
If you're considering becoming a Rover dog walker, you're probably wondering how much you can earn. According to Rover's own statistics, the average dog walker on their platform earns around $18 per hour.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, Rover's data shows that top-performing dog walkers can earn up to $25 per hour. This is especially true if you live in a popular area with high demand for dog walking services.
Rover's fees can range from 20% to 40% of the booking amount, depending on the service level you choose. This means that if you book a dog walking gig for $20, you'll need to pay Rover $4 to $8, leaving you with $12 to $16.
To get started, you'll need to create a profile on Rover, which includes providing information about yourself, your experience with dogs, and your availability.
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Becoming a Rover Dog Walker
To become a Rover dog walker, you'll need to sign up on the app and provide some basic information. You'll also need to pass a background check, which you can pay for through Rover.
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Pay attention to the details and be thorough when filling out your profile, as it's a crucial step in getting approved. You'll need to describe how you'll care for the dogs in your charge and provide plenty of one-on-one attention.
You'll also need to get at least one testimonial from someone who knows how you interact with dogs. Don't just ask people via the app - follow up with a personal text or call to make sure they know you really want their feedback.
Here's a step-by-step summary of the process:
- Sign up on the Rover app
- Pay for a background check
- Get at least one testimonial from someone who knows you with dogs
- Filling out your profile, providing information about your own dogs (if you have any), and adding photos of you interacting with dogs
It may take up to 5 business days to get approved, so be patient and make sure you're thorough in your application.
Earning Potential and Income
As you consider joining Rover as a dog walker, you're probably wondering how much you can actually make. The good news is that Rover allows you to set your own prices, so your earning potential is directly tied to how much you charge and the services you provide.
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According to Glassdoor, the average hourly rate that a pet sitter earns on Rover ranges from $14 to $29. This is based on many reviews of different services.
You can earn a decent income on Rover, especially if you enjoy dogs and are willing to put in the time to build up a client base. For example, Chris F. has been using Rover for about 4 years in Denver and has built up a lucrative doggy day care business, earning between $8,000 to $12,000 a month.
You can also earn money by offering services like dog walking and house sitting. Susan Strba started using Rover and has had success with it, earning money on the side while also working a full-time job.
One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a reliable internet connection to use the Rover app. Unfortunately, this means that if you only have talk and text enabled on your phone, you may not be able to use the app without an internet source.
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Is Work Worth It?
Working on Rover can be a great way to earn extra cash in your free time. It's a part-time gig job that allows you to make supplemental income. You can make enough money to work a job full-time if you provide excellent service. Working on Rover as a pet sitter full-time may not be feasible for everyone. However, it's a great opportunity to make extra cash if you're willing to put in the effort.
Expenses and Financial Considerations
As a Rover dog walker, you'll need to consider various expenses to ensure you're earning a decent income. One-time fees like a $35 non-refundable profile review fee are required to get started.
To give you a better idea of the costs involved, let's break down some of the expenses you'll incur. Rover keeps 20 percent of your earnings for each booking, which means you'll need to factor that into your pricing.
Investing in equipment like leashes, toys, treats, and poop-scoop bags can also add up. For boarding services, you'll typically need a fenced enclosure outside and possibly crates or dog beds indoors.
Don't forget to consider fuel costs and vehicle maintenance if you're driving to bookings or providing pick-up and drop-off services. This can be a significant expense, especially if you're driving long distances.
As an independent contractor, you'll need to set aside a portion of your income for taxes. Rover doesn't withhold taxes for you, so it's essential to plan ahead and save for your tax obligations.
Choosing a Pet Sitting Company
If you're considering hiring a pet sitting company, research their reputation and read reviews from other customers to ensure you're making a well-informed decision.
Pet sitting companies often have a team of sitters who work with them, and some companies may have a larger team than others, which can impact the level of care your pet receives.
According to Rover's data, 63% of dog owners prefer to hire a pet sitter who has experience caring for dogs of similar size and breed to their own pet.
It's essential to ask about the qualifications and experience of the sitters who will be caring for your pet.
Rover's background check process includes a review of a sitter's driving record, which is particularly important if the sitter will be driving your pet to and from visits.
Some pet sitting companies may offer additional services, such as dog walking or overnight stays, which can be convenient for pet owners who have busy schedules.
Rover's data shows that 70% of dog owners prefer to hire a pet sitter who can provide multiple services, such as dog walking and overnight stays.
Locations
Rover.Com is headquartered in SEATTLE, WA, where the average salary is likely to be higher than in other locations.
The average salary of Rover.Com is $96,281 in the United States, which is a significant amount of money for a dog walking job.
If you're considering working for Rover.Com, knowing the company's location and average salary can help you make an informed decision about your career.
Getting Paid
You'll need to set up a payment account with Rover to get paid, so log in and choose "withdraw money" to provide your PayPal information. You can also choose to be paid by check in the US, but there's a fee for that.
Specific instructions for desktop vs. phone are on Rover's support site. Don't wait to do this step; do it as soon as you get approved.
After setting up your payment account, getting paid with Rover is pretty simple. Here's how it works:
- A client books you and pays in advance
- You provide the entire service (for example, a week's worth of walks)
- 1-4 days after that, the money is in your PayPal account. You can send it to your bank account from there.
For example, payments typically appear the day after the service was completed.
Tips for Earning Income
To earn a good income on Rover, you need to have a solid sitter profile that showcases your experience and personality. This includes describing yourself, talking about your experience taking care of animals, and including pictures of you with a variety of dogs.
You'll want to highlight your experience with dogs and show that you're good with them. This will help you attract good-paying clients who trust you with their pets.
To get the word out about your services, try posting in your neighborhood Facebook group or forum, putting up a notice on physical bulletin boards, or telling everyone you meet while walking dogs about your service. You can also offer to send interested people your discount link or wear a "dog walker" t-shirt to draw attention.
Don't just tell people about your services once and expect them to remember. Continue to let people know about your services, as new people will move into the area and people will get new dogs.
The amount you make on Rover depends on the services you provide and the amount you charge. Rover allows sitters to set their own prices, so you can check the standard rate of other users in your area and set your rate accordingly. The average hourly rate that a pet sitter earns on Rover ranges from $14 to $29, according to Glassdoor.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when setting your prices:
- Check the standard rate of other users in your area to set a competitive price.
- Consider the services you provide and the level of care you offer when determining your rates.
- Be prepared to adjust your prices as you gain more experience and build a reputation on the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage does Rover take from dog walkers?
Rover takes a 25% marketplace fee from dog walkers, which is based on the rate they set for each service. This fee is typically 20% of the list price paid by pet owners.
Is Wag or Rover better to work for?
Wag takes a 40% cut of earnings, while Rover's fee is lower, making Rover a potentially more lucrative option for dog walkers. Consider your financial goals and preferences when deciding between these two platforms.
Sources
- https://www.jackiebeck.com/rover-dog-walking-for-money/
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-much-can-you-make-on-rover/
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/employer/rover-com/dog-sitter-get-paid-to-play-with-dogs-salary
- https://millennialmoneyman.com/how-much-does-rover-pay/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/rover-side-hustle-pet-sitting-diversify-income-after-layoff-2023-5
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