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Rover Review 2026

Pet sitting and dog walking marketplace

3.8

HomeBusinessWatch Rating

Last updated: March 20, 2026

What is Rover?

Rover is the largest online marketplace for pet care services. Pet sitters and dog walkers offer dog boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, doggy day care, and dog walking. Merged with competitor DogVacay in 2017.

Pros

  • Set your own rates and schedule
  • Work with animals — ideal for pet lovers
  • Multiple service options: boarding, walking, drop-ins
  • Get paid for caring for pets in your own home

Cons

  • 15-20% service fee depending on service type
  • Liability concerns — accidents, escapes, or injuries
  • Inconsistent income without building repeat clients
  • Competition from cheaper sitters drives rates down
  • Background check required ($25-40 fee in some areas)

Rating Breakdown

Residual Income
2.0

Potential for ongoing passive income

Simplicity
4.0

Easy to understand and execute

Transparency
3.5

Clear about costs, requirements, and income

Community & Support
4.0

Quality of training and community

Value for Money
3.5

Worth the investment

Overall Rating
3.8

Frequently Asked Questions About Rover

How much do Rover sitters make?
Rates vary by city and service. Dog boarding averages $25-50/night, dog walking $15-30/walk. After Rover's 15-20% fee, active sitters report earning $1,000-3,000/month part-time. Full-time sitters in busy markets can earn $4,000-6,000/month.
Is Rover safe for sitters?
Rover provides $25,000 in veterinary care coverage and 24/7 support. However, sitters assume real liability for pets in their care. Some sitters purchase additional liability insurance. Most experiences are positive, but incidents do occur.
How do you succeed on Rover?
Key factors: professional photos, detailed profile, quick response times, competitive (but not cheapest) pricing, and accumulating 5-star reviews. Building repeat clients reduces reliance on the platform. Many successful sitters also market outside Rover.