There are several sites taking pet sitting into the sharing economy, but Rover is quickly become the mark which others compare themselves to as it receives its second round of funding.
Better pet sitting isn't disrupting any existing services. Instead it's massively improving the existing ways people find trusted places to leave their animals.
The travel industry is slowly opening up to pet travel, but the best prep for any pet travel is research as every transportation option and hotel company has a different affection for four-legged friends.
Although deaths of animals in transit are a sad fact of transport, lack of professionalism and decency doesn't have to be and is an unintended consequence of United subcontracting animals' care to a third party.
The deal is catered to a small population jet-setting pet-lovers, but three months of unlimited flying for small pets at only $99 more than an one-time trip is a great deal for those that fit the niche.
To prevent deaths in transit, airlines have become more strict as to when they'll allow pets to fly and which ones they'll permit, as well as upping fees to discourage the practice even more.
What United saves on outsourcing service to third-parties will likely need to be spent on a PR blitz this month. First they lose a child, then they deliver a near-death dog.
People who travel with their pets are more rapidly passionate about the subject than even the most strident of family travel advocates. For the most part, there's room for everyone to get along. Unless you leave your dogs in the hotel room while you go out dancing, as the people next to me did last night.
Leaving a pet with a stranger may not be ideal, but owners' reluctance to board pets at traditional kennels in order to travel has created an excellent opportunity for companies that can connect owners with trusted watchers.