- \n
- Car Insurance Saver<\/strong><\/a>: Save $600+ per year by using this free car insurance quote tool!<\/li>\n
- Freecash<\/a><\/strong>: Another fun way to earn gift cards and free money!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Rover is a gig platform<\/a> that connects pet owners to sitters and walkers<\/li>\n
- Rover makes it easy to earn by walking dogs, pet sitting, and providing drop-in visits<\/li>\n
- You set your own hours, rates, and types of animals you work with<\/li>\n
- Rover pays about $15 to $20 per hour on average but depends on your market<\/li>\n
- Finding clients takes time but can scale into a serious side hustle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Is Rover Worth It?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rover is worth it if you enjoy spending time with animals and want a flexible, fulfilling side hustle<\/a> that you can customize to fit your lifestyle. Hourly pay is also high, especially for walking and boarding services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
The 20% Rover takes from your earnings is a bit high. However, Rover lets you customize the services you offer to match your interests and lifestyle. And it's a fun side hustle<\/a> if you like working with animals.<\/p>\n
Personally, offering Doggie Daycare while working my full-time job from home was the most worth it. Owners would drop off and pick up their pets, so I didn\u2019t have to waste time or money traveling. I got to enjoy the company of a furry companion and \u2018forced breaks\u2019 from work (walks) which helped my stress levels.<\/p>\n
I found boarding (overnight stays) to be the least worth it. Pets would get homesick at night and keep us awake. If you decide to try boarding, ask where the pet is used to sleeping. If it\u2019s in bed with the owner, prepare to share your bed!<\/p>\n
What Is Rover & What Does It Offer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rover<\/a> is a gig platform that connects dog and cat owners in neighborhoods across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe with trusted local sitters and walkers. The company began in Seattle in 2011. Since then, it's racked up over 40 million bookings to date<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
![\"Rover](\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Rover-walker.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRover also simplifies the entire pet sitting and walking process.<\/p>\n
Pet owners request your services through the app and then rate their experience afterwards, which builds credibility on your profile and lands you higher in the search ranks for your next booking. As a Rover sitter or walker, you also get paid directly through the app, so everything is managed for you.<\/p>\n
Dogs are the most popular animal you can work with on Rover. But pet owners can also ask for help with cats, birds, reptiles, and other pets.<\/p>\n
Overall, Rover is reputable, easy to use, and has safety protocols that protect pet owners and care providers.<\/p>\n
How Does Rover Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
To become a Rover walker and sitter, you have to be 18 or older. You also pay a $25 fee for a background check and profile review.<\/p>\n
Having previous pet care experience also holds, even if that means having a dog as a pet yourself. But really, as long as you have a genuine love for dogs, strong communication skills, and a tolerance for the unexpected, just about anyone can make money with Rover.<\/p>\n
Here's the process of how you sign up for Rover and begin making money:<\/p>\n
1. Sign Up<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Getting started with Rover<\/a> is fairly straightforward, and you create a profile with your email or Facebook account.<\/p>\n
From there, you have to complete your profile, complete basic online training, and file for a background check. This takes a bit of time, but it's necessary to learn how the platform works.<\/p>\n
I can attest that the informational videos and quizzes are actually quite helpful in preparing you for scenarios you\u2019ll likely encounter.<\/p>\n
2. Complete Your Profile<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Once you sign up for Rover, you can start creating your profile to share a little about yourself and the services you offer to potential clients in your area.<\/p>\n
When creating your profile, you enter the types of pet services you're offering, like boarding or dog walking. You can choose as many or as few as you\u2019d like, and can change this later<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
![\"Rover](\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Rover-services.png\")
<\/p>\nRover provides some average pay data for each service which can help you increase your rates. And it also lets you enter the types and sizes of animals that you're comfortable working with.<\/p>\n
This is an excellent feature since you don't have to work with very large dogs if you're not comfortable doing so.<\/p>\n
Next, you specify your geographical service area, rates, and the days and times during the week you\u2019re available.<\/p>\n
Before creating your own profile, I suggest checking out profiles of fellow walkers and sitters in your area. Go to www.Rover.com and enter information as if you were a pet owner seeking services. You find a map like the one below showing local walkers and sitters near you.<\/p>\n
![\"Rover](\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Rover-map.jpg\")
<\/p>\nScoping out the competition helps provide inspiration for your own bio and photos, and will help you price yourself competitively.<\/p>\n
TIP<\/strong>: If you\u2019re in an urban setting, narrow your service area to within 0.5 – 1 mile (walking distance) of your home so you don't waste too much time and money traveling.<\/p>\n
If you provide daycare, you can also specify the details of your home, like if you have a fenced yard or any other pets in the home.<\/p>\n
3. Find Dog Walking & Sitting Clients<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Once your profile is approved, clients reach out through your Rover inbox to ask questions or book your services.<\/p>\n
Having the app on your phone helps you reply to requests quickly, and helps you rank high in Rover\u2019s search results. And it's also important to write an eye-catching Rover headline<\/a> that makes you seem friendly and responsible so pet owners want to work with you.<\/p>\n
Rover actually tracks \u2018performance scores\u2019 that influence your ranking. Here are the top ways to improve your rank<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Response Rate<\/strong>: Respond to every request in a timely manner, even if you\u2019re unable to accept the request. Your response rate and time appear on your public profile.<\/li>\n
- Booking Rate<\/strong>: Try to accept most booking requests, especially early on, unless you're not comfortable working with the dog for some reason.<\/li>\n
- Keep Your Calendar Updated<\/strong>: Log in every few days to reconfirm your availability. If you can work upcoming holidays, Rover puts a special badge on your profile.<\/li>\n
- Get A High Review Rate<\/strong>: Encourage clients to leave reviews (ideally 5 star!) The more positive reviews you have, the higher you rank.<\/li>\n
- Book Repeat Clients<\/strong>: Rover calculates a \u2018repeat score\u2019 tracking how many clients book with you repeatedly. And repeat clients help you make quick money<\/a> if you have a regular walking or sitting schedule with them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Rover](\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Rover-profile.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTIP<\/strong>: To encourage repeat clients, send cute selfies of you and the pet during your visit, and provide fun details in the \u2018Rover card\u2019.<\/p>\n
4. Get Paid<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Rover sends payments to you two days after completing a service. You can receive payments through:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Direct deposit<\/li>\n
- PayPal money<\/a><\/li>\n
- Check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Much Does Rover Pay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rover pay also varies depending on the type of service you offer and for how long<\/strong>.\u00a0But on average, expect to earn about $15 to $20 per hour with Rover walking and $25 to $40 a night for boarding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
You set your own hourly rates on Rover, but the app suggests a rate based on other Rover sitters and walkers in your area. Some average rates you might charge by working with Rover include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Dog Walk<\/strong>: $20 per walk or $30 for an hour-long walk.<\/li>\n
- Drop-In Visit<\/strong>: $25 per visit.<\/li>\n
- Daycare<\/strong>: $25 per day.<\/li>\n
- Boarding<\/strong>: $28 per night.<\/li>\n
- House Sitting<\/strong>: $25 per night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Rover](\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Rover-pricing.jpg\")
Examples of some Rover prices.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Again, your market can influence how much you make with Rover. And it's a good idea to check other profiles in your area to see what most people are charging for different services.<\/p>\n
And remember: these are average Rover rates you might charge. But Rover still takes a platform fee, which I'll explain below.<\/p>\n
TIP<\/strong>: For daycare and boarding, charge at least $30 – $35, especially if you have no other pets in your home since this is highly sought-after.<\/p>\n
For daycare, charge clients extra for each hour outside of the 9:00am – 5:00pm timeframe. I told clients that each additional hour costs $6.50<\/p>\n
How Much Does Rover Take?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rover takes 20% of your earnings as a platform fee. For example, if you charge $20 for a walk, your net pay is $16 after Rover takes its fees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
This is a fairly steep fee, but Rover lets you manage your entire booking and client relationship process online. It also handles payments and provides insurance, which I'll explain below.<\/p>\n
My Personal Experience With Rover<\/strong><\/h2>\n
During my year on Rover, I experienced my fair share of crazy situations. And I believe that the most important quality in a walker\/sitter is a high tolerance for unpredictable situations.<\/p>\n
While my positive experiences FAR outway the negative, be prepared to deal with the occasional \u2018mishap\u2019.<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t stress enough the importance of asking questions up front before you care for a dog. This is why Rover recommends a \u201cMeet and Greet<\/a>\u201d before your first booking with a pet.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to understand any unique behavioral issues or aversions the dog may have. Here are some personal tales to help illustrate why<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Aggression<\/strong>: A rescue dog (shepherd mix) I used to walk would get REALLY nervous when I entered the apartment. She would snarl and growl until I slowly approached the crate and proved to her that I was a \u2018safe person\u2019. On her leash, any time we\u2019d encounter a male, she would intensely lunge, growl and bark.<\/li>\n
- Leash Mishaps<\/strong>: While walking two dogs, one slipped out of their leash. Out of desperation, I asked a responsible looking bystander to hold one dog while I frantically chased and eventually secured the other one. It\u2019s not ideal to ask a stranger to hold onto a dog you\u2019re responsible for, but desperate times called for desperate measures.<\/li>\n
- Accidents and Destruction<\/strong>: One dog pooped on my balcony, another one shredded my plant while I stepped out for 5 minutes, and a couple peed on my rug. But this is part of the job when you work with pets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You can make great money with Rover, and I like that it's a flexible side hustle. But be prepared for some unpredictable situations while on the job!<\/p>\n
TIP<\/strong>: I suggest removing nice rugs or carpets temporarily as dogs want to mark their territory. Also be careful about plants, as many are toxic to pets.<\/p>\n
How Much Can You Make On Rover?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
In a busy market, it's possible to make a few hundred dollars per month or even $1,000 or more on Rover. All you need is a few regular dog walking clients and to have occasional pet sitting gigs. In slower markets, you can likely make $100 to $500 per month with Rover<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, how much money you make on Rover depends on how many clients you have and how much you hustle.<\/p>\n
Some people work for rover full-time in markets like New York City and make $5,000 a month<\/a> or more. But for most people, myself included, this is just a part-time hustle.<\/p>\n
How Much Does Rover Pay Per Walk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
In my experience, Rover pays about $15 to $20 per walk. But you can earn more per walk if you walk multiple dogs at the same time. However, this requires more skill and experience, and I don't suggest doing this as a new dog walker and with new pets.<\/p>\n
Tips For Making Money With Rover<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Now that you know how Rover works and how much it pays, here are a few tips that I used to land more clients to earn more money:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Get Testimonials<\/strong>: Rover facilitates testimonial requests when you\u2019re setting up your profile. Before you have formal reviews, it helps to have friends or family vouch for your loving care of their pets. Don\u2019t sweat it if you don\u2019t have formal experience. I asked my colleague, our office dog\u2019s mama, if she could share that I frequently took him out for walks and am trustworthy.<\/li>\n
- Photos Are Important<\/strong>: Include several photos of yourself with different dogs and cats, showing your range of experience. It may sound obvious, but make sure you\u2019re smiling.<\/li>\n
- Create A Catchy Tagline<\/strong>: Showcase your enthusiasm and highlight any unique skills or qualifications you have. Get creative, but keep it professional. Something like \u201cI\u2019ll treat your dog like family\u201d is a perfect example.<\/li>\n
- Include Past Experience<\/strong>: If you\u2019ve dealt with dogs of varying temperaments, shapes and sizes, specific that!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Rover](\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Rover-bio.jpg\")
<\/p>\nYou can see my Rover profile above for an example. I mention my past experience in a vet clinic, growing up with dogs, and my availability.<\/p>\n
Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Get paid to spend time with animals<\/li>\n
- Rover lets you set your own prices, schedule, services, and areas you work<\/li>\n
- Hourly pay is high<\/li>\n
- Rover provides insurance coverage for pet injury<\/li>\n
- A fun way to make money by walking<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Rover takes 20% of your pay<\/li>\n
- Unpredictability of animals and possible behavioral issues<\/li>\n
- Slightly lengthy setup process<\/li>\n
- Insurance doesn\u2019t cover pet sitter injuries or home damage<\/li>\n
- Travel time isn't paid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Other Rover Reviews<\/strong><\/h2>\n
I tried Rover for a year, and I enjoyed how flexible this side gig is. I also love working with dogs, and offering a daycare service while I did my day job was an excellent way to make extra money.<\/p>\n
But one of the best ways to tell if a side hustle is worth it or not is to see what other people have to say about their experiences.<\/p>\n
This Rover walker review from YouTuber Lil Meredyth shares her experience with making money with Rover and what life on the job is like.<\/p>\n
- Photos Are Important<\/strong>: Include several photos of yourself with different dogs and cats, showing your range of experience. It may sound obvious, but make sure you\u2019re smiling.<\/li>\n
- Leash Mishaps<\/strong>: While walking two dogs, one slipped out of their leash. Out of desperation, I asked a responsible looking bystander to hold one dog while I frantically chased and eventually secured the other one. It\u2019s not ideal to ask a stranger to hold onto a dog you\u2019re responsible for, but desperate times called for desperate measures.<\/li>\n
- Drop-In Visit<\/strong>: $25 per visit.<\/li>\n
- Check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Booking Rate<\/strong>: Try to accept most booking requests, especially early on, unless you're not comfortable working with the dog for some reason.<\/li>\n
- Freecash<\/a><\/strong>: Another fun way to earn gift cards and free money!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n