Working as a Pet Sitter with Rover: Rover Review

The pet industry is booming – American Pet Products Association estimated $109.6 billion would be spent by pet owners on their pets. During the pandemic, more people than ever before got new pets. As people slowly return to work, they’ll need their pets tended to, looked after, walked – you name it. They need a pet sitter!

If you’re looking for another option to supplement your income—and you love animals—check out this Rover review to see if dog sitting through Rover is a great option for you.

Interested in becoming a Rover sitter or walker? Sign up with Rover here!

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

What Should New Sitters Know About Rover?

To be successful on Rover, take these suggestions into consideration as you get started:

  • Create a detailed profile and solicit testimonials from friends and family (until you get reviews from clients)
  • Include photos of yourself (and pets if possible) in your profile
  • Track your mileage! You’re running a business here and mileage used to do Rover-related business can be written off when you do your taxes. Check out the 8 Best Free Apps to Track Your Miles!
  • Be realistic about the dogs you can handle. If you can only take care of one at a time, then do that. If you know you can’t handle a dog that’s heavier than 100 pounds, then make sure you check that on your profile.
  • Always assume there are cameras on at every house you visit. Not that you would steal from your clients or abuse the animal you’re caring for, but be mindful that security is key to a lot of people and they may be watching you do your thing.
  • DO NOT accept a dog sitting or even walking request until you have met the person AND the dog.
  • If something feels off, finish up your visit and don’t go back (you can decline, cancel and otherwise modify requests).
  • Rover support isn’t great (which shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver!), but readers we’ve spoken to have not had problems. If you have any issues, still report it to Rover support.
  • Treat everyone’s house and pet like you would your own!
  • Have some familiarity with pets before signing up for Rover – Rover will give you tips on how to introduce yourself to the family (pet and parent) but… it helps to have familiarity with dogs and how they act before getting into the business of pet sitting.

Most importantly…

If you don’t like dogs or cats…don’t do this job.

A lot of Rover reviews out there make the job seem horrifying, both for sitters and for pet owners. It should go without saying that you need common sense for this job, and you should genuinely like helping pets.

Always get the name of the client’s veterinarian, no matter how short the visit is. Always know where the emergency vet is located in your city.

Never be too scared to communicate with the pet owners if you can’t make a visit – people would rather know and quickly book someone else than have their pet be trapped inside all day.

If a pet owner gives you a weird feeling, just decline to pet sit! Like rideshare driving, Rover sitters are independent contractors. You can say no for whatever reason you want.

Take pictures of everything! Especially if the dogs damage or spill something. Everyone thinks their dog is a perfect angel, and that is rarely the case. Assume most people have not trained their dogs on basic manners, nor have their dogs had leash training. That’s fine if it’s a puppy, way less fun if it’s an 80-lb. dog dragging you down the street.

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

You can view what other people in your area charge, how many reviews they have, and their experience level before you price your services

Remember, you set your rates, but you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. If you’re setting a higher rate than average, you’ll want to be able to prove you’re providing either better service or perks compared to your competitors.

The more visits and walks you schedule, the more you can potentially earn. On the Rover home page, they boast that sitters can earn up to $1,000 a month—and pre-pandemic, that was actually pretty reasonable to expect, especially during the summers.

During COVID, readers we spoke to earned around $400 a month. Now, as travel returns and more people want to get out (and need pet sitters!), prices are returning to normal if not much higher. If you are able to pet-sit during the summer and holidays, you can expect to earn $1000/mo again.

In fact, Rover adds a holiday bonus on to any booking requests during a holiday time, including 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.

Once you’re on Rover, you can work ‘off’ app, although that’s highly discouraged by Rover. You also would not be covered by their insurance and guarantees if anything were to happen while doing ‘off’ app work.

How Much Does Rover Take from Sitters?: What Percentage Does Rover Take?

Of course, using the services and insurance provided by Rover means they are going to want a cut of what you’d earn. Rover takes 20% of your earnings for each booking if you sign up on or after March 1, 2016.

What Should New Sitters Know About Rover?

To be successful on Rover, take these suggestions into consideration as you get started:

  • Create a detailed profile and solicit testimonials from friends and family (until you get reviews from clients)
  • Include photos of yourself (and pets if possible) in your profile
  • Track your mileage! You’re running a business here and mileage used to do Rover-related business can be written off when you do your taxes. Check out the 8 Best Free Apps to Track Your Miles!
  • Be realistic about the dogs you can handle. If you can only take care of one at a time, then do that. If you know you can’t handle a dog that’s heavier than 100 pounds, then make sure you check that on your profile.
  • Always assume there are cameras on at every house you visit. Not that you would steal from your clients or abuse the animal you’re caring for, but be mindful that security is key to a lot of people and they may be watching you do your thing.
  • DO NOT accept a dog sitting or even walking request until you have met the person AND the dog.
  • If something feels off, finish up your visit and don’t go back (you can decline, cancel and otherwise modify requests).
  • Rover support isn’t great (which shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver!), but readers we’ve spoken to have not had problems. If you have any issues, still report it to Rover support.
  • Treat everyone’s house and pet like you would your own!
  • Have some familiarity with pets before signing up for Rover – Rover will give you tips on how to introduce yourself to the family (pet and parent) but… it helps to have familiarity with dogs and how they act before getting into the business of pet sitting.

Most importantly…

If you don’t like dogs or cats…don’t do this job.

A lot of Rover reviews out there make the job seem horrifying, both for sitters and for pet owners. It should go without saying that you need common sense for this job, and you should genuinely like helping pets.

Always get the name of the client’s veterinarian, no matter how short the visit is. Always know where the emergency vet is located in your city.

Never be too scared to communicate with the pet owners if you can’t make a visit – people would rather know and quickly book someone else than have their pet be trapped inside all day.

If a pet owner gives you a weird feeling, just decline to pet sit! Like rideshare driving, Rover sitters are independent contractors. You can say no for whatever reason you want.

Take pictures of everything! Especially if the dogs damage or spill something. Everyone thinks their dog is a perfect angel, and that is rarely the case. Assume most people have not trained their dogs on basic manners, nor have their dogs had leash training. That’s fine if it’s a puppy, way less fun if it’s an 80-lb. dog dragging you down the street.

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

No matter what kind of sitter you are (boarding, petsitting, drop in, walks), you’ll have to check off if the pets went to the bathroom (1 or 2), if they ate/drank, etc. Many pet owners will also ask for photos, and good Rover sitters usually write up a short summary of what happened during the visit.

How Much Can Rover Sitters Earn?: Rover Dog Sitting Salary

First, there’s no set “salary” as a Rover sitter. Like rideshare drivers, you’re an independent contractor. However, with Rover, you do get to set your own rates!

Earnings vary! Depends on what you offer—walks earn less than overnight stays, of course—and it also depends on what experience you have. If you’ve signed up and have only about a year of experience caring for pets, you might want to charge less than the person on the site who has 10 years of experience.

In general, Rover sitters can expect to earn $20 an hour. This includes pet-sitting, dog walking, drop in visits.

You can likely earn well over $20 an hour, however, if you offer dog boarding. Rover dog boarders (in home) can expect to earn at least $30 an hour.

Ready to get started as a Rover sitter? Sign up here!

This, of course, depends on where you live, too. A Rover pet owner we spoke to (someone who pays for the service, not a Rover sitter) pays $60 for a drop in, 30 minute pet visit in New York City.

You can view what other people in your area charge, how many reviews they have, and their experience level before you price your services

Remember, you set your rates, but you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. If you’re setting a higher rate than average, you’ll want to be able to prove you’re providing either better service or perks compared to your competitors.

The more visits and walks you schedule, the more you can potentially earn. On the Rover home page, they boast that sitters can earn up to $1,000 a month—and pre-pandemic, that was actually pretty reasonable to expect, especially during the summers.

During COVID, readers we spoke to earned around $400 a month. Now, as travel returns and more people want to get out (and need pet sitters!), prices are returning to normal if not much higher. If you are able to pet-sit during the summer and holidays, you can expect to earn $1000/mo again.

In fact, Rover adds a holiday bonus on to any booking requests during a holiday time, including 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.

Once you’re on Rover, you can work ‘off’ app, although that’s highly discouraged by Rover. You also would not be covered by their insurance and guarantees if anything were to happen while doing ‘off’ app work.

How Much Does Rover Take from Sitters?: What Percentage Does Rover Take?

Of course, using the services and insurance provided by Rover means they are going to want a cut of what you’d earn. Rover takes 20% of your earnings for each booking if you sign up on or after March 1, 2016.

What Should New Sitters Know About Rover?

To be successful on Rover, take these suggestions into consideration as you get started:

  • Create a detailed profile and solicit testimonials from friends and family (until you get reviews from clients)
  • Include photos of yourself (and pets if possible) in your profile
  • Track your mileage! You’re running a business here and mileage used to do Rover-related business can be written off when you do your taxes. Check out the 8 Best Free Apps to Track Your Miles!
  • Be realistic about the dogs you can handle. If you can only take care of one at a time, then do that. If you know you can’t handle a dog that’s heavier than 100 pounds, then make sure you check that on your profile.
  • Always assume there are cameras on at every house you visit. Not that you would steal from your clients or abuse the animal you’re caring for, but be mindful that security is key to a lot of people and they may be watching you do your thing.
  • DO NOT accept a dog sitting or even walking request until you have met the person AND the dog.
  • If something feels off, finish up your visit and don’t go back (you can decline, cancel and otherwise modify requests).
  • Rover support isn’t great (which shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver!), but readers we’ve spoken to have not had problems. If you have any issues, still report it to Rover support.
  • Treat everyone’s house and pet like you would your own!
  • Have some familiarity with pets before signing up for Rover – Rover will give you tips on how to introduce yourself to the family (pet and parent) but… it helps to have familiarity with dogs and how they act before getting into the business of pet sitting.

Most importantly…

If you don’t like dogs or cats…don’t do this job.

A lot of Rover reviews out there make the job seem horrifying, both for sitters and for pet owners. It should go without saying that you need common sense for this job, and you should genuinely like helping pets.

Always get the name of the client’s veterinarian, no matter how short the visit is. Always know where the emergency vet is located in your city.

Never be too scared to communicate with the pet owners if you can’t make a visit – people would rather know and quickly book someone else than have their pet be trapped inside all day.

If a pet owner gives you a weird feeling, just decline to pet sit! Like rideshare driving, Rover sitters are independent contractors. You can say no for whatever reason you want.

Take pictures of everything! Especially if the dogs damage or spill something. Everyone thinks their dog is a perfect angel, and that is rarely the case. Assume most people have not trained their dogs on basic manners, nor have their dogs had leash training. That’s fine if it’s a puppy, way less fun if it’s an 80-lb. dog dragging you down the street.

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

Setting Your Schedule as a Rover Sitter

You are in control when it comes to your schedule on Rover. If you’re not available, simply indicate that on your calendar so you won’t receive requests for times when you’re not able to accept jobs.

For example, I know I’m going to be out of town at the end of March/beginning of April, so I went ahead and marked all of my services as “unavailable” for those dates:

That way I know I won’t get requests for those dates, saving myself and customers time and frustration.

Pro-tip: Unfortunately, like many app-based contractor jobs, these companies want you working all the time. Managing Editor Melissa accepts Rover gigs on a part-time basis, and she said Rover will definitely send you requests for boarding/walking/sitting even if you say you’re not available. Be very careful and always check your calendar first before accepting a gig.

You can also decide if you’re only available to do overnights on the weekends or that you can only walk dogs on Monday-Thursday. You can change your schedule on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to suit your current schedule.

If during your sign-up process you chose you’d only like to walk dogs, but you decide later that you wouldn’t mind doing a drop-in visit, you can go into your profile and change that setting at any time.

You also have full control over what size animals and even breeds you are willing to work with. If you don’t think you can handle a Great Dane, you can specify that you won’t work with them.

If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the options, feel free to say you’re not available for them. I know some people wouldn’t feel comfortable staying overnight at a stranger’s house. If that’s the case for you, then simply don’t choose that you’re available to do overnights.

If you are comfortable with stopping by someone’s house a few times a day to take their dog for a walk and/or play with them for a bit, you would choose the “drop-in” option.

Other options include boarding, where their pet comes to stay with you in your home for an extended period of time; walking, where you go to the pet owner’s home and take their dog for a walk; and even daycare to care for the animals while their pet parents are at work.

rover review
An example of what a Rover sitter sees on the day it’s time to visit a pet
rover review
You can set your calendar and mark off times you’re unavailable, but note that Rover may still try to send you requests from pet owners

One great thing about Rover? They notify you about upcoming holidays, so you can choose to work/be available for them or not. You’ll also get a boost in pay when you work holiday weekends.

rover review

Your upcoming Rover bookings will look like this on your app. This is a recurring booking, but if this Rover sitter had more bookings with other pets, they would show on this screen.

rover review

No matter what kind of sitter you are (boarding, petsitting, drop in, walks), you’ll have to check off if the pets went to the bathroom (1 or 2), if they ate/drank, etc. Many pet owners will also ask for photos, and good Rover sitters usually write up a short summary of what happened during the visit.

How Much Can Rover Sitters Earn?: Rover Dog Sitting Salary

First, there’s no set “salary” as a Rover sitter. Like rideshare drivers, you’re an independent contractor. However, with Rover, you do get to set your own rates!

Earnings vary! Depends on what you offer—walks earn less than overnight stays, of course—and it also depends on what experience you have. If you’ve signed up and have only about a year of experience caring for pets, you might want to charge less than the person on the site who has 10 years of experience.

In general, Rover sitters can expect to earn $20 an hour. This includes pet-sitting, dog walking, drop in visits.

You can likely earn well over $20 an hour, however, if you offer dog boarding. Rover dog boarders (in home) can expect to earn at least $30 an hour.

Ready to get started as a Rover sitter? Sign up here!

This, of course, depends on where you live, too. A Rover pet owner we spoke to (someone who pays for the service, not a Rover sitter) pays $60 for a drop in, 30 minute pet visit in New York City.

You can view what other people in your area charge, how many reviews they have, and their experience level before you price your services

Remember, you set your rates, but you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. If you’re setting a higher rate than average, you’ll want to be able to prove you’re providing either better service or perks compared to your competitors.

The more visits and walks you schedule, the more you can potentially earn. On the Rover home page, they boast that sitters can earn up to $1,000 a month—and pre-pandemic, that was actually pretty reasonable to expect, especially during the summers.

During COVID, readers we spoke to earned around $400 a month. Now, as travel returns and more people want to get out (and need pet sitters!), prices are returning to normal if not much higher. If you are able to pet-sit during the summer and holidays, you can expect to earn $1000/mo again.

In fact, Rover adds a holiday bonus on to any booking requests during a holiday time, including 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.

Once you’re on Rover, you can work ‘off’ app, although that’s highly discouraged by Rover. You also would not be covered by their insurance and guarantees if anything were to happen while doing ‘off’ app work.

How Much Does Rover Take from Sitters?: What Percentage Does Rover Take?

Of course, using the services and insurance provided by Rover means they are going to want a cut of what you’d earn. Rover takes 20% of your earnings for each booking if you sign up on or after March 1, 2016.

What Should New Sitters Know About Rover?

To be successful on Rover, take these suggestions into consideration as you get started:

  • Create a detailed profile and solicit testimonials from friends and family (until you get reviews from clients)
  • Include photos of yourself (and pets if possible) in your profile
  • Track your mileage! You’re running a business here and mileage used to do Rover-related business can be written off when you do your taxes. Check out the 8 Best Free Apps to Track Your Miles!
  • Be realistic about the dogs you can handle. If you can only take care of one at a time, then do that. If you know you can’t handle a dog that’s heavier than 100 pounds, then make sure you check that on your profile.
  • Always assume there are cameras on at every house you visit. Not that you would steal from your clients or abuse the animal you’re caring for, but be mindful that security is key to a lot of people and they may be watching you do your thing.
  • DO NOT accept a dog sitting or even walking request until you have met the person AND the dog.
  • If something feels off, finish up your visit and don’t go back (you can decline, cancel and otherwise modify requests).
  • Rover support isn’t great (which shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver!), but readers we’ve spoken to have not had problems. If you have any issues, still report it to Rover support.
  • Treat everyone’s house and pet like you would your own!
  • Have some familiarity with pets before signing up for Rover – Rover will give you tips on how to introduce yourself to the family (pet and parent) but… it helps to have familiarity with dogs and how they act before getting into the business of pet sitting.

Most importantly…

If you don’t like dogs or cats…don’t do this job.

A lot of Rover reviews out there make the job seem horrifying, both for sitters and for pet owners. It should go without saying that you need common sense for this job, and you should genuinely like helping pets.

Always get the name of the client’s veterinarian, no matter how short the visit is. Always know where the emergency vet is located in your city.

Never be too scared to communicate with the pet owners if you can’t make a visit – people would rather know and quickly book someone else than have their pet be trapped inside all day.

If a pet owner gives you a weird feeling, just decline to pet sit! Like rideshare driving, Rover sitters are independent contractors. You can say no for whatever reason you want.

Take pictures of everything! Especially if the dogs damage or spill something. Everyone thinks their dog is a perfect angel, and that is rarely the case. Assume most people have not trained their dogs on basic manners, nor have their dogs had leash training. That’s fine if it’s a puppy, way less fun if it’s an 80-lb. dog dragging you down the street.

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

What is Rover?

Rover is a cat and dog pet sitting service that covers boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care and drop-in visits.

All sitters on Rover have to pass a basic background check, provide detailed profile and personal information, and all sitters are approved by Rover’s team of sitter specialists.

It’s available in all 50 states in the U.S. and in Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Spain, France and Italy.

How Does Rover Petsitting Work?: How to Get Started as a Rover Sitter

On Rover’s website, start off by clicking on the “Become a Sitter” tab at the top if you want to earn up to $1,000 a month by walking dogs, doing check-ins and more!

From there, you’ll be starting the sign up process as follows. You’ll need to sign up for a Rover account to get rolling with the application.

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Then you get to tell Rover a bit about yourself, or you can choose to tap out and not continue with the sitter sign-up process.

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From there, you fill out personal information such as name, address, phone number, emergency contact info, etc. Next, you’ll be asked what kinds of services you’re willing and able to provide.

Rover About Me Examples

To be honest… it’s pretty clear most Rover “pet parents” don’t really read your About Me section! However, for those who do, it’s important to give them a clear description of who you are and what you offer.

The best Rover About Me examples include the following:

  • A description of your experience working with animals (did you grow up with pets? Are you a vet tech or study any kind of vet science?)
  • What types of animals are you comfortable caring for (if you don’t want to walk an 100 dog, don’t say you do!)
  • The pets you have at home (if you don’t have pets, mention why, like “I can’t have pets in my apartment but I’d love to walk yours!”)

Setting Rover Dog Walking Prices

Setting your Rover dog walking prices is easy! We recommend you take a look at what other people in your area are charging and then, if you’re brand new to Rover, setting your prices around those same rates.

If you have a lot of experience with pets, or are a vet tech or something like that, we recommend charging a little more! If you’re brand new (or really want to build up your Rover reviews, which we highly recommend!), set your prices a little lower.

Remember: don’t set your prices too low! People generally want to pay well for a good sitter, and you don’t want to undervalue the service you offer!

Unfortunately, I have two cats at home who do not get along with dogs, so I was unable to choose “Boarding” as an option, even though it has the highest earning potential.

Then, you can choose how much you’d like to charge for your services. Rover also points out how much you’ll actually take home based on what you charge, taking out their fees for using Rover to organize the jobs.

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You can choose to keep the auto-filled answers they have, or you can change to other rates if you think you deserve more or less than what Rover filled in for you.

Then you move on to more specifics, like how far you’re willing to travel to house sit or walk the dog, and how many walks you’re willing to do each day, hours of availability and more.

Next, you choose what size dogs you’re willing to work with, if you’re ok with cats and if you’re ok with puppies under one year.

After that, you spell out your experience so customers will know what they get when they choose you! You’ll also be asked to provide pictures of yourself with dogs and to have friends you’ve doggy sat for to provide testimonials of how you are with animals.

To wrap up your sign-up process, you’ll be asked to watch a video or two and answer some questions, quiz-style.

If you pass, you’ll see this screen:

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Then you can move on to the background check.

Background Check Process for Rover Dog Walkers

The background check process starts with you paying for it. You have the option to pay $25 for the “basic” background check or pay $35 for the “enhanced” background check and help yourself stand out among the other dog walkers in your area.

You also have the choice to become certified in helpful fields such as animal CPR and other areas. You are responsible for paying for and receiving the education to gain these certifications.

If your area requires you to be licensed and/or bonded, you’re instructed to follow your state and local laws.

Setting Your Schedule as a Rover Sitter

You are in control when it comes to your schedule on Rover. If you’re not available, simply indicate that on your calendar so you won’t receive requests for times when you’re not able to accept jobs.

For example, I know I’m going to be out of town at the end of March/beginning of April, so I went ahead and marked all of my services as “unavailable” for those dates:

That way I know I won’t get requests for those dates, saving myself and customers time and frustration.

Pro-tip: Unfortunately, like many app-based contractor jobs, these companies want you working all the time. Managing Editor Melissa accepts Rover gigs on a part-time basis, and she said Rover will definitely send you requests for boarding/walking/sitting even if you say you’re not available. Be very careful and always check your calendar first before accepting a gig.

You can also decide if you’re only available to do overnights on the weekends or that you can only walk dogs on Monday-Thursday. You can change your schedule on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to suit your current schedule.

If during your sign-up process you chose you’d only like to walk dogs, but you decide later that you wouldn’t mind doing a drop-in visit, you can go into your profile and change that setting at any time.

You also have full control over what size animals and even breeds you are willing to work with. If you don’t think you can handle a Great Dane, you can specify that you won’t work with them.

If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the options, feel free to say you’re not available for them. I know some people wouldn’t feel comfortable staying overnight at a stranger’s house. If that’s the case for you, then simply don’t choose that you’re available to do overnights.

If you are comfortable with stopping by someone’s house a few times a day to take their dog for a walk and/or play with them for a bit, you would choose the “drop-in” option.

Other options include boarding, where their pet comes to stay with you in your home for an extended period of time; walking, where you go to the pet owner’s home and take their dog for a walk; and even daycare to care for the animals while their pet parents are at work.

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An example of what a Rover sitter sees on the day it’s time to visit a pet

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You can set your calendar and mark off times you’re unavailable, but note that Rover may still try to send you requests from pet owners

One great thing about Rover? They notify you about upcoming holidays, so you can choose to work/be available for them or not. You’ll also get a boost in pay when you work holiday weekends.

rover review

Your upcoming Rover bookings will look like this on your app. This is a recurring booking, but if this Rover sitter had more bookings with other pets, they would show on this screen.

rover review

No matter what kind of sitter you are (boarding, petsitting, drop in, walks), you’ll have to check off if the pets went to the bathroom (1 or 2), if they ate/drank, etc. Many pet owners will also ask for photos, and good Rover sitters usually write up a short summary of what happened during the visit.

How Much Can Rover Sitters Earn?: Rover Dog Sitting Salary

First, there’s no set “salary” as a Rover sitter. Like rideshare drivers, you’re an independent contractor. However, with Rover, you do get to set your own rates!

Earnings vary! Depends on what you offer—walks earn less than overnight stays, of course—and it also depends on what experience you have. If you’ve signed up and have only about a year of experience caring for pets, you might want to charge less than the person on the site who has 10 years of experience.

In general, Rover sitters can expect to earn $20 an hour. This includes pet-sitting, dog walking, drop in visits.

You can likely earn well over $20 an hour, however, if you offer dog boarding. Rover dog boarders (in home) can expect to earn at least $30 an hour.

Ready to get started as a Rover sitter? Sign up here!

This, of course, depends on where you live, too. A Rover pet owner we spoke to (someone who pays for the service, not a Rover sitter) pays $60 for a drop in, 30 minute pet visit in New York City.

You can view what other people in your area charge, how many reviews they have, and their experience level before you price your services

Remember, you set your rates, but you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. If you’re setting a higher rate than average, you’ll want to be able to prove you’re providing either better service or perks compared to your competitors.

The more visits and walks you schedule, the more you can potentially earn. On the Rover home page, they boast that sitters can earn up to $1,000 a month—and pre-pandemic, that was actually pretty reasonable to expect, especially during the summers.

During COVID, readers we spoke to earned around $400 a month. Now, as travel returns and more people want to get out (and need pet sitters!), prices are returning to normal if not much higher. If you are able to pet-sit during the summer and holidays, you can expect to earn $1000/mo again.

In fact, Rover adds a holiday bonus on to any booking requests during a holiday time, including 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.

Once you’re on Rover, you can work ‘off’ app, although that’s highly discouraged by Rover. You also would not be covered by their insurance and guarantees if anything were to happen while doing ‘off’ app work.

How Much Does Rover Take from Sitters?: What Percentage Does Rover Take?

Of course, using the services and insurance provided by Rover means they are going to want a cut of what you’d earn. Rover takes 20% of your earnings for each booking if you sign up on or after March 1, 2016.

What Should New Sitters Know About Rover?

To be successful on Rover, take these suggestions into consideration as you get started:

  • Create a detailed profile and solicit testimonials from friends and family (until you get reviews from clients)
  • Include photos of yourself (and pets if possible) in your profile
  • Track your mileage! You’re running a business here and mileage used to do Rover-related business can be written off when you do your taxes. Check out the 8 Best Free Apps to Track Your Miles!
  • Be realistic about the dogs you can handle. If you can only take care of one at a time, then do that. If you know you can’t handle a dog that’s heavier than 100 pounds, then make sure you check that on your profile.
  • Always assume there are cameras on at every house you visit. Not that you would steal from your clients or abuse the animal you’re caring for, but be mindful that security is key to a lot of people and they may be watching you do your thing.
  • DO NOT accept a dog sitting or even walking request until you have met the person AND the dog.
  • If something feels off, finish up your visit and don’t go back (you can decline, cancel and otherwise modify requests).
  • Rover support isn’t great (which shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver!), but readers we’ve spoken to have not had problems. If you have any issues, still report it to Rover support.
  • Treat everyone’s house and pet like you would your own!
  • Have some familiarity with pets before signing up for Rover – Rover will give you tips on how to introduce yourself to the family (pet and parent) but… it helps to have familiarity with dogs and how they act before getting into the business of pet sitting.

Most importantly…

If you don’t like dogs or cats…don’t do this job.

A lot of Rover reviews out there make the job seem horrifying, both for sitters and for pet owners. It should go without saying that you need common sense for this job, and you should genuinely like helping pets.

Always get the name of the client’s veterinarian, no matter how short the visit is. Always know where the emergency vet is located in your city.

Never be too scared to communicate with the pet owners if you can’t make a visit – people would rather know and quickly book someone else than have their pet be trapped inside all day.

If a pet owner gives you a weird feeling, just decline to pet sit! Like rideshare driving, Rover sitters are independent contractors. You can say no for whatever reason you want.

Take pictures of everything! Especially if the dogs damage or spill something. Everyone thinks their dog is a perfect angel, and that is rarely the case. Assume most people have not trained their dogs on basic manners, nor have their dogs had leash training. That’s fine if it’s a puppy, way less fun if it’s an 80-lb. dog dragging you down the street.

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG

What is Rover?

Rover is a cat and dog pet sitting service that covers boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care and drop-in visits.

All sitters on Rover have to pass a basic background check, provide detailed profile and personal information, and all sitters are approved by Rover’s team of sitter specialists.

It’s available in all 50 states in the U.S. and in Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Spain, France and Italy.

How Does Rover Petsitting Work?: How to Get Started as a Rover Sitter

On Rover’s website, start off by clicking on the “Become a Sitter” tab at the top if you want to earn up to $1,000 a month by walking dogs, doing check-ins and more!

From there, you’ll be starting the sign up process as follows. You’ll need to sign up for a Rover account to get rolling with the application.

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Then you get to tell Rover a bit about yourself, or you can choose to tap out and not continue with the sitter sign-up process.

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From there, you fill out personal information such as name, address, phone number, emergency contact info, etc. Next, you’ll be asked what kinds of services you’re willing and able to provide.

Rover About Me Examples

To be honest… it’s pretty clear most Rover “pet parents” don’t really read your About Me section! However, for those who do, it’s important to give them a clear description of who you are and what you offer.

The best Rover About Me examples include the following:

  • A description of your experience working with animals (did you grow up with pets? Are you a vet tech or study any kind of vet science?)
  • What types of animals are you comfortable caring for (if you don’t want to walk an 100 dog, don’t say you do!)
  • The pets you have at home (if you don’t have pets, mention why, like “I can’t have pets in my apartment but I’d love to walk yours!”)

Setting Rover Dog Walking Prices

Setting your Rover dog walking prices is easy! We recommend you take a look at what other people in your area are charging and then, if you’re brand new to Rover, setting your prices around those same rates.

If you have a lot of experience with pets, or are a vet tech or something like that, we recommend charging a little more! If you’re brand new (or really want to build up your Rover reviews, which we highly recommend!), set your prices a little lower.

Remember: don’t set your prices too low! People generally want to pay well for a good sitter, and you don’t want to undervalue the service you offer!

Unfortunately, I have two cats at home who do not get along with dogs, so I was unable to choose “Boarding” as an option, even though it has the highest earning potential.

Then, you can choose how much you’d like to charge for your services. Rover also points out how much you’ll actually take home based on what you charge, taking out their fees for using Rover to organize the jobs.

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You can choose to keep the auto-filled answers they have, or you can change to other rates if you think you deserve more or less than what Rover filled in for you.

Then you move on to more specifics, like how far you’re willing to travel to house sit or walk the dog, and how many walks you’re willing to do each day, hours of availability and more.

Next, you choose what size dogs you’re willing to work with, if you’re ok with cats and if you’re ok with puppies under one year.

After that, you spell out your experience so customers will know what they get when they choose you! You’ll also be asked to provide pictures of yourself with dogs and to have friends you’ve doggy sat for to provide testimonials of how you are with animals.

To wrap up your sign-up process, you’ll be asked to watch a video or two and answer some questions, quiz-style.

If you pass, you’ll see this screen:

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Then you can move on to the background check.

Background Check Process for Rover Dog Walkers

The background check process starts with you paying for it. You have the option to pay $25 for the “basic” background check or pay $35 for the “enhanced” background check and help yourself stand out among the other dog walkers in your area.

You also have the choice to become certified in helpful fields such as animal CPR and other areas. You are responsible for paying for and receiving the education to gain these certifications.

If your area requires you to be licensed and/or bonded, you’re instructed to follow your state and local laws.

Setting Your Schedule as a Rover Sitter

You are in control when it comes to your schedule on Rover. If you’re not available, simply indicate that on your calendar so you won’t receive requests for times when you’re not able to accept jobs.

For example, I know I’m going to be out of town at the end of March/beginning of April, so I went ahead and marked all of my services as “unavailable” for those dates:

That way I know I won’t get requests for those dates, saving myself and customers time and frustration.

Pro-tip: Unfortunately, like many app-based contractor jobs, these companies want you working all the time. Managing Editor Melissa accepts Rover gigs on a part-time basis, and she said Rover will definitely send you requests for boarding/walking/sitting even if you say you’re not available. Be very careful and always check your calendar first before accepting a gig.

You can also decide if you’re only available to do overnights on the weekends or that you can only walk dogs on Monday-Thursday. You can change your schedule on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to suit your current schedule.

If during your sign-up process you chose you’d only like to walk dogs, but you decide later that you wouldn’t mind doing a drop-in visit, you can go into your profile and change that setting at any time.

You also have full control over what size animals and even breeds you are willing to work with. If you don’t think you can handle a Great Dane, you can specify that you won’t work with them.

If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the options, feel free to say you’re not available for them. I know some people wouldn’t feel comfortable staying overnight at a stranger’s house. If that’s the case for you, then simply don’t choose that you’re available to do overnights.

If you are comfortable with stopping by someone’s house a few times a day to take their dog for a walk and/or play with them for a bit, you would choose the “drop-in” option.

Other options include boarding, where their pet comes to stay with you in your home for an extended period of time; walking, where you go to the pet owner’s home and take their dog for a walk; and even daycare to care for the animals while their pet parents are at work.

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An example of what a Rover sitter sees on the day it’s time to visit a pet

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You can set your calendar and mark off times you’re unavailable, but note that Rover may still try to send you requests from pet owners

One great thing about Rover? They notify you about upcoming holidays, so you can choose to work/be available for them or not. You’ll also get a boost in pay when you work holiday weekends.

rover review

Your upcoming Rover bookings will look like this on your app. This is a recurring booking, but if this Rover sitter had more bookings with other pets, they would show on this screen.

rover review

No matter what kind of sitter you are (boarding, petsitting, drop in, walks), you’ll have to check off if the pets went to the bathroom (1 or 2), if they ate/drank, etc. Many pet owners will also ask for photos, and good Rover sitters usually write up a short summary of what happened during the visit.

How Much Can Rover Sitters Earn?: Rover Dog Sitting Salary

First, there’s no set “salary” as a Rover sitter. Like rideshare drivers, you’re an independent contractor. However, with Rover, you do get to set your own rates!

Earnings vary! Depends on what you offer—walks earn less than overnight stays, of course—and it also depends on what experience you have. If you’ve signed up and have only about a year of experience caring for pets, you might want to charge less than the person on the site who has 10 years of experience.

In general, Rover sitters can expect to earn $20 an hour. This includes pet-sitting, dog walking, drop in visits.

You can likely earn well over $20 an hour, however, if you offer dog boarding. Rover dog boarders (in home) can expect to earn at least $30 an hour.

Ready to get started as a Rover sitter? Sign up here!

This, of course, depends on where you live, too. A Rover pet owner we spoke to (someone who pays for the service, not a Rover sitter) pays $60 for a drop in, 30 minute pet visit in New York City.

You can view what other people in your area charge, how many reviews they have, and their experience level before you price your services

Remember, you set your rates, but you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. If you’re setting a higher rate than average, you’ll want to be able to prove you’re providing either better service or perks compared to your competitors.

The more visits and walks you schedule, the more you can potentially earn. On the Rover home page, they boast that sitters can earn up to $1,000 a month—and pre-pandemic, that was actually pretty reasonable to expect, especially during the summers.

During COVID, readers we spoke to earned around $400 a month. Now, as travel returns and more people want to get out (and need pet sitters!), prices are returning to normal if not much higher. If you are able to pet-sit during the summer and holidays, you can expect to earn $1000/mo again.

In fact, Rover adds a holiday bonus on to any booking requests during a holiday time, including 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.

Once you’re on Rover, you can work ‘off’ app, although that’s highly discouraged by Rover. You also would not be covered by their insurance and guarantees if anything were to happen while doing ‘off’ app work.

How Much Does Rover Take from Sitters?: What Percentage Does Rover Take?

Of course, using the services and insurance provided by Rover means they are going to want a cut of what you’d earn. Rover takes 20% of your earnings for each booking if you sign up on or after March 1, 2016.

What Should New Sitters Know About Rover?

To be successful on Rover, take these suggestions into consideration as you get started:

  • Create a detailed profile and solicit testimonials from friends and family (until you get reviews from clients)
  • Include photos of yourself (and pets if possible) in your profile
  • Track your mileage! You’re running a business here and mileage used to do Rover-related business can be written off when you do your taxes. Check out the 8 Best Free Apps to Track Your Miles!
  • Be realistic about the dogs you can handle. If you can only take care of one at a time, then do that. If you know you can’t handle a dog that’s heavier than 100 pounds, then make sure you check that on your profile.
  • Always assume there are cameras on at every house you visit. Not that you would steal from your clients or abuse the animal you’re caring for, but be mindful that security is key to a lot of people and they may be watching you do your thing.
  • DO NOT accept a dog sitting or even walking request until you have met the person AND the dog.
  • If something feels off, finish up your visit and don’t go back (you can decline, cancel and otherwise modify requests).
  • Rover support isn’t great (which shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a rideshare or delivery driver!), but readers we’ve spoken to have not had problems. If you have any issues, still report it to Rover support.
  • Treat everyone’s house and pet like you would your own!
  • Have some familiarity with pets before signing up for Rover – Rover will give you tips on how to introduce yourself to the family (pet and parent) but… it helps to have familiarity with dogs and how they act before getting into the business of pet sitting.

Most importantly…

If you don’t like dogs or cats…don’t do this job.

A lot of Rover reviews out there make the job seem horrifying, both for sitters and for pet owners. It should go without saying that you need common sense for this job, and you should genuinely like helping pets.

Always get the name of the client’s veterinarian, no matter how short the visit is. Always know where the emergency vet is located in your city.

Never be too scared to communicate with the pet owners if you can’t make a visit – people would rather know and quickly book someone else than have their pet be trapped inside all day.

If a pet owner gives you a weird feeling, just decline to pet sit! Like rideshare driving, Rover sitters are independent contractors. You can say no for whatever reason you want.

Take pictures of everything! Especially if the dogs damage or spill something. Everyone thinks their dog is a perfect angel, and that is rarely the case. Assume most people have not trained their dogs on basic manners, nor have their dogs had leash training. That’s fine if it’s a puppy, way less fun if it’s an 80-lb. dog dragging you down the street.

Pros of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • You can make an income doing something you love—walking dogs!
  • The Rover Guarantee helps cover you in case anything were to happen
  • You are in charge of your schedule and what animals you decide to care for

Cons of Rover for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

  • Rover takes 20% of the cut, which adds up over time
  • If you don’t have experience, people might overlook you, making it difficult to book jobs
  • You have no real guarantee of your safety when it comes to the animals you’re caring for

Updates to Rover for Pet Sitters in 2021

One pet peeve of many Rover pet sitters, particularly for overnight stays, was that clients (pet owners) would pay for 4 nights of pet sitting, for example, but not come back until very late on the 5th day.

They would expect Rover sitters to check on/stay with their pets on the 5th day for hours, for no pay, since it wasn’t technically “overnight.”

This was shady, and experienced Rover sitters knew upfront to get a time in writing of when people would be back. If the pet parents/clients ended up cheating the Rover sitter out of their time, Rover sitters would simply “blacklist” or poorly rate the clients – but new Rover sitters might not have known this!

Rover took steps to change this unfairness for sitters as of July 2021.

Essentially, Rover will now charge clients 50-100% of the sitter’s nightly rate if the client leaves a pet too long at a sitter’s house, or if they have you stay at their house for longer than anticipated.

This is a big deal for scrupulous sitters, because as much as you could leave a house (as a house/pet sitter) and abandon a dog for hours (because technically you’re not getting paid), most Rover sitters are safe, reputable people who actually care for dogs and pets.

No Rover sitter wants to know a dog isn’t getting to go outside, leave its crate, or go to the bathroom for hours because a client isn’t showing up.

This also helps clients – if they’re truly running late because of an emergency, they can extend a sitter’s time through the app. If they’re thoughtless and don’t care about getting back on time for their pet, they’re charged too.

Rover Safety: Is Rover Trustworthy?

As far as getting paid reliably, yes, Rover is trustworthy. Managing Editor Melissa occasionally accepts Rover gigs, and she has never had a problem client mainly because she screens them ahead of time (see: always visit the dog and owner first before agreeing to pet sit!)

For Rover sitters, as long as you screen the pet owners/clients ahead of time, you should have no problems. If you feel even a little uncomfortable with a pet, simply decline – there are plenty of other Rover sitters out there!

Is Rover safe for clients/pet parents? This Rover review is for sitters, so we’re assuming if you’re reading this, you genuinely like pets and want to provide clients a great experience.

The same way Rover sitters should screen clients, clients should screen Rover sitters. Don’t book a Rover sitter if you feel uncomfortable with them!

And just like we say about dash cams – sitters, assume there’s a camera in the house! Clients, get a camera for your house!

How Does Rover Pay?

Rover pays sitters either via PayPal or via mailed check.

Can Rover Pet Sitters Get Tipped?: Tipping Rover Pet Sitters

Rover now allows sitters to get tips!

Before, there was no option for clients to tip their Rover sitter – if someone didn’t leave you cash, you didn’t get anything extra.

As of late 2021, Rover now lets clients leave tips for their sitters in percent increments (10% and up).

Rover sitters will keep 100% of their tips.

Is Rover Worth It?

If you love animals, heck yes! If you’re looking to make a full-time living out of it, Rover might not be worth it for you, unless you’re using it as a starting point for your business.

Some people can make full-time livings from Rover, but usually they’ll start their own sitting business to keep more of the earnings and have greater control over bookings, activities, etc.

If you’re looking for another source of income and something fun to do during your downtimes, Rover could be a great option for you. You can also accept Rover gigs in between driving and delivering, keeping you busy on the road!

With the flexibility of being completely in charge of your schedule and setting your own rates, you get out of Rover what you put into it.

FAQ

How much do dog walkers make on Rover?

They can earn up to $1,000 a month, but that might be less during the pandemic. Check out your area to see what sitters are charging and base your rates around that. The more you’re available and take jobs, the more you’ll earn.

Rover sitters typically earn $20 an hour, although that varies by city and by what gig you are offering on Rover (walking, sitting, boarding, etc.)

Which dog walking app is best?

There are a few apps to choose from. Obviously, we like Rover based on experience, but other options include Fetch and Wag! Try out all of them to see which you prefer.

Is there an app for Rover walkers?

The app for Rover walkers is the same as the app for those looking for walkers/sitters. Sign up on the app or on the website once you create a Rover account.

Is the Rover app legit?

Yes! It’s really a way for you to make money by walking dogs in your neighborhood.

Does Rover do background checks?

Rover does do background checks on their walkers, paid for by the walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a Rover walker, you’ll need to pay for a background check to be run on yourself.

Is Rover only for dogs?

No. It can include cats as well, and several sitters mention if they have experience with amphibians, fish or reptiles.

Is Rover a good way to make money?

It can be. The more services you’re available for and the more flexible your schedule, the more money you can make. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month offering your services on Rover.

Can I make $100 per day with dog walking and pet sitting through Rover?

Yes!

How do I get more Rover clients?

Make sure your profile is complete and includes testimonials. People will be more likely to book with you if they hear about your experiences taking care of animals. Also, make sure your rates are competitive. It can help if you have certifications and extra training making you more qualified than your competitors.

How long does it take for Rover to pay me?: Rover Dog Sitting Pay

You can cash out via PayPal with your Rover two days after your booking concludes. Your Rover dog sitting pay is based on how much you charge, minus 20% for the Rover fee.

If you booked a month of dog visits, you won’t get to cash out until two days after your last visit.

Readers, is Rover something you would try? Why or why not?

-Paula @ RSG