Finding the best dog-walking app to earn extra money can be tricky. Two of the biggest names in the pet-care gig economy are Rover and Wag. Both let you set your own schedule and work as an independent contractor. However, their fees, payment structures, and booking systems are quite different.
This guide compares Rover and Wag side-by-side. We will analyze their requirements, commission fees, and earning potential. By the end, you will know which platform suits your side hustle goals better.
How Rover Works for Pet Sitters
Rover is a popular platform offering multiple ways to earn money. You can provide dog walking, pet boarding, doggy day care, housesitting, and drop-in visits.
To start, create a detailed profile on the Rover website or app. You need to add a photo, list your services, set your rates, and describe your experience with pets. Rover requires a background check and a profile review fee between $49 and $79. Most profiles are approved within 20 business days.
Once approved, pet owners in your area can find your profile. They send booking requests based on your availability and rates. Rover takes a 20% service fee from each booking. You keep 100% of tips. Funds become available to withdraw two days after completing a service. Payment is sent via direct deposit.
How Wag Works for Pet Sitters
Wag is another major player in pet sitting. It offers dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, and drop-in gigs. A unique feature is in-home dog and cat training, which Rover only provides virtually through a third party.
To join Wag, complete an online application. You must create a profile, note your experience, pass a short quiz on dog safety, and undergo a background check. Wag charges a $49.95 application processing fee. The company also suggests getting written endorsements from family or friends to boost credibility. Applications take about 14 days on average.
Wag matches caregivers with pet owners automatically for quick requests. You receive a notification and confirm through the app. The big difference is Wag takes a 40% commission from each booking. However, you also keep 100% of your tips. Wag pays weekly every Friday via a Stripe-connected bank account.
Key Requirements for Both Platforms
Before signing up, ensure you meet the basic requirements.
Rover requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Live in an area where Rover operates
- Complete your profile and pass a background check
- Have the latest version of the Rover app
- Live in a pet-friendly residence (if boarding)
Wag requirements:
- Be 18 years or older and legally authorized to work in the US
- Live in a city where Wag operates
- Live in a pet-friendly residence (if boarding)
- Download the Wag Pet Caregiver app
Both platforms treat you as an independent contractor. This means no employment benefits like insurance, and no automatic tax withholding. You must handle your own taxes.
Earning Potential: Rover vs. Wag
Your actual earnings depend on the services you offer, your rates, and how often you work.
Rover pay: The company states that sitters offering overnight boarding can make twice as much as those who don’t. You set your own rates, but Rover keeps 20%. For example, if you charge $25 for a 30-minute walk, you keep $20 after Rover’s fee plus 100% of tips.
Wag pay: Wag takes a larger 40% cut, but you can set higher rates to compensate. According to a 2023 Wag blog post, a 20-minute walk costs owners $12.75 to $19.99 for one dog. A 30-minute walk averages $17 to $26.99. Hour-long walks average $25.50 to $36.99. Overnight dog sitting averages $39 to $59 per night. You keep 60% of these amounts plus tips.
For overnight boarding, Rover may offer better take-home pay due to the lower commission fee.
Booking Systems: On-Demand vs. Scheduled
The way you get booked differs significantly between the two apps.
Rover relies on pet owners finding your profile and sending a booking request. This works well if you have a strong profile with great photos and testimonials. However, it may take time to build a client base.
Wag offers on-demand matching for quick requests. Owners set up bookings with times and instructions. Wag automatically matches available caregivers. You get a notification and can confirm immediately. This system can lead to faster bookings, especially for last-minute walks.
If you want more control over your clients, Rover might be better. If you prefer instant gigs without marketing yourself, Wag’s matching system is advantageous.
Which App Should You Choose?
Choose Rover if: You want to keep more of your earnings. Rover’s 20% fee is significantly lower than Wag’s 40%. Rover also offers doggy day care, which Wag does not. The platform is ideal for sitters who can offer overnight boarding to maximize income.
Choose Wag if: You value fast, on-demand bookings. Wag’s automatic matching system can help you find work quickly. Also, Wag is the only platform offering in-home dog and cat training. If you have training skills, this is a unique advantage.
Try both: Many serious side hustlers sign up for both apps. This allows you to compare results over time. You can accept bookings from both platforms to fill your schedule. Just remember to manage your calendar carefully to avoid double-booking.
Important Considerations Before Starting
Working as an independent contractor comes with responsibilities. You will not receive health insurance, paid time off, or other employee benefits. No taxes are withheld from your payments. You must set aside money for self-employment taxes. Consider these costs before diving into the gig economy.
Also, check your local government for additional requirements. Some cities require pet sitters to have business licenses or specific permits.
Final Verdict
Both Rover and Wag offer legitimate ways to earn money caring for pets. Rover wins on lower commission fees and more service options like doggy day care. Wag wins on faster booking through on-demand matching and unique training services.
For most side hustlers, Rover provides better take-home pay due to the 20% fee versus Wag’s 40%. However, if you live in a busy city and want immediate gigs, Wag’s matching system could help you start earning quickly. Evaluate your priorities, then choose the app—or both—that fits your lifestyle.