What is Rover?
Rover is a gig system that brings together dog and cat owners with trusted sitters and walkers in the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe. Starting in Seattle in 2011, the company has since achieved more than 40 million bookings.
The beauty of Rover lies in its simplicity. It makes the whole pet sitting and walking process easy. Pet owners ask for your help through the app and rate you afterward. This rating boosts your profile, helping you rise in search ranks for future bookings.
When working as a sitter or walker with Rover, you receive payment directly through the app. It manages everything for you.
Now, dogs might be the favorite animal to work with on Rover, but that’s not all. Pet owners might also need assistance with cats, birds, reptiles, and other pets.
Rover stands as a reputable, user-friendly platform. Its safety protocols make it reliable for both pet owners and care providers. It’s an engaging way to connect animal lovers with pets in need.
Rover Sitter Services
Boarding. As a sitter, you’ll host pets overnight in your own home. Treating them like part of your family, you’ll provide a warm and comfortable environment for them to enjoy.
House Sitting. In this role, you’ll take care of both the pets and the home of your clients. This ensures the pets receive all the attention and care they need, right in the comfort of their own house.
Dog Walking. Being a dog walker means you’ll take the client’s dog for a walk around their neighborhood. This is an excellent option for those with limited time, or for dogs that need that extra bit of exercise.
Doggy Day Care. With doggy day care, you’ll look after the dog for the whole day at your place. The owners drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the evening, leaving you to care for a happy pup in between.
Drop-In Visits. For drop-in visits, you’ll stop by the client’s home to play with the pets, feed them, and tend to their needs. Whether it’s bathroom breaks or cleaning the litter box, you’re there to help.
Dog Training through GoodPup. If you offer training services through GoodPup, you’ll provide private, virtual dog training. Using one-on-one video chat, you’ll guide the owners in training their dog from the comfort of their home.
How Does Rover Work?
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to becoming a Rover walker or sitter. If you love animals, especially dogs, this could be a rewarding way for you to earn money.
1. Sign Up: First, you must be 18 or older and pay a $25 fee for a background check and profile review. Experience with pets helps, but all you really need is a love for animals, good communication, and a willingness to handle surprises. Signing up with Rover is simple. You can create your profile using your email or Facebook, and then complete online training and a background check. Though this takes some time, the informative videos and quizzes prepare you well.
2. Complete Your Profile: Next, it’s time to create your profile. This is where you share information about yourself and the services you offer. You can choose the types of pet services, such as boarding or walking, and specify the kinds and sizes of animals you’re comfortable with. Rover also gives average pay data to guide your rates. You’ll also need to set your service area, rates, and availability. If you’re unsure, it might be helpful to check out the profiles of other walkers and sitters in your area.
3. Find Dog Walking & Sitting Clients: Once approved, clients can contact you through your Rover inbox. Having the app on your phone helps you respond quickly, which is good for your ranking. Rover tracks ‘performance scores’ to influence your ranking, so it’s vital to respond promptly, keep your calendar updated, and encourage positive reviews.
4. Get Paid: Finally, Rover sends payments two days after service completion. You can choose to receive payment through direct deposit, PayPal, or a check. Be aware that PayPal might charge fees.
Overall, Rover offers an engaging way to connect with pets and earn money. If you have a genuine love for animals and are willing to commit, Rover could be a perfect fit for you. It’s not just about the pay; it’s about building connections and making pets’ lives better. Follow these steps, and you might find that Rover offers a rewarding and fulfilling side hustle.
How Much Does Rover Pay?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all because you set your own rates on Rover. However, the app does provide guidance by suggesting a rate in line with other Rover sitters and walkers in your area.
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to earn:
- Dog Walk: Usually, it’s around $25 for a regular walk or $35 for an hour-long walk.
- Drop-In Visit: This might earn you $30 per visit.
- Daycare: Expect to charge about $30 per day.
- Boarding: An average rate might be $35 per night.
- House Sitting: Typically, this might be $35 per night.
Overall, on average, Rover walking may fetch you $15 to $25 per hour, while boarding can be more lucrative at $30 to $40 per night.
Keep in mind, your earnings can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of service, duration, and your location. It’s wise to look at other profiles in your area on Rover to gauge what most people charge for different services.
In summary, Rover offers flexibility in setting your own rates, influenced by local market conditions and the services you provide. By understanding your community’s needs and your competition, you can find the right balance and enjoy a rewarding experience with Rover.
How Much Does Rover Take?
Rover takes a 20% cut from your earnings as a platform fee. So, if you charge $20 for a walk, you’ll actually receive $16. Rover’s share accounts for the remaining $4.
While this might seem like a substantial fee at first, let’s consider what you get in return. Rover manages the entire booking and client relationship process for you online. Moreover, it takes care of the payments and provides insurance.
In short, Rover’s fee covers a range of services that simplify your work and add security to your business. By handling many of the administrative aspects for you, Rover enables you to focus more on providing quality care for the pets you love.
Tips for Making More Money with Rover
Understanding how Rover operates and what it pays is only part of the equation. Here are some strategies that can be effective in landing more clients and, consequently, earning more money:
Gather Testimonials: Rover makes it easy to request testimonials when setting up a profile. Even without formal experience, getting friends or family to vouch for pet care skills can be helpful. For instance, asking someone who has seen firsthand how well animals are treated can lend credibility.
Use Quality Photos: Including several photos with different dogs and cats can showcase a wide range of experience. A friendly smile in the pictures can create a warm, inviting impression.
Craft a Memorable Tagline: A catchy tagline can set a profile apart. It’s an opportunity to showcase enthusiasm or highlight unique skills or qualifications. A phrase like “I’ll treat your dog like family” can resonate with potential clients.
Detail Past Experience: If there’s experience with dogs of various temperaments, shapes, and sizes, make sure to highlight that information. Even mentioning informal experiences like growing up with dogs or volunteer work can add value to the profile.
A successful Rover profile doesn’t just depend on professional experience. Personal touches, such as warm photos and sincere testimonials, can make a significant difference. Tailoring the profile to show off individual strengths and experience will help in attracting more clients and making the most of the Rover platform.
Pros & Cons of Working with Rover
Pros:
- Earn Money with Animals: Who wouldn’t enjoy getting paid to spend time with furry friends?
- Full Control: Rover lets you decide your prices, schedule, services, and working areas, offering maximum flexibility.
- Attractive Pay: The hourly pay rate can be quite appealing.
- Insurance for Pets: If a pet gets injured under your care, Rover provides insurance coverage.
- Enjoyable Earnings: Making money by walking dogs can be not only profitable but also a great deal of fun.
Cons:
- Rover’s Cut: The platform takes 20% of your earnings.
- Animal Unpredictability: Working with animals can bring unexpected behaviors and possible challenges.
- Time-Consuming Setup: Getting started might require a bit more time than you’d like.
- Limited Insurance: Rover’s insurance doesn’t extend to injuries to the pet sitter or damage to the home.
- Travel Time: Unfortunately, the time spent traveling to and from appointments is not compensated.
Working with Rover offers the joy of spending time with animals and the flexibility to control various aspects of the job. However, there are drawbacks to consider, such as Rover’s fees and some limitations in insurance coverage. Weighing these pros and cons will help in determining if Rover is the right fit for individual needs and preferences.
Is Rover Worth It?
Rover appears to be worth considering for those who have a genuine passion for spending time with animals and are seeking a flexible and rewarding side job. The ability to tailor the services to individual interests and lifestyle is a huge advantage. Hourly pay tends to be quite appealing, particularly for walking and boarding services.
The 20% that Rover takes from earnings might seem substantial, but it’s essential to weigh this against the benefits. The platform enables customization of services, matching personal interests, and lifestyle. It can indeed become an enjoyable side job for animal enthusiasts.
Doggie Daycare might be an especially appealing option for some, especially if paired with working from home. Owners drop off and pick up their pets, which saves time and money on travel. The presence of a furry friend and the opportunity for regular walks can be stress-relieving.
However, boarding might not be the best fit for everyone. Overnight stays can sometimes be challenging, as pets might get homesick and disrupt sleep. If someone opts for boarding, it might be wise to inquire about the pet’s usual sleeping habits. If a pet is accustomed to sleeping in bed with its owner, some adjustments might be necessary!
Rover seems to offer a worthwhile opportunity for those who enjoy animals and are looking for a flexible and fulfilling way to earn extra income. As with any endeavor, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and choose the services that align best with individual preferences and circumstances.
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