Ever wondered how you can make money on Rover just by spending time with dogs? Whether you’re looking for a flexible side hustle or want to turn pet sitting into a real business, this guide breaks down how you can realistically earn up to $3,000/month on Rover.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn what it takes to get started, how much you can earn, the most profitable services to offer, and insider tips to grow your Rover income.
If you’re an animal lover, this might be the easiest and most enjoyable way to turn your free time into a sustainable income.
Key Takeaways
- Flexible Earning Potential – You can make money on Rover part-time or full-time, with top earners making over $3,000/month depending on services and location.
- Multiple Services to Offer – From dog walking to overnight pet sitting, there are 8+ profitable ways to earn on Rover, each with unique income opportunities.
- Low Barrier to Entry – All you need is a free Rover account, a clean background check, and a love for animals—no fancy certifications required.
- Higher Profit Margins vs. Competitors – Rover takes only 20% commission, making it more profitable than platforms like Wag, which take up to 40%.
- Reputation Matters – Your success on Rover depends heavily on your reviews, repeat clients, and the quality of your profile.
How to Make Money on Rover?
Making money on Rover is surprisingly accessible—even for beginners. Because you can set your own prices and availability, it’s one of the most flexible gig economy jobs available in 2025.
You don’t need professional pet training or years of experience to get started. With just a short profile, background check, and a willingness to show up for clients, you can begin accepting jobs within days.
Most new sitters start with a few walks or drop-in visits, then scale up to overnight stays and repeat customers. With consistency and solid reviews, your earnings can increase significantly within your first few months.
Plus, Rover’s in-app tools (calendar, messaging, payment processing) make it easy to manage your clients and income in one place.
What do you need to get started?
To begin earning on Rover, you’ll need to create a free account, pass a background check, and complete your profile with photos, descriptions, and services offered. A love for animals is essential, but so is reliability. Having pet supplies, a safe space (for boarding), and reliable transportation is highly recommended.
How much money you can make on Rover?
Most Rover sitters make $20–$30/day for basic services and $45–$75/night for overnight stays. Top earners offering weekly or long-term care can pull in $250–$375 per client per week.
For example, Cole Connor, a part-time Rover sitter, reported earning $400/month consistently through short-term gigs and dog walking.
Sitters in metro areas or with multiple service offerings often make more. And because Rover only takes a 20% cut, it’s one of the better-paying gig platforms out there.
13 Proven Methods to Make Money on Rover
Whether you’re a first-time sitter or scaling a pet-care side hustle, here are 13 proven, practical ways to make money on Rover—from walks and drop-ins to boarding, house sitting, premium add-ons, and smart pricing strategies.
1. Dog Walking
Dog walking is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to make money on Rover. If you’re just starting out, it’s the perfect way to build experience, get reviews, and earn consistent income without needing to host pets in your home.
Most dog walks on Rover are 30 minutes to 1 hour long and range from $15–$25 per session, depending on your location and availability. You can also charge more for longer walks or special requests (like leash training or multiple dogs).
Busy professionals often book recurring walks, which means you can build a weekly schedule and recurring income from just a few clients. Rover’s GPS tracking and report card features make it easy to build trust and keep pet parents informed.
How to Start Dog Walking on Rover?
- Create your Rover profile and enable the “Dog Walking” service.
- Set your availability on your calendar for weekdays and weekends.
- List walking-specific skills (e.g., large dog experience, leash training).
- Take high-quality photos showing your active lifestyle or with dogs.
- Write a warm, honest bio highlighting your reliability and love for animals.
- Set a competitive starting rate to attract first-time clients.
- Enable GPS tracking on walks through the Rover app.
- Leave detailed walk reports for every session (bathroom updates, behavior, etc.).
Quick tip: Always carry doggie bags, a collapsible water bowl, and treats—you’ll impress clients with your preparedness.
2. Dog Boarding
Dog boarding allows you to earn more by hosting pets overnight in your home. This is one of the highest-paying services on Rover, with rates ranging from $45–$75 per night, especially in urban areas.
It’s best for people who have a dog-friendly home, a flexible schedule, and are comfortable handling dogs in longer-term care settings. Many sitters build long-term relationships with clients and often get week-long bookings that can earn $300–$500 per client.
Boarding is ideal if you work from home, live in a pet-friendly environment, and can commit to daily walks, feedings, and playtime.
How to Offer Dog Boarding on Rover?
- Add “Dog Boarding” as a service in your Rover profile.
- Upload photos of your home, backyard, and where the dog will sleep.
- Mention if you have other pets or children in your home.
- Set your drop-off and pick-up windows for consistency.
- Ask owners about feeding, medications, and behavior needs in advance.
- Keep dogs on a predictable schedule for feeding and walks.
- Send daily photo updates to the pet parent through Rover messages.
- Get reviews by politely asking after a successful stay.
Quick tip: Offering a “first-night free” promo can help you attract repeat clients early on.
3. Drop-In Visits
Drop-in visits are short check-ins—typically 20 to 30 minutes—where you feed pets, let them out for bathroom breaks, refill water, or administer medication. Rates average around $15–$25 per visit, and you can schedule multiple drop-ins in one day.
This method is perfect for sitters with limited availability or those not able to host pets full-time. You don’t need to bring pets into your home, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or people with pet restrictions at home.
It’s also great for cats, small dogs, or senior pets who don’t require walking but still need daily care.
How to Offer Drop-In Visits on Rover?
- Select “Drop-In Visits” in your Rover service list.
- Set realistic time windows (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening).
- Note in your bio if you’re comfortable with specific needs (e.g., medication).
- Communicate with the owner about pet behaviors, keys/access, and feeding routines.
- Bring your own basic supplies (treats, leash, poop bags) just in case.
- Document your visit with photos and detailed check-ins.
- Be punctual and reliable with every booking to earn 5-star reviews.
Quick tip: Create a pet care checklist you can use to stay organized and impress clients.
4. House Sitting
House sitting involves staying overnight at the pet owner’s home while they’re away. You care for their pets and home simultaneously—feeding, walking, watering plants, and keeping everything secure.
This service typically pays $50–$75 per night, and some long-term bookings go over $1,000+. It’s a great fit for travelers, digital nomads, or people in between apartments.
Since you’re staying in their home, owners expect extra trust and clear communication. This can be a great way to build client loyalty and get consistent repeat bookings.
How to Start House Sitting on Rover?
- Enable “House Sitting” as a service and clearly explain what you offer.
- Add a profile line like “Your pets and home are safe with me.”
- Note your comfort with home security, alarm systems, and basic plant care.
- Discuss rules with the pet parent (e.g., guest policies, fridge use, etc.).
- Follow pet care routines precisely and leave the home clean.
- Send morning/evening updates with photos and a recap.
- Offer a brief post-stay summary thanking the client and asking for feedback.
Quick tip: Keep a tidy routine and leave the house better than you found it—it earns you glowing reviews.
5. Doggy Day Care
Doggy Day Care is similar to boarding, but only for daytime hours—usually 7am to 7pm. Rates range from $20 to $40/day, and you can host multiple dogs at once if you’re licensed or experienced.
It’s ideal for sitters who work from home or stay-at-home parents who love dogs and want to earn extra money without overnight commitments.
Parents of high-energy dogs often prefer daycare services during work hours, especially if their dogs suffer from separation anxiety.
How to Offer Doggy Day Care on Rover?
- Add “Doggy Day Care” in your Rover dashboard and set your availability.
- Mention whether you’re comfortable supervising multiple dogs.
- Have toys, water, and a secure space ready for playtime.
- Plan a break/walk schedule every 2–3 hours.
- Ask about feeding times, allergies, or nap habits.
- Offer progress reports with photos throughout the day.
- Promote “weekly day care bundles” for recurring clients.
Quick tip: Add “Dog-friendly home office” in your bio—it attracts pet parents who work long hours.
6. Puppy Care
New puppies require more attention, potty breaks, and specialized routines. This premium service can command higher rates: $25–$40 per visit or walk, depending on your area and experience.
If you’re good with crate training, potty training, or obedience basics, you can niche down and become a trusted “puppy sitter” for new pet parents.
How to Offer Puppy Care on Rover?
- Enable “Puppy Care” and describe your experience with training or young dogs.
- Ask owners about feeding intervals, sleep routines, and potty cues.
- Be patient—puppies may nip, whine, or have accidents.
- Offer 2–3 short walks or outdoor breaks daily.
- Use crate time wisely to avoid overexertion.
- Monitor for signs of illness, stress, or fatigue.
- Report every potty break, feeding, and behavior quirk to the owner.
Quick tip: Highlight your patience and puppy-handling skills right in your profile intro.
7. Cat Sitting
While Rover is known for dogs, many users also book cat care, especially for short trips. Cat sitting includes feeding, litter box cleanup, playtime, and medication.
Visits are typically shorter—15 to 30 minutes—and earn $15–$25. Cat owners are often very loyal once they find someone trustworthy.
How to Offer Cat Sitting on Rover?
- Add “Cat Sitting” under drop-in services.
- Mention experience with shy, anxious, or senior cats.
- Ask about litter preferences, feeding quirks, and medications.
- Spend time engaging the cat—even if it’s just quiet company.
- Take photos without flash and send relaxed updates.
- Keep the feeding area and litter box spotless.
Quick tip: Write “Also experienced with cats!” in your headline—it grabs pet parents’ attention instantly.
8. Pet Transportation
Some clients need help with vet appointments, grooming trips, or daycare drop-offs. Pet transportation pays $15–$30 per trip, depending on distance.
This method requires reliable transportation and comfort handling animals in cars. It’s a great add-on service for regular clients or senior pets who need extra support.
How to Offer Pet Transport Services on Rover?
- Include “Pet Transportation” in your service description.
- Set a per-mile fee or flat rate in your area.
- Use pet seatbelts or crates for safety.
- Communicate pick-up/drop-off times clearly.
- Ask about travel anxiety, medications, or motion sickness.
- Be punctual and professional—treat it like a rideshare for pets.
- Keep the car clean and odor-free for client satisfaction.
Quick tip: Mention “safe & insured pet rides” in your profile for added trust.
9. Administering Medication
Many pets need oral or injectable meds during owner trips. If you’re comfortable doing this, you can charge $5–$15 extra per visit for this service.
It’s a great upsell to add to existing bookings and increases your value to high-need clients.
How to Offer Medication Admin Services on Rover?
- Highlight “Oral & Injectable Medication Experience” in your bio.
- Ask owners to demonstrate dosage and application.
- Be gentle but firm—pets may resist at first.
- Track every dosage and update the owner afterward.
- Combine this service with drop-ins or house sitting.
- List certifications (if any) like vet tech experience.
Quick tip: Charge a small medication add-on fee—it’s a low-effort, high-value revenue stream.
10. Multiple Dog Discounts
This isn’t a service, but a smart monetization strategy. Many sitters charge an extra $10–$20 per additional dog, which can double your income from one booking.
By offering fair pricing for multi-dog households, you increase the chance of large, repeat bookings.
How to Structure Multi-Dog Rates on Rover?
- Set a base rate and clearly list “Add’l dog” fees in your pricing.
- Note in your profile if you’re experienced with managing more than one dog.
- Be honest about your limits—don’t overcommit if you can’t handle more.
- Keep dogs separated if needed (crates, gates, etc.).
- Ensure all dogs are vaccinated and well-socialized.
Quick tip: Use a phrase like “Pack-friendly sitter” in your headline to attract large-dog households.
11. Pet Bathing Services
Some Rover clients request light grooming like pet bathing before or after a stay. While Rover doesn’t officially offer full grooming, you can add “Pet Bathing” as an additional service on your profile and charge $15–$25 per session. If you’re confident handling dogs in a tub and have basic supplies (shampoo, towels, dryer), it’s a simple way to increase earnings.
Just make sure the owner approves and the pet is comfortable with water. This is especially valuable for muddy seasons or long-haired breeds that need frequent cleaning.
Quick tip: Offer pet baths as a “departure add-on” to boost your boarding service income.
12. Weekend & Holiday Premium Rates
Pet sitting demand spikes on holidays and weekends, especially during school breaks or major events. Smart sitters raise their rates by 10–25% during peak seasons and get fully booked weeks in advance.
You can adjust your prices in Rover’s calendar for specific dates and clearly state in your profile that holiday pricing applies. This not only boosts your income, but it also filters in clients who are willing to pay more for reliable care.
Quick tip: Update your rates every December and July for holiday readiness and visibility.
13. Senior Pet Care
Senior pets often need special care like medication, soft bedding, slow walks, or extra potty breaks. If you’re patient and attentive, you can specialize in senior dog or cat care and charge premium rates for the added responsibility.
Mention this in your profile to attract owners of older pets who are selective about who they trust. You can even combine this with medication services and offer extended time visits to increase your value.
Quick tip: Use the phrase “experienced in senior pet care” in your headline for SEO visibility on Rover.
14. Special Needs Pet Sitting
Some pets have behavioral issues, separation anxiety, or disabilities. Pet parents with special needs animals often pay 15–30% more for a sitter who can manage those challenges safely.
If you have experience with reactive dogs, deaf pets, or those recovering from surgery, list those skills under your services. Just be honest about your comfort level and have safety plans in place. These clients are often repeat customers due to the trust involved.
Quick tip: Highlight “experienced with anxious, disabled, or special-needs pets” to attract niche clientele.
15. Emergency or Last-Minute Bookings
Pet owners often scramble to find sitters after cancellations, emergencies, or sudden trips. If you offer last-minute booking availability, you can charge a rush fee or increase your base rate by 20%.
Update your profile headline with “Available for last-minute bookings” and enable push notifications so you can respond fast to urgent requests. Sitters who are flexible and responsive often get featured more in local search results.
Quick tip: Keep your calendar updated daily—Rover favors sitters with real-time availability.
16. Offer Packages or Loyalty Deals
Rover lets you manually create custom offers or message discounts to repeat clients. By offering loyalty bundles (like 5 walks for $100 or free baths after 3 stays), you can turn one-time bookings into long-term customers.
It’s a great way to build predictable income and establish trust. Mention in your profile or message after the first booking to offer a discount code or bonus.
Quick tip: Use repeat client deals to build a monthly income floor you can count on.
17. Collaborate with Local Pet Businesses
Boost your bookings by networking with vets, pet stores, groomers, and dog trainers in your area. Leave business cards or flyers and offer cross-promotion (e.g., 10% off for their customers).
Pet parents already visiting those places trust their referrals, and local connections can lead to high-value repeat clients. Rover sitters who network locally stand out from those who rely on the app alone.
Quick tip: Offer to trade free walks for a flyer spot at your local vet clinic or pet supply shop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Money on Rover
Ready to turn your love for animals into real income? Follow this beginner-friendly roadmap to start earning on Rover, even if you have zero experience. These are the exact steps successful sitters follow to build a trustworthy profile, attract clients, and grow their income long-term.
Step 1: Create and Verify Your Rover Account
Start by visiting Rover.com and creating a free sitter account. You’ll need to verify your email, phone number, and pass a background check. This takes just a few days but is essential to unlock access to bookings.
Step 2: Choose Your Services and Set Availability
Select which services you want to offer: dog walking, boarding, drop-ins, daycare, house sitting, etc. Start with 1–2 to stay focused. Set your availability using the in-app calendar so clients know when you’re open.
Step 3: Build a Trustworthy, Professional Profile
Your profile is your storefront. Upload a clear, smiling headshot and photos with pets. Write a warm, honest bio that emphasizes reliability, love for animals, and any experience you have. Mention your home setup, schedule, and any unique offerings like puppy care or senior pet experience.
Step 4: Set Competitive Pricing (Then Raise It Later)
Start with slightly lower-than-average rates to attract first-time clients. Once you earn 3–5 five-star reviews, gradually increase your prices based on demand. Use Rover’s tools to research what similar sitters charge in your area.
Step 5: Get Your First Booking and Deliver 5-Star Service
Respond to messages quickly (ideally within 1 hour), show up on time, and go the extra mile with detailed updates and photos. Make it easy for clients to feel confident—and don’t forget to politely ask for a review after a successful stay.
Step 6: Optimize Your Profile With Reviews and Repeat Clients
Rover prioritizes sitters with strong reviews and consistent bookings. Offer loyalty discounts or package deals to encourage repeat business. Update your profile with new photos and experience as you grow.
Step 7: Expand Services and Monetization Methods
Once you’ve built a strong reputation, consider offering additional services like house sitting, pet transport, or medication administration. Each method diversifies your income and increases earnings per client.
Step 8: Market Yourself Outside of Rover
Don’t rely on the app alone. Create business cards, network with local vets, and ask happy clients for referrals. You can also use Instagram or a basic website to build your local presence.
Step 9: Use Tools to Automate and Scale
Once you’re booking regularly, use scheduling tools, template messages, and even AI tools to save time. This helps you handle more clients without burning out and sets the stage for scaling your Rover side hustle.
Tips to Increase Your Revenue on Rover
Maximizing your Rover earnings isn’t just about taking more bookings—it’s about being strategic with pricing, reviews, and client retention. Start by offering high-value services like overnight stays or special needs pet care, which often pay 30–50% more than basic walking gigs.
Next, build trust fast: respond to messages within one hour, send detailed pet updates, and always deliver on time. Reviews are gold on Rover—so after each successful booking, politely ask for one.
Also, don’t underestimate repeat clients. Offer loyalty deals like “book 5 walks, get 1 free” or discounts for weekly boarding to encourage return bookings.
If you’re in a high-demand city, adjust your pricing for holidays or peak weeks. Set custom calendar rates in advance for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or summer travel season.
Finally, invest in your profile with better photos and skill tags—like “experienced with senior dogs” or “comfortable with medications.”
Best AI Tools for Making Money on Rover
Managing multiple clients on Rover can get time-consuming. Luckily, some AI tools help automate the boring stuff so you can focus on pet care and income growth.
Start with Canva’s AI photo editor for creating polished profile photos and pet update templates. Better visuals = better bookings. Use Grammarly or QuillBot to proofread your profile and automate client messaging.
For scheduling and availability, Motion AI helps automate your calendar, so you never double-book or forget a walk. It also syncs with Rover’s app.
Want help responding to repetitive messages? Use ChatGPT or Notion AI to draft fast responses, quotes, or availability replies. That way, you can stay on top of leads—even during a busy day.
You can also use Google’s Gemini AI to analyze reviews and identify patterns in what clients love (or don’t). This helps you improve services based on real data.
Best Affiliate Platforms for Rover Sitters in 2025
As a Rover sitter, you’re already a trusted voice with pet owners—so why not make passive income by recommending the products you use daily?
Platforms like ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and Amazon Associates let you earn commissions for referring pet products like food, treats, toys, and crates. Add affiliate links to your personal website, Instagram bio, or automated follow-up messages after bookings.
You can also join Chewy’s affiliate program, which offers strong commissions and is trusted by pet parents. Promote these items through your Rover updates or thank-you messages, as long as it feels natural.
Even better? Use your own affiliate purchases to restock dog bags, treats, and cleaning supplies—saving money while earning.
Quick Tip: Only recommend gear you actually use and love—trust and repeat clients are worth more than any quick sale.
Best Marketing Tools for Monetizing on Rover
If you want to grow beyond just getting bookings through the Rover app, start building your personal brand. Use marketing tools to boost your local presence, gain repeat clients, and grow your rates over time.
Canva is ideal for creating flyers, business cards, and social media templates. Hand out printed flyers to local vets or pet supply stores with your Rover link or QR code.
Use Linktree or Milkshake to create a simple landing page with your Rover profile, social proof, and FAQs. It’s perfect for Instagram bios or local ads.
Consider building a quick site on Carrd or Notion to highlight your services, reviews, and contact info. Pair this with Google Business Profile so people searching “dog sitter near me” can find you directly.
Finally, use Buffer or Later to schedule regular Instagram posts of happy dogs in your care (with permission). People love seeing proof their pets are in good hands.
Conclusion
If you’re an animal lover looking to earn extra income—or even build a full-time side hustle—Rover offers one of the most accessible, flexible, and enjoyable ways to do it. From walking and daycare to niche services like senior pet care, there are dozens of ways to make money on Rover in 2025.
With the right tools, smart pricing, and excellent client care, you can realistically earn $1,000 to $3,000+ per month while doing something you genuinely enjoy.
Ready to start? Create your Rover profile today and take the first step toward financial freedom—one paw at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How quickly can I start making money on Rover?
Most new sitters start receiving booking requests within 7–10 days of completing their profile and passing a background check. Starting with competitive prices and fast responses helps you book faster.
Do I need any certifications or training?
No certifications are required to get started on Rover. However, experience with pets, strong communication skills, and a well-structured profile make a huge difference in attracting clients.
How much can I make in my first month?
New Rover sitters typically make $200–$600 in their first month, depending on the services they offer and their local demand. Those who offer boarding or house sitting tend to earn more.
What if I already have a full-time job?
Rover is flexible. You can offer only evening walks, weekend boarding, or drop-in visits to match your availability. Many users run Rover gigs alongside their 9–5 jobs successfully.
Can I get repeat clients?
Absolutely. In fact, repeat clients are the key to stable income. Offer consistent service, updates, and a friendly follow-up message to encourage future bookings. Loyalty packages help too.
