This website contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for referrals.
Are you a pet lover looking for a new side hustle? Rover might be the perfect fit. This app pairs pet-lovers with pet-owners to make sure that every furry friend is well cared for.
What is Rover?
Rover® is the nation’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers. Founded in 2011, Rover operates in more than 34,000 cities and offers pet owners access to over 300,000 sitter profiles. They offer pet parents an in-app marketplace full of independent contractors who offer a variety of pet-related services.
Whether you are walking dogs for someone who can’t be home during the day, or taking care of them while they are on vacation, Rover has a way for you to earn money on the side, around your schedule, while doing something you love. Rover’s suite of services includes:
Become a Dog Walker/Pet Sitter for Rover
In the U.S., pet sitting and dog walking are in-demand side jobs. According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2018 pet owners collectively spent $6.11 billion on services like pet boarding, pet sitting, pet grooming, and dog walking. Instead of trying to break into the pet care market alone, you can use Rover to connect with hundreds of potential clients.
How to Sign Up for Rover
Rover makes it easy to get started. First, you need to create an account. Download the app and select “Become a sitter or walker.” After that, you’ll need to complete your application:
- Create a Profile: Add a photo of yourself with a pet and offer a few words about yourself and your experience.
- Request References (optional): If you’re a seasoned dog-walker, ask past clients to comment about their positive experience. This will help you start getting jobs faster.
- Pass a Safety Quiz: Watch educational videos and answer questions correctly to show you understand dog-walking and pet-sitting safety requirements.
- Complete a Background Check: Rover requires its independent contractors to pass an initial background check before they begin earning through the app.
Once your application is complete, it will be sent to Rover’s Sitter Team for review. You’ll typically receive an update within 5 business days.
Rover Profile Tips
Apps like Rover work on a review and badge system. Therefore, the more you use the app, the more business you’ll get. Beyond working more hours, here are some tips to improve your profile:
- Make sure your profile is personable and friendly
- Adjust your availability often to avoid declining jobs
- Ask your regular clients to review you on the app
- Make sure you’re up-to-date on your badges
- Take frequent pet-photos while on the job and stay in constant contact with your clients
Worried about giving your first client the best experience possible? Head over to Rover’s Sitter Resources where they’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a great sitter or walker.
What if I'm not Interested in Dog-Walking?
If you aren’t a dog-lover, don’t worry! You can still start a pet care business on Rover. The app will match you with pet-owners based on your profile. Basically, if you’re only interested in pet-sitting cats, you’ll still be able to make money with Rover.
Support is What Sets Rover® Apart
There are a lot of dog-walking apps to choose from. Rover® provides protection with up to $1,000,000 in coverage, an easy-to-use app to manage your dog sitting business, readily available support, and more. 24/7 support is available to you, including vet services, so you don’t need to worry about being on your own because you’re not.
Flexibility puts you in control
- Offer any combination of pet care services.
- Set your own schedule and prices.
- Set size, age, and other pet preferences that work for you.
The tools to succeed
- The Rover Guarantee: Your services are protected up to $1,000,000.
- The Rover app: Manage your dog sitting business on the go.
- 24/7 support: Including vet assistance.
Rover Sitters Set Their Own Rates
When you create a profile on Rover, you’re creating your own pet care business. This means you get to set your own rates. But, how much should you charge? In general, you’ll want to charge more for a dog walk than a drop-in to feed and play with the dog. If you plan to board dogs or cats overnight, you’ll want to choose a rate that reflects the amount of time you’ll have to care for the pet, and whether the pet will need special service (i.e. medicine).
Regardless of how much you decide to charge, you’ll want to make sure it is a competitive rate. You might start out with a slightly lower rate and increase it as you receive more positive reviews.
Additionally, you’ll want to factor-in the Rover fee. Rover takes 20% of your earnings in exchange for using the platform to book clients. Remember, when you’re ready to withdraw your earnings, you can receive compensation by Paypal or by check.
Setting Up a Rover Account
Overall, Rover is a great side hustle for any pet lover. It’s mutually beneficial because it matches background checked pet lovers with pet owners who need extra help to care for their four-legged family member. Plus, you might get repeat customers. Not only will you get a steady source of income, but a new furry friend to spend time with.
If you’re interested in starting a profile on Rover, Sign Up now.
We may receive a referral fee for recommending some of the products, apps or services listed on this website. This article is for informational purposes only.
Elianna S is a freelance writer specializing in legal and technological subjects. Her educational background is politics and American Studies.
