential seriel killer in your house alone. Maybe they have a disease like hiv or herpes and they just going around spitting in your house. Or something else gross and messed up. This idea every rover peep.is the besylt and most honest is just mundane and ignorant. Most the people doing rover have questionable backgrounds or they would be doing w2 work. I am absolutely shocked at how many self absorbed privileged rover people there are out there. Wow.
I’m absolutely shocked at how many self absorbed privileged owner people there are out there. Wow.
I wonder how many owners would pass a Rover background check 🤣
Simple. If I'm going to be using your house as a second home for multiple days, I want to be able to relax. It is impossible to relax when you know you're being surveilled 24/7. I also have no idea where and for how long the client stores the recordings or what they do with them. We have to look out for our own safety too.
Using your own logic, we live in such a shitty world... there are a lot of weirdos out there, and someone having hours of video footage of me is unsettling. No matter if you are fully clothed, acting professionally doing your job, people are weird.
Don't record them and they put dog feces in your food and stick there you know ow what you know where. I wouldn't let any stranger in my home, for any reason, without them recorded. In every room but the bathroom
Yes my wife and I have closed circuit cameras in the corner of EVERY room. ( my wife is a paranormal nut) but still. Not gonna let a weirdo who got a rover job into my home to do nasty unspeakable things. No. Only cameras or witnesses stop the perverted and mentally deranged from acting out.
I'm not sure if this is just me, but I should say that I have AuDHD and am female as it may reframe some of my points.
I'm more self-conscious and reserved when I know I'm being watched, that's for sure. If I'm doing a drop-in, whatever, it's weird to be watched the entire time but nbd, I get it. As long as there are no cameras in the bathroom it's all good.
If I'm doing overnight sitting, and they have cameras in the common areas, I am not comfortable with myself enough to sit back and relax or be me while playing or resting or anything. I worry about my posture, if they think I'm lazy If I watch a movie, oh did i do a stipid baby voice, I can't sing while I cook or clean. And I try to avoid any BMs in case it's too loud, which sucks on a longer stay lmao.
I've even had clients put a camera in the bedroom for the booking, after they didn't have one during the meet and greet, which is DEFINITELY not ethical.
I've also had a time where I've said to a client during a meet and greet "this day I have Y event from 5:00-8:00, would your pup be fine to be alone for this three hour window?" "OH yes absolutely, they'll be fine if you need leave them for up to 5 hours if you want to stay out longer!" And then had them message me like 5 minutes after I was supposed to get back asking why I wasn't there yet.
Just the potential of the constant watching and keeping tabs is icky to me. Accountability is great and important, but I feel there's a much finer line when you're asking someone to basically live in your home for X days. It ends up feeling like the day to day life has to be performative, in my experience that's not sustainable or healthy for the sitter.
During the meet and greet you could be upfront and say something like, you promise to only review footage if something criminal has happened, and explain that they're really hard to just turn off.
Also neurodivergent and having to mask 24/7 is exhausting. One of my first house sittings had cameras in the main living areas and outside, motion sensors everywhere (including the room I was sleeping in), and had their Alexa echo thing using the two way call to listen to me every so often. I was having a meltdown basically the entire time because it was so stressful having every single thing I did monitored. Only the one living room camera was disclosed to me at the M/G
My current house sit only has a ring doorbell and nothing inside so I actually feel like I can be myself and relax a little bit while I’m here. Also even if clients say they’re not going to be watching the cameras it doesn’t change the fact that they could be and I’d have no idea either way
Cameras are for when nobody is home. If you hire me, then I'm doing the watching for you. If you're watching me, then you are definitely not trusting me to do the job.
Since cameras have become a feature, I've seen paranoia increase in people.
Paradox, yes. I speculate as to why. I think it's because cameras don't offer a way for the client to relax and not be in charge. They are still worrying.
Beyond that, I personally find it creepy and intrusive to watch me that way. I like privacy. When someone's watching, then I cannot relax.
If I have a choice, I'll stay where I'm not being scrutinized.
I can't imagine why anyone can't get that.
I get the need for privacy.
My cameras are not easily removed or turned off, but you are correct that they are mainly for when no one is home. They actually are very helpful for when I am home on occasion, too.
I did not consider how many owners are just creepy stalkers since I've never experienced one.
I balk at the "my cameras are not easy to turn off". Most cameras can easily be turned off in the app.
I have one indoor camera (plus several outside) and it is for my cats only. You and I differ in that even when I'm home - I want them off. My partner works in IT and security and there are way too many instances of these web cloud services getting hacked, people being able to access your cameras remotely, that I don't want even videos enough to compromise my comfort at home.
I made sure the power source of my cameras is a wifi plug - that way the power is turned off to the camera and can't be hacked (the plug could be but it's a different brand so a lot more effort, and if they're that determined, probably getting into something like my phone or laptop potentially). Then, it was really simple to set it to turn on when our phone location is out of the house and then off when we come home. For sitters, it also turns on if the security system is armed when they're away and turns off when they're home. The whole setup was cheap, easily integrated and takes maybe 30 minutes to set up.
But truthfully, you could easily turn the cameras off, I have not seen a single camera interface that doesn't allow you to turn the cameras off from the app. You could turn the camera off for the entirety of their stay, but you don't want to. It may be hard to access the physical button or the power supply for them to turn it on and off as they come and go, but usually there is a way to turn it off via the software on the app interface. I have two different camera brands and both of them make it extremely easy and instantaneous as long as they have power.
My partner also works in IT and I have a decent knowledge (nothing extraordinary). Our system is set up exclusively through our internet, no cloud storage or anything.
It most definitely has an off switch somewhere, but we've only had the system for two months and I haven't found one on the app. Because we haven't had a need to turn them off, I haven't bothered trying to figure it out. That is my fault in immediately claiming they are too hard to turn off. I just haven't tried. I'll admit that was a mistake, I apologize for that.
If it's connected to the internet... It's using some sort of cloud. If you can recall the video later and it's not just a live feed, unless it's running directly off a server that lives in your house, that has to be stored somewhere. Cloud = remote storage, that's all, it's just a server somewhere else. And the internet connection is what is hackable, so your explanation shows your setup isn't immune, but also it sounds likely it is a cloud like service
I would get to know your system better, because the fact that you don't know how to turn it off and you're just assuming it's safe because of the internet gives me some red flags that actually maybe you don't have any second security to it.
It's stored on a server in our house.
I said internet because I'm an idiot and genuinely don't feel interested in explaining things in depth.
I appreciate your concern, genuinely, but I am not interested in this conversation right now. My car is pissing me off today so I'm cranky and it's making me interpret your words much harsher than I expect you intend them to be.
I hope you have a great day, and I will definitely explore my app more thoroughly (or ask my partner questions, he's done the due diligence in regards to the system)
I balk at people who think they should be trusted. Alone, in someone else house. Thats the definition of stupid. Only people with issues of being recorded in another person's house, are those that want to do things they don't want someone else to see. Duh.
Says the guy that got taken off a delivery app for not providing clear photos and potentially taking things
Hate to tell you but not all owners are nice and cute and some of them use cameras to stalk and inappropriately view people - once you have a client that comments on your every move including what TV show that you decided to watch and your downtime when the dog was asleep, you will feel a little differently.
But you're usually a troll anyways. I have lots of clients that trust me and don't have cameras, and if a camera is needed to trust me you're not going to trust me with the camera either because you're just going to spend your entire time checking it. People had people work in their houses long before cameras existed, and they will have that after as well, so clearly your logic doesn't work unless everyone before the invention of a camera is untrustworthy
Fair.
I will say... if I didn't have my inside cameras, I wouldn't have the beautiful video of me spilling an entire bag of puffcorn all over my couch. 💀
I feel really respected when an owner discloses cameras and their locations. I appreciate when they’re not oriented at the living room couch or other places I’ll be trying to feel fully comfortable in, or I can turn them off when I arrive.
First off it's creepy AF. I do not understand the perspective that can't understand that- would you book an air BNB for example where you knew they had cameras recording audio & visual in every room & the host often commented on things they saw you do or heard you say?
Second audio recording in particular is often illegal even if people don't seem to give a hoot anymore.
Having cameras mounted *inside* a home is straight up weird imo. Sitters pass a background check, owners do not. There are many examples in this thread of people with cameras abusing the sitters right to basic privacy & I've personally found an undisclosed bathroom camera & know people who have commented on "those cute little shorts" they saw a sitter wearing when they had no idea they were being watched in their PJs. It's just skeeze city territory imo.
Also if your cameras can be accessed remotely by you, you best believe others can too.
I think there is a difference between you paying to be in a space vs being paid to be in a space but I do understand the perspective/point
Our inside cameras monitor the entry points to our house (plus a little area surrounding the doors because that's just how angles and lenses work).
I've never experienced a bad owner with a camera, so that is why I wasn't really aware of the big issue behind them. I definitely have learned, as a sitter and owner, to be more aware and I am glad I asked this question. I was oblivious to some issues that may arise.
And yes, I know cameras are not 100% unhackable. We do take the best precautions we can to make sure we are secure, though.
It's more about being monitored 24/7 in a space you are temporarily living whether you are being paid or you paid to be there most people would expect a basic right to some level of privacy.
I don't have issues with visually monitoring access points or outside as I have known a bunch of shady sitters who lie about the times they are actually there for which is just super shitty :/
Curious if the people saying inside cameras are ok for house sitting are men.
Would never be ok with someone watching me living my life - if you are worried about them taking out your dog
1. you should trust your sitter and 2. have a ring doorbell camera outside.
I am a woman and don't mind cameras, BUT I have never house sat.
I would definitely trust any sitter I pick out so I have no intention of watching the cameras during their stay.
yeah BIG difference. I wave at the cameras for drop ins cause i assume it alerts them and i don’t care, not having someone watch me on their couch. If they wanted me to set it up when i leave the house so they can check their dog is safe while i’m gone that’s totally fine.
Maybe I am worried about them inviting others into my home. Or worried they might be putting rat poison in my panty foods. Or maybe they are trying to sneak off with some valuable glassware or whatever. Why do you immediately think any recording, including public space recording, means something creepy, gross and perveted???? Maybe YOU instantly want to use recording of others for something nasty, but most just want to make sure the person at their house isn't doing some shady shit. Also, this idea that the homeowner would just be setting and watching the recordings, shows how creepy and ignorant YOU are. I have a house full.of cameras. I never watch them. They are there INcase something happens I have insurance proof or evidence or for police, to have evidence. You better get some common sense before you end up bad.
Why do you assume every sitter is creepy, gross, perverted or dangerous but we can't have the same worry about the person taking the recording? Hypocritical
I think you need some intervention help, genuinely concerning… the ones that are likely is they could invite someone over - that’s why outdoor/doorbell cameras are great and I guess stealing but seems pretty obvious if they stole from you because who else is in your house.
i am a woman in my 20s & i mostly do house-sitting to give context for my perspective.
my first discomfort is with the idea of lack of privacy and the idea of constantly being watched. surveillance gives me the heeby jeebies. i simply do not like the idea that someone could watch my every move. i don’t feel that i can be myself or be comfortable. i’m worried about how i look, how i could be perceived, etc. i just feel uncomfortable & insecure.
my second discomfort is with recording. if i talk on the phone to my friend or my doctor or whatever, i don’t want someone listening and i sure as hell don’t want it to be recorded and enter “the record”. i don’t like the idea that someone can save a video or image of my likeness for future use. additionally, i constantly see people posting videos from their ring cameras or security systems online — i definitely do not consent to my likeness being shared in that way.
lastly, i feel uncomfortable because if there’s cameras in one room, there could be cameras in every room, including undisclosed cameras. i really don’t like the idea of that.
i had an unfortunate incident with undisclosed cameras at a rover stay. i don’t accept bookings with inside cameras any more, unless the owner shows explicitly me where they are and how to turn them off. i make an exception for furbo, but that’s it.
Because it’s creepy to have cameras in your house. Outside are fine but why do you need inside ones why would you want a company able to watch inside your home? Weird af
Well then you should write all they watch are the doorways. That’s a different story and if they were pointed just at the door I’d be fine. But ones that are in bedrooms or living rooms which I have seen are creepy.
I'm not sure how in me stating I have two cameras inside, it becomes implied they are in private places.
I was not asking about MY home specifically. I wanted perspective and input about cameras in general and only mentioned that I have some to provide context to my question.
As an owner who books house sitting, I don’t even want footage of my sitter inside. That’s creepy lol I’m not a stalker. But I do have front door and back door just to check to see when she’s there and get the notifications. First time bookings it’s a trust thing but the ones I have a relationship with it’s just more peace of mind knowing ok they’re there, my pups are playing. If they have a problem with that I’d be concerned
Agree that monitoring entry points is totally fine. To me that's for security as well as just making sure the sitter arrived or when they left like you said. But monitoring what's going on inside the house when the sitter is there just feels like stalking. I'll send all the videos and pics you want, but knowing someone can watch and record me at anytime is creepy.
Edit- typo
If you’re going to have someone in your home to stay, you take that risk of something going wrong. Having cameras isn’t going to change that risk. I wouldn’t have an issue with a ring camera or even a camera at the back door or in the backyard but if I’m expected to ‘live’ at someone’s home for a week, I want to be able to actually live and not worry about having a bra on in my pjs if I get a glass of water at bedtime. Or taking a personal phone call or wearing a towel from the bathroom to the bedroom after a shower. Want a camera in a forbidden or off limit area - sure. But not in the space where I’m expected to occupy. Totally creeps me out to be watched like that.
Every public place has cameras. Every store I go to, and even my work place. My recurring client has cameras. It genuinely doesn't bother me but I am learning why it is an issue for some, and I respect it!
Although, if I had a sitter turn off my cameras I would be a bit concerned. I think I'd rather them text me and ask about it before they just shut it off.
I don't like being monitored constantly. I'm not doing anything wrong, I've never caused a problem during a sitting. That doesn't mean I'm going to be super comfortable with an owner watching me through cameras without me knowing when at any point in the day. I can't relax with the knowledge that someone could be sitting just watching me on camera. I'd like to be able to have a phone call without being listened to, I'd like to not be monitored without knowing when, and I'd like an owner to extend a basic sense of trust to me. Like if they really can't trust me to handle their dog without cameras covering every angle of the house... maybe just don't hire me.
Also it seems like owners with a bunch of in-home cameras are some of the most overbearing and micromanaging owners. Cameras outside is normal, cameras inside constantly recording is less normal and comfortable.
Our two cameras inside just watch the entry points of the house. They weren't even originally in our camera plan but they came as add-ons.
I am learning how I can manage my cameras to make sitters more comfortable, thank you for the input!
It’s just very big brother to me. I hate being on camera in general, and I’m honestly just paranoid about it. We have an indoor camera for our dogs that I turn off when we have someone watch them. I also don’t want my conversations heard. I’ve had people with indoor cameras literally WATCH me while I’m sitting in the living room watching tv or doing homework. Outdoor cameras are totally fine! Now I just hang out solely in the bedroom if they have cameras unless I’m eating or having playtime with the dogs.
That is definitely creepy and I did not even consider the weirdos. I forgot irresponsible people exist and was assuming everyone was responsible with their cameras. Obviously not the case and I'm glad I haven't experienced it myself.
Yeah for sure! I think in your situation you won’t have to worry if and when you need someone to watch them though. I think enough sitters are used to the possibility of cameras that it won’t be an issue, especially if you disclose them. I think it’s really kind of pet owners to disclose them beforehand. A majority of my clients have indoor cameras so I’ve gotten use to it, still don’t like it, I just am more conscious of where I spend my time in the house.
Once there was a camera in the bathroom where I was sitting . It was an invasion of my privacy and perverted . I understand one or two cameras but not watching me poop.
Likely if a sitter hates indoor cameras it's because they've had an owner experience where they were stalked/over surveilled by them, at minimum nitpicked and micromanaged and at most had their private conversation and moments violated by a creep.
Sure it protects good owners. But there as many bad owner's as there are bad sitters and it's hard to tell the difference sometimes
Indoor cams for drop ins are fine. Indoor cams for housesitting are the reason we quit doing it .
Of course outdoor cams are fine also .
I just can’t feel comfortable with an indoor cam during a housesitting
And it’s not worth the 100 dollars we used to charge for a night .
We just do siting at our house ,where there are no cams and we can feel relaxed .
If other sitters don’t mind them ,then ok fine .
It’s just not for us .
If at any point it becomes normal for a client to ask us to install cams so they can have a 24 hour live feed
Then we will quit house sitting .
Pics . Videos are all fine , we gladly send them .
We used to rent this house as a vacation rental for a week at a time ,to 8 people
At. Much higher rate than rover. And I would never ever think of putting a cAm
Inside ,even In a public area or an outdoor area .
Of course a cam on the bathroom or bedroom and I'd be in prison
The only time it became an issue , the client asked if cams bothered me, I said yes and they unplugged them
I’m not a sitter, for me it’s just a personal opinion. I think cameras inside a house are weird and I wouldn’t like to be in a house with them inside. We have cameras at all entrances for safety, though.
I don’t like being watched, the idea that someone could be watching me right at that moment, is so….uncomfortable. We lived and worked without cameras everywhere for a really really long time, pet sitting has been around before cameras as well. I understand wanting security in your home, but some people go overkill. But what’s most important to me is being TOLD about them and locations, so long as I know ya know?
I don't hate cameras: I just love privacy, and the two just so happen to be mutually exclusive.
ETA: Oh, like others said, they're fine during drop-ins as long as they're just there for security and not to micromanage me. But if I'm living there for a week, I don't want to be watched by a stranger the whole time.
Now I never mind exterior cameras, again, as long as they aren't being used for micromanagement.
I don't mind them during drop ins, but I can understand if someone is hanging out at the house all day or, more importantly, working another job from your home, being watched and heard all day would be stressful or depending on your work, just straight up not an option. There is a compromise to be had, one where cameras are pointed so the pet is visible but the sitter is not constantly, and audio is shut off.
If it’s for a drop in it’s fine. Not for an overnight stay. I need privacy, I wanna watch tv without wearing a bra and take personal phone calls and do yoga/ Pilates and not feel like I’m being watched.
I have OCD, and a part of OCD involves both doubt in yourself and compulsive checking. Cameras and the idea of being watched exacerbate both of these things—doubt that i have done things correctly somehow, and my need them to check multiple times in a row that I have.
I don’t really mind for 30 minute drop-ins. For housesitting, it’s intrusive and creepy. It’s borderline stalking. Your personal phone calls can be eavesdropped on. Audio is the worst. I like to sing and call the animals goofy nicknames. It’s a huge invasion of privacy. I refuse housesitting with indoor cameras and I’m tired of people on here saying things like, “the sitter must be doing something wrong if they object to indoor cameras.” I am not doing anything wrong!!
I take the opportunity to speak out what I’m doing so I don’t look suspicious. It makes me sound like a crazy pet lover/lady 🙃 like this bitch only talks to animals 🤣
But in reality, I’m actually not an obsessed animal lover. I’m a money lover and a people pleaser lol
I’m probably in the minority but I genuinely do not care if they have cameras in their house as long as they’re not in the bedroom/bathroom or something like that. I sort of just always assume there are cameras somewhere because a lot of my clients are upper class and if i was rich i’d probably do the same 🤷♀️
But i do understand the dislike for them, some people just feel uncomfy knowing someone could be watching and I don’t see anything wrong with that.
for me personally, i don’t mind cameras whatsoever. I dog sit for a client right now and I didn’t see the cameras at first until later. i also live in an area where a lot of people tend to also open carry and conceal carry which he openly did and i spotted it when i first met him, which wasn’t intimidating at all because i expect it where i am. i think some sitters that stay over would like the camera to be moved to the pets since they’ll be sleeping wherever it is or if it’s one that picks up audio, to turn that one setting off and they’ll be alright with it.
Like many others, I’ve had some bad experiences being watched while doing my job. And not knowing about it until a creepy indirect text message later that day. Of course lots of my clients have cameras and not all of them are this way, but a few instances is enough to make me uncomfortable and distrustful.
Once, I dropped a client because she was watching me every single drop in and critiquing me or telling me what to do. I would kind of understand, if the situation had been a little different. If she had told me at the meet and greet that she would like to watch the visit. If it was a complicated routine, maybe. But she didn’t and it wasn’t. It was a simple cat visit, give wet food, play, scoop litter. She was just a little obsessive.
Anyway, I hope our answers help to give a little perspective :) def not suggesting you remove your cameras, I have some too and I think I would leave them on if I had someone staying in my house too. Hopefully you’ll find someone you really trust so there’s no need to watch sitter tv!
I think of them as a necessary evil. I don’t like that we’ve had to get here and I deeply wish we hadn’t, but we are. I have cameras outside and inside my house for the same reasons owners do - mostly to make sure pets are doing fine and heinous acts of arson haven’t been committed by the pups. But also the security. There’s a reason these cameras aren’t hidden, people are less likely to act up if they know they’re being recorded.
All that said I think it’s silly for all of us to act like we like being recorded. Every time I look up from target self check out and see my face on the screen I get that little “ugh” feeling in my stomach. I know it’s not personal, I know it’s for security, I know they’re not going to catch me doing anything wrong because I don’t steal *but still*. I don’t have to like it. Even my own cameras I get a little “ugh” about some times because I know there’s always a chance they could be hacked and used to spy on me in less than savory ways. I think it’s kind of naive when people just assume new and commonly used technology can only be used for good.
Don't want to be watched while I am sleeping, changing, etc. Not all people are upfront about where their cameras are located.
Also, when housesitting for an extended period there can be conversations that you do not want someone to overhear as it is private information. Some people excessively watch and listen in.
In the end, they protect both parties when they are working. I have had a camera not pick up on me, luckily time stamped photos dissolved the owners anger.
I have 1 camera inside and during the day if a sitter wanted to unplug it or move it while she is there that would be fine but if they’re gone or at night (sitters don’t have to stay overnight for me) I want them to plug it back in for the safety of my dogs & the sitter (if she decided to stay the night) incase someone broke in. Personally as a sitter I don’t mind cameras one bit but I also don’t do house sitting and mainly just board in my house.
As a sitter, I also don’t understand why so many sitters have a problem with it. I’m there to take care of the animals - I’m confident in the care I provide, and I have nothing to hide. I’m also going to just keep living my life as I would if I were in my own house - if someone catches a glimpse of me changing clothes or napping on the couch with their dog or whatever, than so be it. It’s not that big of a deal. Also, if someone wants to spend their entire vacation staring at their cameras, that’s their problem, not mine.
The only time I’ve had issues with cameras, is when an owner used them as a tool for micromanagement (she accused me of neglect because the dog’s water bowl was half full and she had specified it should always be full of fresh water - we had just come in from a walk and one dog drank a bit of water while I was getting a bur out of the other dog’s fur. The bowl was literally half full for less than 5 minutes).
Lmao that's just ridiculous. It is literally impossible to keep water bowls full 24/7.
I'm the same way though. I am confident in my care and kinda figure if someone catches me in a weird position, that's their problem for peeking.
I think its because I like to be naked in the house sometimes and when I wake up to pee in the middle of the night it is hard to remember to put on clothes lol.
I am 90% sure I have been caught nude on some owners camera because I really have a hard time remembering to be fully dressed at night.
No idea. Every job I've ever had, had cameras in at least a few areas. And this is a job. It's a job in someone's *home*. They have a right to monitor the workplace as they see fit IMO. Bosses, like the BIG boss, has called the foreman about something they saw on camera. I don't see how this is any different. If one wants to monitor their pet or the sitter for safety or quality reasons, or just because they can, it's no different than any other job. They watch cashiers to make sure no one steals and factory workers to make sure no one is f@cking off, how is this any different? I bet we wouldn't have "they ate all my steak" posts if there had been a camera. There's a reason cameras are common in people-interactive or care jobs like police or elderly homes.
Jobs DO disclose camera use beforehand however, and I think not telling a sitter about a camera is borderline illegal (I haven't looked up laws about it recently). They also don't have them in private areas like bathrooms or sleeping areas. None wants to be watched when they're drooling on the couch fast asleep so I understand not wanting a camera on in those situations.
If people don't want to be on camera at work then they are allowed to decline a job where they have cameras in the workspace.
Being recorded in a public place like a McDonald's is much different than being recorded in a home that you're using as your living space for a period of time.
Yes, a sitter is there to do a job, however the pay does not usually go by hours, but rather number of nights stayed. If a client were to exercise their right as an "employer" to run their cameras 24/7 (with the knowledge of the sitter) while the "sitter is on the job", then shouldn't the sitter expect to be compensated for the total time that they are in the house, as captured on the camera? Even if the sitter is watching TV and the doggo's in their bed snoozing, the camera is running and the sitter would be considered to be on the clock, right? So does the sitter not get any time off unless they leave the home - without the dog? One benefit to this would be that the camera footage could be used as a timesheet!
The difference is that you don't live at your workspace. For an office or any type of work environment, I totally get and agree with what you are saying. I feel the same about using a work computer - you have to assume that they could be checking browsing history or even capturing keystrokes. But with housesitting, yes you are working, but you are also living your personal life at the same time, and just happen to be doing it someone else's house. I'm working out, dancing in the kitchen, taking both business and personal calls, and none of that has any impact on the quality of care I am providing for their animals. And I don't want anyone watching or listening to me doing those things. If they feel the need to watch me on camera then clearly they don't fully trust me and maybe I'm not the right sitter for them. I feel trust is huge in the petsitting world - yes, the owner is trusting me with their animals and their home, BUT I am also trusting that they aren't crazy and going to lock me in their basement. At least owners know that I've passed a background check and can see my reviews. I'm not saying that weeds out all the bad apples but it's a start. Sitters don't get that. I honestly wish owners had to pass a background check as well.
There's definitely jobs that you live in the workplace. I've not worked in an office for 20 years. Elderly care is a good example of what I'm talking about. I have other work experience, completely unrelated to the service industry, where you also live where you work. And they have cameras. I don't know why people find this so unbelievable.
Weird, sure, but it's part of the job. If you don't like it you can find another employer, like you said. I think that's fair.
I do agree that it imbalanced that pet owners aren't screened in any way. Safety should go both ways and yes trust is a huge thing when doing service work in someone's home. I wonder if housekeepers get bent out of shape if an employer has cameras. Or in home hospice care. Or if they do background checks for the homeowners in those situations.
I'll also throw out there that it protects the sitter too. My sister was sued by her "best friend's" family when she housesat for them. They won the suit because they went to small claims court and straight up lied. There was no way to prove anything from my sisters side since she was totally blindsided by the suit. She was young and scared and had no help. She trusted her best friend and got burned so badly it affected her life and career. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
I agree that owners should have accountability as well. I'm not sure how much it would help in OPs situation but it's definitely a problem that should be addressed.
Honestly I don't care if they watch while I'm sleeping (in a sit where that's happening right now), I hate that I can't ever relax besides that when I'm living in someones home. I just I personally can't handle that pressure, though, I understand why people would want cameras up to an extent. But doing my first week+ long, live-in sit with cameras in every room definitely made me realize no amount of money is worth that for me. I just constantly wonder if they're watching, if i'm missing something/doing it right/living up to their standards... I haven't had any complaints yet, I'm just too anxious for this shit 😂
Nah, that's totally fair. Cameras in every room is wild. Unless there is some specific reason they need to be there (either person or dog has some medical issue, maybe?) I feel like cameras inside only need to be in places that people enter the house.
I don't care at all. I've had offers to turn them off and I say don't bother on my behalf feel free to keep em on and check whenever you like and i swear its like a turbo boost on trust from them. I dont walk around naked or get weird in clients homes so I literally don't care. Majority of owners aren't sitting there watching you. It's just good insurance for them and me....if anything goes sideways or incorrect assumptions are had I can just point to the footage. Plus I treat my pets really fucking well, ofc you're welcome to watch that take place.
As a sitter who has 3 cameras in my own home for boarding, I can tell you that 99% of people (especially people on vacation) do not have time to watch the footage. It’s so boring to listen to conversations or watch what someone is doing. If there’s poop/vomit on the floor, I like having the ability to scroll through the footage to check which dog did it. I imagine owners just check what time sitters are in/out if they seem to be out more than discussed, if they’re bringing people over, and if their dog is still alive/happy. Just don’t put cameras in bedrooms/bathrooms where people may change. Doorway and general living space is fair game.
Even if it’s boring for you to watch someone or listen to their conversation, that doesn’t mean someone should be okay with someone listening to them or watching them any moment. Even if you’re not doing anything wrong, it’s okay to want privacy in the home you’re living in for that duration.
That's one of the biggest things we have come to appreciate about our indoor cameras. They don't show much, but we've been able to see our dogs and cats when we've had questions.
Caliber learned how to open the screen door to get outside. We had opened the door, went to let all three dogs out of their kennels, and only Nasa and Juna were waiting by the door to go out. We played back the footage and saw Cali let herself out.
Mary Jane was acting a bit sick, so we watched her on the camera where she was laying in view and were able to see how often she moved (only once because Bucket attacked her... of course). She ended up being perfectly fine, though!
The cameras are super beneficial for my life, but I see where they can be problematic for some sitters. I'm gonna do my best to accommodate.
I love the cameras. It is comforting to the parents and keeps everyone accountable. They can see exactly what a fabulous job I’m doing every time they check in. Then towards the end of their trip, they don’t have to worry so much because they have that peace of mind.
I have zero issues with cameras, I'm on them in probably 70-80% of the clients homes I work in. I have 150+ clients under my belt, most of which were recurring at one point (we move every couple years with the military so I have a lot of new clients onboarded often) I'm top rated, top listed, and encourage owners to have cameras! I'm not at their home 24/7 so if something happens and they see it on camera, they can contact me and I can get there right then! I also had a client with 4 cats, two of which it took me a few days to actually lay eyes on but I knew they were ok because she was seeing them on the cameras.. That's peace of mind for me too!
I don't understand the "it's creepy, it's invasive, it's whatever else.." It's their home! Their valuables, their privacy, their beloved pets. If you're not doing anything wrong and they're upfront/respectful with boundaries, I don't see the issue. If you have a bad vibe, decline the visit. If they not pick you through the cameras, send them a message expressing your concern that if they don't trust you they need to find someone else or let you work.
Good sitters don't care because they aren't doing anything wrong and don't feel guilty about what they're doing.
Bad sitters do care because they don't want to get caught doing whatever it is wrong that they are doing.
The bad sitters will downvote this comment and make up all sorts of excuses, pretend it's about privacy, etc, but really it's just that they don't want owners to see their wrong doing.
I’ve never met a good person that has issues with technology that keeps them accountable. This is a general rule of life. Not only regarding rover and security cameras
I’m unsure if you are a women or not but common room cameras give female HS the heebie jeebies. Women do not sleep with a bra on. And for the most part they are bra less once they change into their PJs. If the house has common room cameras then the female sitter will be uncomfortable because they have to wear a bra till 10pm at night. Then have to put it back on to take the dogs out in the AM.
I’m fine with an indoor camera facing a dogs crate and outside the home. But cameras facing common areas feels like an invasion of privacy. House sitting clients hire someone to be with their pet so the least they could do is make sure the caregiver feels comfortable enough to not wear a bra under their Pjs. And comfortable enough to take a private phone call in their home.
House sitting is based on trust. Don’t hire a sitter that you don’t trust. Hire them months before they house sit so you build a relationship.
Drop ins is totally different… clients can put up 20 cameras everywhere and I wouldn’t think twice.
I must live in a special place because I see braless women in public all the time so that didn’t even cross my mind. I am not sure If I was a woman I’d feel any different. There are a number of things I do for comfort in my own home I would never do in a clients home. In my view I’m being paid for a degree of uncomfortableness. (Can’t walk around a clients home in my boxers)
Im a house sitter and think the same thing as you. As long as they tell me I don’t have an issue, we live in a shit world and Rover has many shitty sitters. I also always pretend like Im on camera anyway, cause you truly never know. I understand where sitters are coming from, kinda. But Im definitely more on owners side when it comes to cameras (not in bedroom or bathrooms obviously). The horror stories on this reddit are the exact reason I understand why owners have cameras. Secondly, I doubt most owners look at them anyway or if they do for long periods of time. Definitely is odd to me the sitters that HATE cameras with every fiber of their being. Especially the ones that have a problem with Ring/doorbell cameras.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't mind them lmao
I just had no intention of stalking any sitter that I didn't even consider people do... Most people won't, the cameras are not there to watch a sitter, but there are those weirdos that break the standard.
Vet tech here. I prefer that there are cameras in other people's homes when I stay. I also have cameras in my house too. I find it odd that their are sitters who don't want cameras. And if there was a sitter at my house that had an issue with my cameras I would tell them they are not welcome in my home to petsit my babies.
No one should EVER remove security features such as cameras or anything else, (law abiding) for someone's comfort. Imagine telling the bank you don't want cameras watching you stand in line to withdrawal cause it makes you feel creeper out! Ludicrous!
I encourage cameras and even make recommendations. I have nothing to hide.
I don't do many housesits but never had any cameras and weird places. That would be my only line.
They don’t like it because they can’t bend the rules with you watching what’s going on in your own home, which is completely reasonable. If you did watch, you’d see them neglecting and harming your pets while having all different hoodrats and hooligans through your front door for orgies involving all sorts of perversions and filth.
Ask yourself what kind of trash works for $3 an hour? The kind who will destroy your place, drink up all your expensive liquor, and then kill your dog.
Then you’ll get the bill for them ‘house sitting’ for you. This app is populated with some sick, sick, sick to the point of being deranged, people. You just need to read the posts to this subreddit to see how lucky you are not to return to a smoldering rubble every time you let someone sent by Rover into your home.
If I were you, I would have every inch under surveillance, and I wouldn’t say a word about it to the nut job they send to walk my dog. Just be prepared with the phone in hand to dial 911, but know they know where you live.
I don’t like the indoor cameras because so many owners are creepy nut jobs like you. Sitters pass a background check. I could be sleeping in the home of a serial killer who has not had a background check. The sitter is at more risk than the pet owner. I’ve encountered a number of fucking weirdos.
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We have cameras inside and out, but when the sitter is at the house, we turn the inside cameras off as soon as she gets there. And I let her know this.
Ours don't have an easy "off-switch" but I will turn the audio recording feature off for any sitter. There are plenty of spaces they can hang out that isn't in camera view as well.
I understand having cameras and have never pushed back, but it is uncomfortable to feel like you could be being watched and listened to at any moment. It’s just kind of unsettling.
I grew up with cameras in my house so I also don’t care if there are any. Though I do agree with people not wanting cameras pointed at where I sleep.I’ve never had an owner creepily spy on me.
I’ve been thinking & I think it should be disclosed on the booking. A mandatory question they have to answer when making their profile. It’s awkward as the sitter to ask because it makes it sound like you want to do something they shouldn’t see, but it’s normal to want to know if people can watch you. I don’t have a problem with it I just think they should be up front. Most cameras in houses you can see but sometimes they’re hidden or not super visible!
I like when there are ring cams outside. Inside cameras creep me out as I don’t like being watched. The obvious little pet cams that you can see when they are on are okay but otherwise they should be disclosed.
My biggest issue, outside of being watched by an owner, is the fact that just about anyone can hack the network and tap into the cameras, so sometimes it’s not just the owners who are watching and that’s creepy.
One time I was housesitting, and the room that I was sleeping and had a camera in it ☹️ so I ended up sleeping with my backpack in front of my face the whole night and covered my entire body full of blankets, even though I was really hot and I never changed into any pajamas and I was scared to use the bathroom thinking there might be cameras in there, too
I’ve had owners watch me through the cameras so many times, some asking me why I was leaving? One guy asking me about a conversation he had overheard me having with my mom through the camera. I’ve also pet sat for someone who told me they didn’t have cameras and I later found out that was a lie. It really depends on how the owner uses them honestly. A couple people i pet sit for rarely check there’s and it’s mostly just to see the pets
My issue with it is that it's never disclosed by the owners and then you find them and it just feels violating. Idk. I have a camera in my living room from when I worked in an office to watch my dogs and I always tell people if they come into my home. I don't even watch it anymore but I had a sitter for my daughter come over and I mentioned it to her so she wouldn't see it and feel weird
Aside from being watched while housesitting, the idea of being heard creeps me out. Now I don't care if the owners hear me baby talk to their dog and talk to myself while I go about my day. But, if I'm stuck at someone's house and get a personal call I would like to be able to take it without the owners potentially listening in. About a year ago I had a week-long sit and my doctor called with some test results. It wasn't something that I wanted to wait on, so I took the call. Fast forward a couple weeks and I'm telling the owner I have to take medical leave after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and she responded, "Yes, I heard." I had never mentioned this to her previously, and she did not know any of my other clients to get the news through word of mouth. So this lady was watching/listening to me talk to my doctor about my soon-to-be yeeted uterus like some sort of reality show.
Exactly this. For me, the visuals are creepy and I’m always conscious of what I’m doing/wearing but the absolute worst part is the audio. House sitting is already hard because I’m sleeping away from my pets and husband, but I hate feeling like I can’t even talk freely to him on the phone. Not about the family I’m sitting for, but literally anything. I try to text him anything I have going on and get on the phone to hear about his day so I can just hear his voice and mostly ask questions. It’s kind of awful. But I can’t do boarding, so this is where I’m at.
Being away from your own home and family can be so exhausting as is. Not being able to have a private conversation with them makes me feel so secluded. At this point I only house sit for a select group of regulars and no longer accept new clients. I too wish I could board, but it's not a possibility. I miss the money of regular housesitting gigs, but it's not worth my sanity.
Yeah I haven't had a new housesitting client in over three years. Right now I only have four clients who I really like that I housesit for. The more you do housesittings, the pickier you get with clients and their homes.
Ugh, I would feel so violated. I’m sorry you had to endure the health issues along with the creepiness of that client. Some pet owners need to recognize it’s a vulnerable experience to sleep alone in a near-stranger’s house and we deserve a certain level of privacy. Eleven states, including mine, require two-party consent to record audio. If clients don’t respect my legal right to agree to being recorded, I have no interest in staying overnight in their home.
When IP mentions living in a ‘shitty world’, I reflect on the loss of privacy of the gig worker. It’s house sitting, not retail. Not the first mention of being surveilled in this sub.
That’s so gross of her. Wow. I’m sorry.
Wow, that’s absolutely beyond thoughtless of the owner. It’s one thing to hear something, it’s another to be so thoughtless. I’m sorry – I hope you’re doing well.
jesus I’m so sorry that is unnerving. I hope you’re doing well!
You can step.outside. no one should remove there security measures for YOUR comfort.
There were also cameras outside. But to your point, I never suggested they remove their security measures for my comfort. I opted to no longer sit for them or others with indoor cameras for my comfort.
It’s actually illegal to record people without their permission. So if you want to do it, you have to get it in writing for it to be legal.
I once had a week of drop ins with a situation like yours where the owner had cameras wired into the ceilings, and also a doorbell camera. She consistently watched what I did, would message me about every single thing I did to tell me if I had done it the right or wrong way, and if I said anything to her cat she would comment on it. It was a hugely mentally exhausting booking, and now I can’t relax around cameras which effects how I talk to/interact with the animals because I feel like I’m performing for clients and never know if they’re watching or not. And tbh cameras aren’t even that useful, the same booking with the controlling client her cat locked himself in a closet and she didn’t know because her cameras didn’t point there and so I found him locked in the next day 🤷♂️
This exact thing happened to me. And it was a 6 day long booking too. The house was TINY and they had a camera in every corner, literally. I ended up staying upstairs for most of the time since I didn’t want to be on camera. I accidentally got the dog bowls mixed up.. text message immediately. Let the dogs outside before feeding since I had stepped out for a few hours.. texted me that I should have fed them first. One of her dogs killed a newborn baby bunny in front of me, I literally was so traumatized I wasn’t thinking of the cameras and was crying to my mom about it on the phone. Got another text about that!
Jesus! 😬 Sth is really wrong with the owner 😬
They were a young couple that had 3 large breed dogs in a tiny 1 bedroom house if that tells you anything. I think they were some of those people that are overly picky with who watches their dogs. The dogs were actually very good despite the bunny murder, they just had no room to get their energy out, and weren’t allowed in the fenced backyard unsupervised. German shepherd, husky/rot mix, and a pit mix. It was one of my first bookings and probably would have watched the dogs again if it wasn’t for the owner.
Those dogs would kill a baby bunny bc of the prey drive even if they just ate. That’s not on you for letting them out first.
This is my worst fear come to life lol i would just cry
I don't like being watched. I'm surprised that you're surprised by this. Drop-in cameras are fine, housesitting cameras inside is a big no for me. I want to be able to fart during yoga in peace.
This. I have regulars with cameras and I don't mind it for a drop-in. I do appreciate when people tell me beforehand, though. House sits are totally different though. That takes it from *working* in view of a camera to *living* in front of a camera. Not cool.
That last sentence made me snort 😂
Lol! Same, girl. Same.
One time I farted and just assumed there was audio somewhere and I was like “sorry, house” LOL
Yes absolutely no problem for drop ins or walks. And I'd be totally comfortable with outdoor cameras for house sits or indoor if it's not at all an area I would spend a lot of time in, or they explicitly said to only plug it in while I'm out of the house.
I don't mind cameras for drop ins, or if they are pointed at pet-only areas, but for house sitting & cameras in the general area I dislike it. We are essentially using their home as our home for a period of time & knowing that someone can just peek in at whatever we're doing in "our home"/living space at any time is really uncomfortable. I feel like I can never truly relax & am on edge for the entire sit. I get why owners want them as they have a stranger in their home but it's just uncomfy!
I totally understand!!! I don't house sit, so that must be why I wasn't processing the issue with it. I definitely would be more cautious of cameras if I were there longer than 30 minutes.
the main reason why sitter don't like camera is because it's just so tiring to dressing yourself up properly every morning and everyday when you could just lounge around the house in your undies or full commando and playing with the pets. I don't like pet sitting with camera because of how much laundry I have to do. Like in a Camera house if I got a spill or a dog slobber on my shirt, I gotta go change it instead of just splashing water on my bare chest and wipe it off in a house without camera. In a camera house, I gotta do laundry at least twice a day, in a house without camera, laundry is like almost never to once a week, since Im walking around with just my undies on.
Ew, don’t be going commando in someone else’s home
Yeah, I feel like it's respectful and more sanitary to treat a house sit like a slumber party at a new friends place, so not someone you would lounge in undies or naked around! I mean I don't even know what's been on all the owners furniture so for my own peace of mind I will wear PJs lol
I wouldn’t be full naked but I def am in an oversized T and wear thongs only lol but only at bedtime so if I run to the kitchen for water in the middle of the night that’s it (and I change the sheets so that’s not a concern)
someone's dog is going to bite your dick
This is definitely not the norm and probably going to convince people to get cameras to catch weirdo sitters that hang around naked You played yourself
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this person is not the norm. if you have cameras, it's respectful to let the sitter turn them off if they're facing the sitter. feeling watched is a reason I would not take a 2nd booking.
Ya know I totally understand getting up early in the morning to feed them, still in your undies and then immediately going back to sleep. But like naked? What? That’s just so bizarre.
I usually sleep naked or close to it in my own bed at my own home, but I wouldn't ever do that in someone else's bed, especially a client. It seems weird af Edit: this may be my paranoia but I also don't feel comfy changing in any room other than a bathroom in clients homes, because I've unfortunately heard too many stories of cameras in bedrooms...
No. What's to stop.ypu from putting rat poison in their food??? At least you get recorded doing it, and will catch you and hopefully prevent another seriel killing. Extreme, I know, but absolutely why you have cameras in your home watching the stranger you allowed in! Period!!!!
I went to a house with several inside and outside cams and by their texts I knew they were watching me occasionally. I’m a person not a zoo animal. I’ll send pics of your pet throughout the and if it’s like a walk or a drop in idc abt cams. But a sitting where I’m supposed to be there most of the time? Fuck that, don’t sit there and watch me, it’s an invasion of privacy
Your in THEIR home!!!! You have no privacy except the bathroom, and in some states the, bedroom. A living room is considered a public living area for all resident according to the law. This isn't recording in a bnb. It's recording the potential seriel killer in your house alone. Maybe they have a disease like hiv or herpes and they just going around spitting in your house. Or something else gross and messed up. This idea every rover peep.is the besylt and most honest is just mundane and ignorant. Most the people doing rover have questionable backgrounds or they would be doing w2 work. I am absolutely shocked at how many self absorbed privileged rover people there are out there. Wow.
I’m absolutely shocked at how many self absorbed privileged owner people there are out there. Wow. I wonder how many owners would pass a Rover background check 🤣
What a horrifyingly uneducated bigoted comment.
We’re the ones background checked, not owners. And many of us work W2 jobs as well which does not require a background check like Rover does.
If you do use rover I hope you don’t treat your sitters that shitty
fearless squalid aware shame intelligent apparatus husky deer books offend ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Simple. If I'm going to be using your house as a second home for multiple days, I want to be able to relax. It is impossible to relax when you know you're being surveilled 24/7. I also have no idea where and for how long the client stores the recordings or what they do with them. We have to look out for our own safety too.
Using your own logic, we live in such a shitty world... there are a lot of weirdos out there, and someone having hours of video footage of me is unsettling. No matter if you are fully clothed, acting professionally doing your job, people are weird.
Super valid! I didn't even consider owners can be bad people too, shame on me.
Don't record them and they put dog feces in your food and stick there you know ow what you know where. I wouldn't let any stranger in my home, for any reason, without them recorded. In every room but the bathroom Yes my wife and I have closed circuit cameras in the corner of EVERY room. ( my wife is a paranormal nut) but still. Not gonna let a weirdo who got a rover job into my home to do nasty unspeakable things. No. Only cameras or witnesses stop the perverted and mentally deranged from acting out.
I'm sorry but your need for cameras and mistrust of others seems way deeper than anything a sitter would actually do... perhaps unpack that
It's illegal to record in a bedroom that's being occupied but good luck getting sued
I'm not sure if this is just me, but I should say that I have AuDHD and am female as it may reframe some of my points. I'm more self-conscious and reserved when I know I'm being watched, that's for sure. If I'm doing a drop-in, whatever, it's weird to be watched the entire time but nbd, I get it. As long as there are no cameras in the bathroom it's all good. If I'm doing overnight sitting, and they have cameras in the common areas, I am not comfortable with myself enough to sit back and relax or be me while playing or resting or anything. I worry about my posture, if they think I'm lazy If I watch a movie, oh did i do a stipid baby voice, I can't sing while I cook or clean. And I try to avoid any BMs in case it's too loud, which sucks on a longer stay lmao. I've even had clients put a camera in the bedroom for the booking, after they didn't have one during the meet and greet, which is DEFINITELY not ethical. I've also had a time where I've said to a client during a meet and greet "this day I have Y event from 5:00-8:00, would your pup be fine to be alone for this three hour window?" "OH yes absolutely, they'll be fine if you need leave them for up to 5 hours if you want to stay out longer!" And then had them message me like 5 minutes after I was supposed to get back asking why I wasn't there yet. Just the potential of the constant watching and keeping tabs is icky to me. Accountability is great and important, but I feel there's a much finer line when you're asking someone to basically live in your home for X days. It ends up feeling like the day to day life has to be performative, in my experience that's not sustainable or healthy for the sitter. During the meet and greet you could be upfront and say something like, you promise to only review footage if something criminal has happened, and explain that they're really hard to just turn off.
Also neurodivergent and having to mask 24/7 is exhausting. One of my first house sittings had cameras in the main living areas and outside, motion sensors everywhere (including the room I was sleeping in), and had their Alexa echo thing using the two way call to listen to me every so often. I was having a meltdown basically the entire time because it was so stressful having every single thing I did monitored. Only the one living room camera was disclosed to me at the M/G My current house sit only has a ring doorbell and nothing inside so I actually feel like I can be myself and relax a little bit while I’m here. Also even if clients say they’re not going to be watching the cameras it doesn’t change the fact that they could be and I’d have no idea either way
I get that!! I guess I'm just a "responsible" camera owner that I didn't even think about watching any potential sitter.
Cameras are for when nobody is home. If you hire me, then I'm doing the watching for you. If you're watching me, then you are definitely not trusting me to do the job. Since cameras have become a feature, I've seen paranoia increase in people. Paradox, yes. I speculate as to why. I think it's because cameras don't offer a way for the client to relax and not be in charge. They are still worrying. Beyond that, I personally find it creepy and intrusive to watch me that way. I like privacy. When someone's watching, then I cannot relax. If I have a choice, I'll stay where I'm not being scrutinized. I can't imagine why anyone can't get that.
I get the need for privacy. My cameras are not easily removed or turned off, but you are correct that they are mainly for when no one is home. They actually are very helpful for when I am home on occasion, too. I did not consider how many owners are just creepy stalkers since I've never experienced one.
I balk at the "my cameras are not easy to turn off". Most cameras can easily be turned off in the app. I have one indoor camera (plus several outside) and it is for my cats only. You and I differ in that even when I'm home - I want them off. My partner works in IT and security and there are way too many instances of these web cloud services getting hacked, people being able to access your cameras remotely, that I don't want even videos enough to compromise my comfort at home. I made sure the power source of my cameras is a wifi plug - that way the power is turned off to the camera and can't be hacked (the plug could be but it's a different brand so a lot more effort, and if they're that determined, probably getting into something like my phone or laptop potentially). Then, it was really simple to set it to turn on when our phone location is out of the house and then off when we come home. For sitters, it also turns on if the security system is armed when they're away and turns off when they're home. The whole setup was cheap, easily integrated and takes maybe 30 minutes to set up. But truthfully, you could easily turn the cameras off, I have not seen a single camera interface that doesn't allow you to turn the cameras off from the app. You could turn the camera off for the entirety of their stay, but you don't want to. It may be hard to access the physical button or the power supply for them to turn it on and off as they come and go, but usually there is a way to turn it off via the software on the app interface. I have two different camera brands and both of them make it extremely easy and instantaneous as long as they have power.
My partner also works in IT and I have a decent knowledge (nothing extraordinary). Our system is set up exclusively through our internet, no cloud storage or anything. It most definitely has an off switch somewhere, but we've only had the system for two months and I haven't found one on the app. Because we haven't had a need to turn them off, I haven't bothered trying to figure it out. That is my fault in immediately claiming they are too hard to turn off. I just haven't tried. I'll admit that was a mistake, I apologize for that.
If it's connected to the internet... It's using some sort of cloud. If you can recall the video later and it's not just a live feed, unless it's running directly off a server that lives in your house, that has to be stored somewhere. Cloud = remote storage, that's all, it's just a server somewhere else. And the internet connection is what is hackable, so your explanation shows your setup isn't immune, but also it sounds likely it is a cloud like service I would get to know your system better, because the fact that you don't know how to turn it off and you're just assuming it's safe because of the internet gives me some red flags that actually maybe you don't have any second security to it.
It's stored on a server in our house. I said internet because I'm an idiot and genuinely don't feel interested in explaining things in depth. I appreciate your concern, genuinely, but I am not interested in this conversation right now. My car is pissing me off today so I'm cranky and it's making me interpret your words much harsher than I expect you intend them to be. I hope you have a great day, and I will definitely explore my app more thoroughly (or ask my partner questions, he's done the due diligence in regards to the system)
I balk at people who think they should be trusted. Alone, in someone else house. Thats the definition of stupid. Only people with issues of being recorded in another person's house, are those that want to do things they don't want someone else to see. Duh.
Says the guy that got taken off a delivery app for not providing clear photos and potentially taking things Hate to tell you but not all owners are nice and cute and some of them use cameras to stalk and inappropriately view people - once you have a client that comments on your every move including what TV show that you decided to watch and your downtime when the dog was asleep, you will feel a little differently. But you're usually a troll anyways. I have lots of clients that trust me and don't have cameras, and if a camera is needed to trust me you're not going to trust me with the camera either because you're just going to spend your entire time checking it. People had people work in their houses long before cameras existed, and they will have that after as well, so clearly your logic doesn't work unless everyone before the invention of a camera is untrustworthy
Well said
It’s weird being watched inside
Fair. I will say... if I didn't have my inside cameras, I wouldn't have the beautiful video of me spilling an entire bag of puffcorn all over my couch. 💀
weary wakeful fine ring existence deliver snobbish violet depend person ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Okay but that's not your clients watching you during a sit. That's just your cameras recording for security.
I don't mind them during drop-ins, but I do considerably less housittings now that everybody has them everywhere in their house.
I feel really respected when an owner discloses cameras and their locations. I appreciate when they’re not oriented at the living room couch or other places I’ll be trying to feel fully comfortable in, or I can turn them off when I arrive.
First off it's creepy AF. I do not understand the perspective that can't understand that- would you book an air BNB for example where you knew they had cameras recording audio & visual in every room & the host often commented on things they saw you do or heard you say? Second audio recording in particular is often illegal even if people don't seem to give a hoot anymore. Having cameras mounted *inside* a home is straight up weird imo. Sitters pass a background check, owners do not. There are many examples in this thread of people with cameras abusing the sitters right to basic privacy & I've personally found an undisclosed bathroom camera & know people who have commented on "those cute little shorts" they saw a sitter wearing when they had no idea they were being watched in their PJs. It's just skeeze city territory imo. Also if your cameras can be accessed remotely by you, you best believe others can too.
I think there is a difference between you paying to be in a space vs being paid to be in a space but I do understand the perspective/point Our inside cameras monitor the entry points to our house (plus a little area surrounding the doors because that's just how angles and lenses work). I've never experienced a bad owner with a camera, so that is why I wasn't really aware of the big issue behind them. I definitely have learned, as a sitter and owner, to be more aware and I am glad I asked this question. I was oblivious to some issues that may arise. And yes, I know cameras are not 100% unhackable. We do take the best precautions we can to make sure we are secure, though.
It's more about being monitored 24/7 in a space you are temporarily living whether you are being paid or you paid to be there most people would expect a basic right to some level of privacy. I don't have issues with visually monitoring access points or outside as I have known a bunch of shady sitters who lie about the times they are actually there for which is just super shitty :/
Curious if the people saying inside cameras are ok for house sitting are men. Would never be ok with someone watching me living my life - if you are worried about them taking out your dog 1. you should trust your sitter and 2. have a ring doorbell camera outside.
I am a woman and don't mind cameras, BUT I have never house sat. I would definitely trust any sitter I pick out so I have no intention of watching the cameras during their stay.
yeah BIG difference. I wave at the cameras for drop ins cause i assume it alerts them and i don’t care, not having someone watch me on their couch. If they wanted me to set it up when i leave the house so they can check their dog is safe while i’m gone that’s totally fine.
Maybe I am worried about them inviting others into my home. Or worried they might be putting rat poison in my panty foods. Or maybe they are trying to sneak off with some valuable glassware or whatever. Why do you immediately think any recording, including public space recording, means something creepy, gross and perveted???? Maybe YOU instantly want to use recording of others for something nasty, but most just want to make sure the person at their house isn't doing some shady shit. Also, this idea that the homeowner would just be setting and watching the recordings, shows how creepy and ignorant YOU are. I have a house full.of cameras. I never watch them. They are there INcase something happens I have insurance proof or evidence or for police, to have evidence. You better get some common sense before you end up bad.
Why do you assume every sitter is creepy, gross, perverted or dangerous but we can't have the same worry about the person taking the recording? Hypocritical
cheerful birds plant coordinated distinct recognise connect icky doll hat ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
I think you need some intervention help, genuinely concerning… the ones that are likely is they could invite someone over - that’s why outdoor/doorbell cameras are great and I guess stealing but seems pretty obvious if they stole from you because who else is in your house.
i am a woman in my 20s & i mostly do house-sitting to give context for my perspective. my first discomfort is with the idea of lack of privacy and the idea of constantly being watched. surveillance gives me the heeby jeebies. i simply do not like the idea that someone could watch my every move. i don’t feel that i can be myself or be comfortable. i’m worried about how i look, how i could be perceived, etc. i just feel uncomfortable & insecure. my second discomfort is with recording. if i talk on the phone to my friend or my doctor or whatever, i don’t want someone listening and i sure as hell don’t want it to be recorded and enter “the record”. i don’t like the idea that someone can save a video or image of my likeness for future use. additionally, i constantly see people posting videos from their ring cameras or security systems online — i definitely do not consent to my likeness being shared in that way. lastly, i feel uncomfortable because if there’s cameras in one room, there could be cameras in every room, including undisclosed cameras. i really don’t like the idea of that. i had an unfortunate incident with undisclosed cameras at a rover stay. i don’t accept bookings with inside cameras any more, unless the owner shows explicitly me where they are and how to turn them off. i make an exception for furbo, but that’s it.
Because it’s creepy to have cameras in your house. Outside are fine but why do you need inside ones why would you want a company able to watch inside your home? Weird af
Our system is completely in-house. No company has access to our cameras. Our cameras inside watch the two points of entry to the house.
Well then you should write all they watch are the doorways. That’s a different story and if they were pointed just at the door I’d be fine. But ones that are in bedrooms or living rooms which I have seen are creepy.
I'm not sure how in me stating I have two cameras inside, it becomes implied they are in private places. I was not asking about MY home specifically. I wanted perspective and input about cameras in general and only mentioned that I have some to provide context to my question.
As an owner who books house sitting, I don’t even want footage of my sitter inside. That’s creepy lol I’m not a stalker. But I do have front door and back door just to check to see when she’s there and get the notifications. First time bookings it’s a trust thing but the ones I have a relationship with it’s just more peace of mind knowing ok they’re there, my pups are playing. If they have a problem with that I’d be concerned
Agree that monitoring entry points is totally fine. To me that's for security as well as just making sure the sitter arrived or when they left like you said. But monitoring what's going on inside the house when the sitter is there just feels like stalking. I'll send all the videos and pics you want, but knowing someone can watch and record me at anytime is creepy. Edit- typo
I’m not being paid to give the homeowner a cam show. That shit costs extra.
Very true, there needs to be an add on indoor surveillance charge
If you’re going to have someone in your home to stay, you take that risk of something going wrong. Having cameras isn’t going to change that risk. I wouldn’t have an issue with a ring camera or even a camera at the back door or in the backyard but if I’m expected to ‘live’ at someone’s home for a week, I want to be able to actually live and not worry about having a bra on in my pjs if I get a glass of water at bedtime. Or taking a personal phone call or wearing a towel from the bathroom to the bedroom after a shower. Want a camera in a forbidden or off limit area - sure. But not in the space where I’m expected to occupy. Totally creeps me out to be watched like that.
Totally valid. Fortunately, our cameras don't even point near our bathroom/bedrooms.
i have no idea why you’re being downvoted for these harmless comments
Haters gonna hate I guess lmao
You don't have a problem with people watching you?
Would you like to be watched as you just lived your normal life? Any hint of cameras I wouldn’t take the job. Any cameras I found would be turned off
Every public place has cameras. Every store I go to, and even my work place. My recurring client has cameras. It genuinely doesn't bother me but I am learning why it is an issue for some, and I respect it! Although, if I had a sitter turn off my cameras I would be a bit concerned. I think I'd rather them text me and ask about it before they just shut it off.
That’s a bit different. People aren’t watching those cameras all the time, and the focus isn’t solely on you.
Public places are very different than one paranoid stalker monitoring only me. I love public places that have cameras.
I don't like being monitored constantly. I'm not doing anything wrong, I've never caused a problem during a sitting. That doesn't mean I'm going to be super comfortable with an owner watching me through cameras without me knowing when at any point in the day. I can't relax with the knowledge that someone could be sitting just watching me on camera. I'd like to be able to have a phone call without being listened to, I'd like to not be monitored without knowing when, and I'd like an owner to extend a basic sense of trust to me. Like if they really can't trust me to handle their dog without cameras covering every angle of the house... maybe just don't hire me. Also it seems like owners with a bunch of in-home cameras are some of the most overbearing and micromanaging owners. Cameras outside is normal, cameras inside constantly recording is less normal and comfortable.
Our two cameras inside just watch the entry points of the house. They weren't even originally in our camera plan but they came as add-ons. I am learning how I can manage my cameras to make sitters more comfortable, thank you for the input!
It’s just very big brother to me. I hate being on camera in general, and I’m honestly just paranoid about it. We have an indoor camera for our dogs that I turn off when we have someone watch them. I also don’t want my conversations heard. I’ve had people with indoor cameras literally WATCH me while I’m sitting in the living room watching tv or doing homework. Outdoor cameras are totally fine! Now I just hang out solely in the bedroom if they have cameras unless I’m eating or having playtime with the dogs.
That is definitely creepy and I did not even consider the weirdos. I forgot irresponsible people exist and was assuming everyone was responsible with their cameras. Obviously not the case and I'm glad I haven't experienced it myself.
Yeah for sure! I think in your situation you won’t have to worry if and when you need someone to watch them though. I think enough sitters are used to the possibility of cameras that it won’t be an issue, especially if you disclose them. I think it’s really kind of pet owners to disclose them beforehand. A majority of my clients have indoor cameras so I’ve gotten use to it, still don’t like it, I just am more conscious of where I spend my time in the house.
Once there was a camera in the bathroom where I was sitting . It was an invasion of my privacy and perverted . I understand one or two cameras but not watching me poop.
It's intrusive as fuck. I won't sit while being watched 24/7 if you don't trust me. Find another sitter.
Likely if a sitter hates indoor cameras it's because they've had an owner experience where they were stalked/over surveilled by them, at minimum nitpicked and micromanaged and at most had their private conversation and moments violated by a creep. Sure it protects good owners. But there as many bad owner's as there are bad sitters and it's hard to tell the difference sometimes
Indoor cams for drop ins are fine. Indoor cams for housesitting are the reason we quit doing it . Of course outdoor cams are fine also . I just can’t feel comfortable with an indoor cam during a housesitting And it’s not worth the 100 dollars we used to charge for a night . We just do siting at our house ,where there are no cams and we can feel relaxed . If other sitters don’t mind them ,then ok fine . It’s just not for us . If at any point it becomes normal for a client to ask us to install cams so they can have a 24 hour live feed Then we will quit house sitting . Pics . Videos are all fine , we gladly send them . We used to rent this house as a vacation rental for a week at a time ,to 8 people At. Much higher rate than rover. And I would never ever think of putting a cAm Inside ,even In a public area or an outdoor area . Of course a cam on the bathroom or bedroom and I'd be in prison The only time it became an issue , the client asked if cams bothered me, I said yes and they unplugged them
I would worry about potential clients being malicious in their intent of recording women when they use the bathroom
That's a great point and is so disgusting that it could happen.
I’m not a sitter, for me it’s just a personal opinion. I think cameras inside a house are weird and I wouldn’t like to be in a house with them inside. We have cameras at all entrances for safety, though.
I don’t like being watched, the idea that someone could be watching me right at that moment, is so….uncomfortable. We lived and worked without cameras everywhere for a really really long time, pet sitting has been around before cameras as well. I understand wanting security in your home, but some people go overkill. But what’s most important to me is being TOLD about them and locations, so long as I know ya know?
I get that! I definitely would tell any sitter about our cameras, and I would turn audio off for when they are there!
I don't hate cameras: I just love privacy, and the two just so happen to be mutually exclusive. ETA: Oh, like others said, they're fine during drop-ins as long as they're just there for security and not to micromanage me. But if I'm living there for a week, I don't want to be watched by a stranger the whole time. Now I never mind exterior cameras, again, as long as they aren't being used for micromanagement.
Totally fair!
I don't mind them during drop ins, but I can understand if someone is hanging out at the house all day or, more importantly, working another job from your home, being watched and heard all day would be stressful or depending on your work, just straight up not an option. There is a compromise to be had, one where cameras are pointed so the pet is visible but the sitter is not constantly, and audio is shut off.
If it’s for a drop in it’s fine. Not for an overnight stay. I need privacy, I wanna watch tv without wearing a bra and take personal phone calls and do yoga/ Pilates and not feel like I’m being watched.
I don't mind cameras in female clients houses but male ones I get paranoid.. so I tend to sit out of view of them.
I have OCD, and a part of OCD involves both doubt in yourself and compulsive checking. Cameras and the idea of being watched exacerbate both of these things—doubt that i have done things correctly somehow, and my need them to check multiple times in a row that I have.
I don’t want strangers to see me pick my nose 👀
or hear me fart 💨
I don’t really mind for 30 minute drop-ins. For housesitting, it’s intrusive and creepy. It’s borderline stalking. Your personal phone calls can be eavesdropped on. Audio is the worst. I like to sing and call the animals goofy nicknames. It’s a huge invasion of privacy. I refuse housesitting with indoor cameras and I’m tired of people on here saying things like, “the sitter must be doing something wrong if they object to indoor cameras.” I am not doing anything wrong!!
I take the opportunity to speak out what I’m doing so I don’t look suspicious. It makes me sound like a crazy pet lover/lady 🙃 like this bitch only talks to animals 🤣 But in reality, I’m actually not an obsessed animal lover. I’m a money lover and a people pleaser lol
I do that anyway LOL
I like my privacy.
I’m probably in the minority but I genuinely do not care if they have cameras in their house as long as they’re not in the bedroom/bathroom or something like that. I sort of just always assume there are cameras somewhere because a lot of my clients are upper class and if i was rich i’d probably do the same 🤷♀️ But i do understand the dislike for them, some people just feel uncomfy knowing someone could be watching and I don’t see anything wrong with that.
That's how I am, too. But as I may book a sitter someday, I want to be as accommodating as I can!
for me personally, i don’t mind cameras whatsoever. I dog sit for a client right now and I didn’t see the cameras at first until later. i also live in an area where a lot of people tend to also open carry and conceal carry which he openly did and i spotted it when i first met him, which wasn’t intimidating at all because i expect it where i am. i think some sitters that stay over would like the camera to be moved to the pets since they’ll be sleeping wherever it is or if it’s one that picks up audio, to turn that one setting off and they’ll be alright with it.
I also live in a gun-happy area... We have our own, actually. So maybe that is another reason why I am undisturbed by cameras.
Like many others, I’ve had some bad experiences being watched while doing my job. And not knowing about it until a creepy indirect text message later that day. Of course lots of my clients have cameras and not all of them are this way, but a few instances is enough to make me uncomfortable and distrustful. Once, I dropped a client because she was watching me every single drop in and critiquing me or telling me what to do. I would kind of understand, if the situation had been a little different. If she had told me at the meet and greet that she would like to watch the visit. If it was a complicated routine, maybe. But she didn’t and it wasn’t. It was a simple cat visit, give wet food, play, scoop litter. She was just a little obsessive. Anyway, I hope our answers help to give a little perspective :) def not suggesting you remove your cameras, I have some too and I think I would leave them on if I had someone staying in my house too. Hopefully you’ll find someone you really trust so there’s no need to watch sitter tv!
That's just weird and gross!! I would never watch the sitter while they were.
I think of them as a necessary evil. I don’t like that we’ve had to get here and I deeply wish we hadn’t, but we are. I have cameras outside and inside my house for the same reasons owners do - mostly to make sure pets are doing fine and heinous acts of arson haven’t been committed by the pups. But also the security. There’s a reason these cameras aren’t hidden, people are less likely to act up if they know they’re being recorded. All that said I think it’s silly for all of us to act like we like being recorded. Every time I look up from target self check out and see my face on the screen I get that little “ugh” feeling in my stomach. I know it’s not personal, I know it’s for security, I know they’re not going to catch me doing anything wrong because I don’t steal *but still*. I don’t have to like it. Even my own cameras I get a little “ugh” about some times because I know there’s always a chance they could be hacked and used to spy on me in less than savory ways. I think it’s kind of naive when people just assume new and commonly used technology can only be used for good.
That's what I'm understanding too. The cameras themselves aren't necessarily the issue. It's the people behind them.
Don't want to be watched while I am sleeping, changing, etc. Not all people are upfront about where their cameras are located. Also, when housesitting for an extended period there can be conversations that you do not want someone to overhear as it is private information. Some people excessively watch and listen in. In the end, they protect both parties when they are working. I have had a camera not pick up on me, luckily time stamped photos dissolved the owners anger.
There are a lot of creepy people in the world who do creepy things with cameras.
I have 1 camera inside and during the day if a sitter wanted to unplug it or move it while she is there that would be fine but if they’re gone or at night (sitters don’t have to stay overnight for me) I want them to plug it back in for the safety of my dogs & the sitter (if she decided to stay the night) incase someone broke in. Personally as a sitter I don’t mind cameras one bit but I also don’t do house sitting and mainly just board in my house.
As a sitter, I also don’t understand why so many sitters have a problem with it. I’m there to take care of the animals - I’m confident in the care I provide, and I have nothing to hide. I’m also going to just keep living my life as I would if I were in my own house - if someone catches a glimpse of me changing clothes or napping on the couch with their dog or whatever, than so be it. It’s not that big of a deal. Also, if someone wants to spend their entire vacation staring at their cameras, that’s their problem, not mine. The only time I’ve had issues with cameras, is when an owner used them as a tool for micromanagement (she accused me of neglect because the dog’s water bowl was half full and she had specified it should always be full of fresh water - we had just come in from a walk and one dog drank a bit of water while I was getting a bur out of the other dog’s fur. The bowl was literally half full for less than 5 minutes).
Lmao that's just ridiculous. It is literally impossible to keep water bowls full 24/7. I'm the same way though. I am confident in my care and kinda figure if someone catches me in a weird position, that's their problem for peeking.
You don’t understand why other people might not like being seen changing clothes or sleeping?
I think its because I like to be naked in the house sometimes and when I wake up to pee in the middle of the night it is hard to remember to put on clothes lol. I am 90% sure I have been caught nude on some owners camera because I really have a hard time remembering to be fully dressed at night.
this is absolutely the reason owners should have cameras because that’s weird. That’s not your home. Put on clothes. 🤨
No idea. Every job I've ever had, had cameras in at least a few areas. And this is a job. It's a job in someone's *home*. They have a right to monitor the workplace as they see fit IMO. Bosses, like the BIG boss, has called the foreman about something they saw on camera. I don't see how this is any different. If one wants to monitor their pet or the sitter for safety or quality reasons, or just because they can, it's no different than any other job. They watch cashiers to make sure no one steals and factory workers to make sure no one is f@cking off, how is this any different? I bet we wouldn't have "they ate all my steak" posts if there had been a camera. There's a reason cameras are common in people-interactive or care jobs like police or elderly homes. Jobs DO disclose camera use beforehand however, and I think not telling a sitter about a camera is borderline illegal (I haven't looked up laws about it recently). They also don't have them in private areas like bathrooms or sleeping areas. None wants to be watched when they're drooling on the couch fast asleep so I understand not wanting a camera on in those situations. If people don't want to be on camera at work then they are allowed to decline a job where they have cameras in the workspace.
Being recorded in a public place like a McDonald's is much different than being recorded in a home that you're using as your living space for a period of time.
Yes, a sitter is there to do a job, however the pay does not usually go by hours, but rather number of nights stayed. If a client were to exercise their right as an "employer" to run their cameras 24/7 (with the knowledge of the sitter) while the "sitter is on the job", then shouldn't the sitter expect to be compensated for the total time that they are in the house, as captured on the camera? Even if the sitter is watching TV and the doggo's in their bed snoozing, the camera is running and the sitter would be considered to be on the clock, right? So does the sitter not get any time off unless they leave the home - without the dog? One benefit to this would be that the camera footage could be used as a timesheet!
The difference is that you don't live at your workspace. For an office or any type of work environment, I totally get and agree with what you are saying. I feel the same about using a work computer - you have to assume that they could be checking browsing history or even capturing keystrokes. But with housesitting, yes you are working, but you are also living your personal life at the same time, and just happen to be doing it someone else's house. I'm working out, dancing in the kitchen, taking both business and personal calls, and none of that has any impact on the quality of care I am providing for their animals. And I don't want anyone watching or listening to me doing those things. If they feel the need to watch me on camera then clearly they don't fully trust me and maybe I'm not the right sitter for them. I feel trust is huge in the petsitting world - yes, the owner is trusting me with their animals and their home, BUT I am also trusting that they aren't crazy and going to lock me in their basement. At least owners know that I've passed a background check and can see my reviews. I'm not saying that weeds out all the bad apples but it's a start. Sitters don't get that. I honestly wish owners had to pass a background check as well.
There's definitely jobs that you live in the workplace. I've not worked in an office for 20 years. Elderly care is a good example of what I'm talking about. I have other work experience, completely unrelated to the service industry, where you also live where you work. And they have cameras. I don't know why people find this so unbelievable. Weird, sure, but it's part of the job. If you don't like it you can find another employer, like you said. I think that's fair. I do agree that it imbalanced that pet owners aren't screened in any way. Safety should go both ways and yes trust is a huge thing when doing service work in someone's home. I wonder if housekeepers get bent out of shape if an employer has cameras. Or in home hospice care. Or if they do background checks for the homeowners in those situations. I'll also throw out there that it protects the sitter too. My sister was sued by her "best friend's" family when she housesat for them. They won the suit because they went to small claims court and straight up lied. There was no way to prove anything from my sisters side since she was totally blindsided by the suit. She was young and scared and had no help. She trusted her best friend and got burned so badly it affected her life and career. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I agree that owners should have accountability as well. I'm not sure how much it would help in OPs situation but it's definitely a problem that should be addressed.
Honestly I don't care if they watch while I'm sleeping (in a sit where that's happening right now), I hate that I can't ever relax besides that when I'm living in someones home. I just I personally can't handle that pressure, though, I understand why people would want cameras up to an extent. But doing my first week+ long, live-in sit with cameras in every room definitely made me realize no amount of money is worth that for me. I just constantly wonder if they're watching, if i'm missing something/doing it right/living up to their standards... I haven't had any complaints yet, I'm just too anxious for this shit 😂
Nah, that's totally fair. Cameras in every room is wild. Unless there is some specific reason they need to be there (either person or dog has some medical issue, maybe?) I feel like cameras inside only need to be in places that people enter the house.
I don't care at all. I've had offers to turn them off and I say don't bother on my behalf feel free to keep em on and check whenever you like and i swear its like a turbo boost on trust from them. I dont walk around naked or get weird in clients homes so I literally don't care. Majority of owners aren't sitting there watching you. It's just good insurance for them and me....if anything goes sideways or incorrect assumptions are had I can just point to the footage. Plus I treat my pets really fucking well, ofc you're welcome to watch that take place.
As a sitter who has 3 cameras in my own home for boarding, I can tell you that 99% of people (especially people on vacation) do not have time to watch the footage. It’s so boring to listen to conversations or watch what someone is doing. If there’s poop/vomit on the floor, I like having the ability to scroll through the footage to check which dog did it. I imagine owners just check what time sitters are in/out if they seem to be out more than discussed, if they’re bringing people over, and if their dog is still alive/happy. Just don’t put cameras in bedrooms/bathrooms where people may change. Doorway and general living space is fair game.
Even if it’s boring for you to watch someone or listen to their conversation, that doesn’t mean someone should be okay with someone listening to them or watching them any moment. Even if you’re not doing anything wrong, it’s okay to want privacy in the home you’re living in for that duration.
That's one of the biggest things we have come to appreciate about our indoor cameras. They don't show much, but we've been able to see our dogs and cats when we've had questions. Caliber learned how to open the screen door to get outside. We had opened the door, went to let all three dogs out of their kennels, and only Nasa and Juna were waiting by the door to go out. We played back the footage and saw Cali let herself out. Mary Jane was acting a bit sick, so we watched her on the camera where she was laying in view and were able to see how often she moved (only once because Bucket attacked her... of course). She ended up being perfectly fine, though! The cameras are super beneficial for my life, but I see where they can be problematic for some sitters. I'm gonna do my best to accommodate.
I love the cameras. It is comforting to the parents and keeps everyone accountable. They can see exactly what a fabulous job I’m doing every time they check in. Then towards the end of their trip, they don’t have to worry so much because they have that peace of mind.
I don't necessarily love them, I just don't care about them. I know they aren't there for *me* but for the owners.
I have zero issues with cameras, I'm on them in probably 70-80% of the clients homes I work in. I have 150+ clients under my belt, most of which were recurring at one point (we move every couple years with the military so I have a lot of new clients onboarded often) I'm top rated, top listed, and encourage owners to have cameras! I'm not at their home 24/7 so if something happens and they see it on camera, they can contact me and I can get there right then! I also had a client with 4 cats, two of which it took me a few days to actually lay eyes on but I knew they were ok because she was seeing them on the cameras.. That's peace of mind for me too! I don't understand the "it's creepy, it's invasive, it's whatever else.." It's their home! Their valuables, their privacy, their beloved pets. If you're not doing anything wrong and they're upfront/respectful with boundaries, I don't see the issue. If you have a bad vibe, decline the visit. If they not pick you through the cameras, send them a message expressing your concern that if they don't trust you they need to find someone else or let you work.
I don’t mind cameras either. I do prefer to know where they are so I’m not walking around naked
Good sitters don't care because they aren't doing anything wrong and don't feel guilty about what they're doing. Bad sitters do care because they don't want to get caught doing whatever it is wrong that they are doing. The bad sitters will downvote this comment and make up all sorts of excuses, pretend it's about privacy, etc, but really it's just that they don't want owners to see their wrong doing.
You also said you would sit for a racist “in a heartbeat” so yeah… you seem like a good person /s
How much / what would you like to bet that I didn’t say that?
Do you need a screen shot? The post was from today
Nope. I can see the comment in my history and it doesn’t say what you are claiming it says.
You’re an idiot
I’ve never met a good person that has issues with technology that keeps them accountable. This is a general rule of life. Not only regarding rover and security cameras
I’m unsure if you are a women or not but common room cameras give female HS the heebie jeebies. Women do not sleep with a bra on. And for the most part they are bra less once they change into their PJs. If the house has common room cameras then the female sitter will be uncomfortable because they have to wear a bra till 10pm at night. Then have to put it back on to take the dogs out in the AM. I’m fine with an indoor camera facing a dogs crate and outside the home. But cameras facing common areas feels like an invasion of privacy. House sitting clients hire someone to be with their pet so the least they could do is make sure the caregiver feels comfortable enough to not wear a bra under their Pjs. And comfortable enough to take a private phone call in their home. House sitting is based on trust. Don’t hire a sitter that you don’t trust. Hire them months before they house sit so you build a relationship. Drop ins is totally different… clients can put up 20 cameras everywhere and I wouldn’t think twice.
I must live in a special place because I see braless women in public all the time so that didn’t even cross my mind. I am not sure If I was a woman I’d feel any different. There are a number of things I do for comfort in my own home I would never do in a clients home. In my view I’m being paid for a degree of uncomfortableness. (Can’t walk around a clients home in my boxers)
😂😂😂😂
Im a house sitter and think the same thing as you. As long as they tell me I don’t have an issue, we live in a shit world and Rover has many shitty sitters. I also always pretend like Im on camera anyway, cause you truly never know. I understand where sitters are coming from, kinda. But Im definitely more on owners side when it comes to cameras (not in bedroom or bathrooms obviously). The horror stories on this reddit are the exact reason I understand why owners have cameras. Secondly, I doubt most owners look at them anyway or if they do for long periods of time. Definitely is odd to me the sitters that HATE cameras with every fiber of their being. Especially the ones that have a problem with Ring/doorbell cameras.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't mind them lmao I just had no intention of stalking any sitter that I didn't even consider people do... Most people won't, the cameras are not there to watch a sitter, but there are those weirdos that break the standard.
Vet tech here. I prefer that there are cameras in other people's homes when I stay. I also have cameras in my house too. I find it odd that their are sitters who don't want cameras. And if there was a sitter at my house that had an issue with my cameras I would tell them they are not welcome in my home to petsit my babies.
No one should EVER remove security features such as cameras or anything else, (law abiding) for someone's comfort. Imagine telling the bank you don't want cameras watching you stand in line to withdrawal cause it makes you feel creeper out! Ludicrous!
Last time I checked no one changed or slept in a bank lobby
I encourage cameras and even make recommendations. I have nothing to hide. I don't do many housesits but never had any cameras and weird places. That would be my only line.
Right, I would be weirded out if there was a camera in the bathroom. Other cameras don't bother me personally.
They don’t like it because they can’t bend the rules with you watching what’s going on in your own home, which is completely reasonable. If you did watch, you’d see them neglecting and harming your pets while having all different hoodrats and hooligans through your front door for orgies involving all sorts of perversions and filth. Ask yourself what kind of trash works for $3 an hour? The kind who will destroy your place, drink up all your expensive liquor, and then kill your dog. Then you’ll get the bill for them ‘house sitting’ for you. This app is populated with some sick, sick, sick to the point of being deranged, people. You just need to read the posts to this subreddit to see how lucky you are not to return to a smoldering rubble every time you let someone sent by Rover into your home. If I were you, I would have every inch under surveillance, and I wouldn’t say a word about it to the nut job they send to walk my dog. Just be prepared with the phone in hand to dial 911, but know they know where you live.
I don’t like the indoor cameras because so many owners are creepy nut jobs like you. Sitters pass a background check. I could be sleeping in the home of a serial killer who has not had a background check. The sitter is at more risk than the pet owner. I’ve encountered a number of fucking weirdos.
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I dont really mind them as long as they tell me about the indoor cameras beforehand
We have cameras inside and out, but when the sitter is at the house, we turn the inside cameras off as soon as she gets there. And I let her know this.
Ours don't have an easy "off-switch" but I will turn the audio recording feature off for any sitter. There are plenty of spaces they can hang out that isn't in camera view as well.
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I'm so sorry for your loss, and I understand how having near-strangers possible overhear such private conversations can be an issue.
I understand having cameras and have never pushed back, but it is uncomfortable to feel like you could be being watched and listened to at any moment. It’s just kind of unsettling.
God we are so soft these days it makes me want to cry. Get it?
As a woman who exists on the internet, I’m always very cautious about a client with cameras inside the home, especially if they pick up audio.
I grew up with cameras in my house so I also don’t care if there are any. Though I do agree with people not wanting cameras pointed at where I sleep.I’ve never had an owner creepily spy on me.
I have severe social anxiety. I don't even want people looking at me in public. So the idea that someone can just watch me whenever they want... 😵💫
I’ve been thinking & I think it should be disclosed on the booking. A mandatory question they have to answer when making their profile. It’s awkward as the sitter to ask because it makes it sound like you want to do something they shouldn’t see, but it’s normal to want to know if people can watch you. I don’t have a problem with it I just think they should be up front. Most cameras in houses you can see but sometimes they’re hidden or not super visible!
I like when there are ring cams outside. Inside cameras creep me out as I don’t like being watched. The obvious little pet cams that you can see when they are on are okay but otherwise they should be disclosed.
I feel like I’m on the Truman show
My biggest issue, outside of being watched by an owner, is the fact that just about anyone can hack the network and tap into the cameras, so sometimes it’s not just the owners who are watching and that’s creepy.
One time I was housesitting, and the room that I was sleeping and had a camera in it ☹️ so I ended up sleeping with my backpack in front of my face the whole night and covered my entire body full of blankets, even though I was really hot and I never changed into any pajamas and I was scared to use the bathroom thinking there might be cameras in there, too
I’ve had owners watch me through the cameras so many times, some asking me why I was leaving? One guy asking me about a conversation he had overheard me having with my mom through the camera. I’ve also pet sat for someone who told me they didn’t have cameras and I later found out that was a lie. It really depends on how the owner uses them honestly. A couple people i pet sit for rarely check there’s and it’s mostly just to see the pets
I don’t mind them at all.
My issue with it is that it's never disclosed by the owners and then you find them and it just feels violating. Idk. I have a camera in my living room from when I worked in an office to watch my dogs and I always tell people if they come into my home. I don't even watch it anymore but I had a sitter for my daughter come over and I mentioned it to her so she wouldn't see it and feel weird
being watched feels gross. if you can't understand that in and of itself, it will be tough to explain it to you