Is Rover Worth It? Dog Sitter Guide in 2025

It's common trend today to have a side hustle that brings in some extra cash. Most people don't rely on a single income. Fortunately, there are many ways you can make money on the side, including pet sitting or dog walking. Rover.com is a popular platform that offers pet lovers a flexible schedule, the ability to set your own rates, and a robust platform to market to potential clients. But is Rover worth it?

In this article, we'll discuss what it's actually like to be a Rover sitter or dog walker. Whether you're looking for a little side cash or want to turn this into a lucrative full-time gig, we'll help you understand whether being a Rover sitter is worth it in the long run.

What is Rover?

Rover is an online marketplace that connects pet owners with pet sitters or walkers. Sitters and walkers create profiles, list their services, and set their availability and rates. You can accept or reject requests as you receive them.

Some of the services you can offer include:

• Dog walking
• Drop-in visits
• Pet sitting at the owner's home
• Boarding in your home
• Doggy daycare

It sounds like a great way to make extra money for your family budget, but is Rover dog walking worth it once you factor in the hours, costs, including self-employment taxes, and Rover's cut?

Why People Choose to Work with Rover

You may wonder why someone would choose to work for Rover. Here are a few reasons current pet sitters and walkers enjoy it:

• They love working with animals
• They want to set their own hours
• They want to make extra money on the side
• They want to be their own boss

These are all great reasons to choose Rover, but like any gig economy job, there are other factors you should consider.

Is Rover's Pay Worth It?

The most common question people have before working with Rover is "How much can I make?"

Like any side gig, there isn't a cut-and-dry answer because it depends on many factors, including:

• The rates you charge
• Your location (how large is the demand)
• Your availability
• The services you'll offer
• How well you market yourself on the platform

On average, gig workers make $24.38 an hour offering services on Rover, which sounds great, but remember, Rover takes a 20% cut on your earnings. So, if you charge $25 an hour for your services, you walk away with $20, paying Rover $5.

But that's not all; you are also responsible for your own expenses, including gas, supplies, and income taxes. With consistent work, good reviews, and plenty of effort, you could make $1,000 - $3,000 a month.

Tips to Boost Your Income

Like any side hustle, there are ways to increase your income to consider when deciding if working for Rover is worth it, including:

• Offer multiple services
• Offer services on weekends and holidays
• Provide great customer service
• Ask for reviews (if you have happy clients)

Working for Rover is like running your own business. The more seriously you take it and the happier you keep your customers, the more money you will make.

Is Rover Dog Walking or Sitting Worth It?

Rover dog walking can be worth it for some people. Like any side gig, it's important to consider the pros and cons to help you decide if it is right for you.

Pros:

• Set your own hours: You can work as few or as many hours as you want, adjusting your schedule to accommodate your full-time job or any other commitments.
• Repeat business: If you provide great customer service, you can get repeat clients and even referrals from them to help you build your business.
• Stay active: Walking dogs or caring for pets keeps you active and doesn't get boring, making it an exciting way to make money.
• Choose your jobs: You choose which jobs you want to accept and reject those you don't.
• You are your own boss: You don't have a boss breathing down your neck. You set your rules, and the better service you offer, the more clients you'll get.

Cons:

• Travel time reduces earnings: Your per-hour earnings begin when you are with the animal and performing care. The travel time to and from each client's house reduces your hourly wages.
• You are responsible for expenses: You must cover all your own expenses, which include transportation, supplies to care for the animals, and taxes on the income you earn (including self-employment tax).
• Work in any weather: You must continue your care for animals in any weather, including rain, cold, and snow.
• Cancellations are common: Customers can cancel their appointments, leaving you without anticipated pay.
• You must do the marketing: While you use Rover's robust platform and market to their audience, you must know how to write a proper profile and use keywords to attract the right audience.

Looking at these pros and cons, is Rover dog walking worth it? It definitely can be if you live in an area with high demand and you are able to work peak hours. It can be a great side income or, if you work hard enough, a potential full-time income.

Is the Flexibility of Rover Good?

One factor that most people think makes being a Rover sitter worth it is that you are in total control. You choose your hours, rates, and what jobs you take. You don't have a boss, dress code, or clock to punch.

This has its downsides, including no guaranteed income. If you don't actively manage your profile, ensure customer satisfaction, respond to messages quickly, and provide in-demand services in your area, steady work can be hard to find.

Rover.com is often the best fit for:

• College students
• Retirees
• Teachers (in the summer)
• Freelancers
• People with a part-time work schedule

Dealing with Pets and Pet Owners

Another factor to consider is what it's like to deal with pet parents and sometimes even the pets. Typically, both the owners and pets are a pleasure to work with; however, like any, there are risks, including:

• Last-minute cancellations
• Overbearing clients who micromanage
• Jobs that take longer than expected
• Aggressive pets

The key to making working for Rover worthwhile is to set boundaries and expectations. Take advantage of the meet-and-greet and get to know the pet and its owner. Ask important questions and really get to know the pet to ensure you are comfortable sitting for him/her before accepting the job.

Additional Tips for Success

Starting any business takes time before you see great returns. Here are some tips to help make Rover dog walking worth it:

• Start with lower rates to entice new clients, so you can get positive reviews
• Post a great profile picture and add pictures of any pets you've cared for
• Use the meet and greet to your advantage
• Make your rules and expectations clear before accepting a job
• Market yourself often, keeping your profile and calendar updated

Rover's platform offers a great opportunity to make money when handled right. The key is to treat it like a business for the greatest success.

Conclusion: Is Rover Worth It?

So, is becoming a Rover sitter worth it? If you love animals and want to own your own business, it's worth it. If you're looking for a job with flexible hours and no boss breathing down your neck, it's worth it.

But it requires hard work. This isn't a passive income opportunity. You must communicate well, be dependable, and treat it like a business.

Think of Rover as a fun way to make extra money, especially if you live in an area with a lot of pet owners. As long as you understand the costs of running the business and the risks it includes and are willing to work hard, it can be worth it.