Is Rover worth it?
Have you considered turning your love of animals into extra income? Rover is a popular pet-sitting and dog-walking platform that’s ideal for people wanting a flexible side hustle caring for pets.
I’ve personally earned money on Rover as both a dog walker and a sitter, so I can confirm it’s a legitimate way to make extra cash.
In this article I cover:
- How much you can earn on Rover
- How to get started
- Benefits of using the platform
- Alternatives to Rover
- My personal experience as a Rover dog walker
Whether you want supplemental income or simply enjoy spending time with animals, this guide explains what to expect and how to succeed.
Is Rover Worth It?
Below is a complete overview to help you decide if Rover is a good fit for your goals.
What is Rover?
Rover is an online marketplace and gig platform that connects pet owners with pet sitters, dog walkers, and trainers. The service supports offerings like dog boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, and pet daycare. It’s useful for pet owners who need reliable care while they’re away, and it’s accessible via iOS and Android apps.
Rover is beginner-friendly: sitters set their own rates and schedules, choose the services they offer, and specify the types of animals they’ll care for. The platform handles payments, provides support, and includes insurance protections, which simplifies operations for independent providers.
Rover operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe.
Why people use Rover to find pet sitters and dog walkers
Pet owners choose Rover because it streamlines the process of finding qualified, trustworthy caregivers. Profiles display availability, services, reviews, and photos, and Rover performs background checks on providers. Advanced filters let owners find sitters who can meet special needs, such as administering medication or handling multiple pets.
As a pet owner who’s used Rover, I appreciated reading reviews and checking past clients’ experiences before booking. That transparency makes it easier to trust someone with a beloved animal. Friends and family of mine have also used the platform successfully for boarding and have generally had positive results.
Benefits of starting a Rover side hustle
Starting a Rover side hustle offers multiple advantages:
- Flexible schedule that fits around your life
- Ability to work as much or as little as you want
- Choice over which clients and jobs to accept
- Low startup costs—no large investments required
- Good earning potential once you build consistent clients
- Get paid to do something you enjoy
- Supplemental income that can help with bills or debt
How much money can you make on Rover?
Earnings on Rover vary by location, service type, frequency, and how many animals you care for at once. Typical ranges:
- Dog walks: $15–$30 for a 30-minute walk (rates increase with duration or if walking multiple dogs)
- Pet sitting/boarding: $25–$75 per night depending on location and level of care
- Full-time earnings: Some providers report $1,500–$3,000 a month when busy
- Part-time earnings: Many part-time walkers make $200–$1,000 a month picking up a few jobs weekly
Rover charges a 20% service fee on earnings, so a $30 walk yields $24 after fees. That fee covers payment processing, customer support, marketing, and basic insurance protections.
My experience with Rover
I’ve worked on Rover as a dog walker and have also hired sitters through the platform. When I started, I priced competitively to build reviews and trust. As I accumulated five-star ratings and positive feedback, I raised my rates and attracted more clients.
From the pet owner side, I found the booking process and review system reassuring—helpful when leaving a pet with someone new. Overall, I’ve enjoyed both offering and receiving services through Rover.
How does Rover work? How to become a dog walker or sitter
To begin working on Rover, follow these steps:
- Sign up and create a detailed profile that highlights your experience with animals and includes high-quality photos.
- Choose the services you’ll offer: walking, boarding, drop-ins, or daycare.
- Set your availability and block dates you’re not available.
- Set competitive rates—Rover provides pricing suggestions based on your area.
- Complete the required background check (Rover covers the cost).
- Request testimonials from previous clients or friends if you have relevant experience.
- Respond quickly to messages to build trust with pet owners.
- Provide reliable care to gather positive reviews and repeat clients.
- Receive payments through Rover after each completed service.
Pros and cons of working for Rover
Working with Rover has advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Pros:
- Flexible hours and control over your schedule
- Ability to choose which jobs to accept
- Work part-time or full-time
- Set your own rates
- Low startup costs
- Access to Rover’s insurance protections and payment processing
- Large built-in audience of potential clients
Cons:
- 20% service fee reduces take-home earnings
- Competitive market in some areas
- Income can fluctuate seasonally or by demand
- Limited earning potential in rural locations
- Time required to build a reputation and regular clients
- No traditional employment benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement)
- Occasional last-minute cancellations that affect income
Essential items to start are minimal—basic supplies like waste bags and a light for evening walks can be helpful.
Rover alternatives
If you want to compare options, other platforms offer similar services:
- Wag: Focuses heavily on dog walking and also offers boarding and sitting. It often charges a higher service fee than Rover.
- Care.com: Known for childcare and eldercare, it also lists pet care jobs; it may require a membership fee for certain features.
Local niche platforms or community groups may also connect you with pet owners directly, but they typically require more self-promotion than marketplace apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about earning with Rover.
Do you actually make money with Rover?
Yes. Earnings depend on location, service types, pricing, and how often you work. Boarding often pays more per night, while walking and drop-ins can provide steady part-time income. Building positive reviews is essential to long-term success.
How much does Rover pay?
Typical dog walking fees range from about $15 to $30 for a 30-minute walk. Rates increase for longer walks, multiple dogs, or specialized care. Overnight sitting or boarding can pay more depending on the location and responsibilities.
What percentage does Rover take?
Rover takes a 20% service fee from your earnings. That fee supports platform services like payment processing, customer support, and insurance coverage for eligible claims.
Does Rover take tips?
No. Rover does not take a portion of tips—tippers’ amounts go entirely to the provider.
How long to get paid by Rover?
Rover typically processes payments within two days after a service is completed. Bank transfers can take an additional 3–5 business days to appear in your account.
How long does account approval take?
Approval often takes less than three days but can sometimes take up to a week depending on volume and background-check timing.
Do you pay taxes on Rover earnings?
Yes. As an independent contractor, Rover does not withhold taxes from your payments. You are responsible for setting aside funds and reporting income when filing your taxes.
What is the Rover Guarantee?
The Rover Guarantee provides certain protections, such as reimbursement for eligible veterinary bills up to specified limits and support for covered incidents. It does not cover every circumstance—limitations apply to sitter property, sitter injuries, and some long-term veterinary costs—so review Rover’s terms for details.
Is Rover worth it? – Summary
Based on my experience and the factors outlined here, Rover can be worth it if you enjoy working with animals and want flexible, supplemental income. It’s particularly appealing for people who want control over their schedule and the types of jobs they accept. Keep in mind the 20% service fee, competitive markets in some areas, and the time needed to build a solid reputation.
If you want a low-cost, accessible way to start earning with pets, Rover is a practical option to explore.
Ready to try Rover as a side hustle?
Recommended reading:
- 20 Best Jobs That Pay $20 An Hour Or More
- 24 Second Job Ideas To Make Extra Money
- How To Make $2,000 Fast
- How To Make Money Without A Job
- 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
- 40 Best Jobs Where You Work Alone
- 11 Jobs Where You Can Bring Your Pet to Work
- How We Make $12,000 a Year Dog Sitting From Home