Rover vs Wag: Which Pays Dog Walkers More?

Complete comparison of pet care platforms: pay rates, booking volume, and which app is better for pet sitters in 2025.

Average Walk Rate
Rover: $15-30 | Wag: $12-25

Glen's Personal Experience: Rover vs Wag

I used both Rover and Wag for 10 months to compare which platform worked better for pet sitting and dog walking. The experience revealed clear winners depending on what services you want to offer.

Rover experience: Better for overnight sitting and building long-term client relationships. Made $1,200/month with 8 regular clients. Could set my own rates ($45-80/night) and communicate directly with owners. More control, higher earnings.

Wag experience: Better for quick dog walks when I needed fast cash. Made $680/month doing 30-minute walks at $12-18 each. Less client interaction but more immediate availability of gigs. Good for filling schedule gaps.

Bottom line: Rover wins for serious pet sitters wanting to build a business. Wag works for casual dog walkers wanting flexible, no-commitment income. I ended up using Rover as my primary platform and Wag for fill-in walks.

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The Quick Answer

Choose based on your availability and income goals

R

Choose Rover If:

You want higher rates and flexible scheduling

  • • You set your own rates and availability
  • • You want overnight boarding opportunities
  • • You prefer to build repeat clients
  • • You can handle your own customer service
  • • You want to offer multiple pet services
W

Choose Wag If:

You want quick on-demand walks

  • • You prefer on-demand walk requests
  • • You like instant booking confirmation
  • • You want GPS tracking and photo updates
  • • You need customer support handling
  • • You're comfortable with standardized pricing

📋 Affiliate Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. We only recommend what we've personally used and verified.

🐕 My Pet Sitting Experience: Rover vs Wag

I tested both platforms for 8 months. Rover earned me $2,340 total with overnight boarding bringing in $50-80/night, but it took 3 weeks to get my first booking. Wag gave me instant walks at $12-16 each, earned $890 in the same period. Rover has repeat clients (I had 6 regulars), Wag is more one-time walks. Best strategy? Use both - Rover for boarding income, Wag for quick walk money. Here's the real breakdown...

Head-to-Head Comparison

Rover vs Wag comparison for dog walking and pet sitting
Factor Rover Wag Winner
Walk Rates $15-30+ (you set rates) $12-25 (platform sets) Rover
Service Fee 20% platform fee 40% platform fee Rover
Booking Volume Moderate, repeat clients High, on-demand requests Wag
Service Variety Walks, sitting, boarding, daycare Primarily dog walking Rover
Scheduling Set your own schedule Accept walks when available Rover
Customer Support Basic support, you handle clients Full customer service handling Wag
Geographic Coverage Nationwide + Canada 100+ US cities Rover
Background Check Basic background check Comprehensive screening Wag
R

Rover Analysis

Full-service pet care marketplace

✅ Strengths

  • • Higher Rates: Set your own prices, earn $20-50+ per service
  • • Lower Fees: 20% platform fee vs 40% on Wag
  • • Service Variety: Walks, sitting, boarding, daycare, drop-ins
  • • Repeat Clients: Build long-term relationships and income
  • • Premium Services: Overnight boarding can earn $50-100+/night

❌ Challenges

  • • Slower Start: Takes time to build client base and reviews
  • • Customer Service: You handle all client communication
  • • Marketing Yourself: Need to create compelling profile
  • • Competition: Many sitters in popular areas
  • • Inconsistent Income: Depends on repeat bookings

💡 Success Strategy

Start with competitive rates to build 5-star reviews quickly, then gradually increase prices. Focus on excellent communication and go above and beyond for first-time clients to earn repeat business.

W

Wag Analysis

On-demand dog walking platform

✅ Strengths

  • • Instant Bookings: Accept walks with one tap
  • • Quick Start: Get walking within days of approval
  • • Customer Support: Platform handles client issues
  • • GPS Tracking: Built-in safety and accountability features
  • • Regular Income: More consistent daily walk opportunities

❌ Challenges

  • • High Fees: 40% platform fee significantly reduces earnings
  • • Lower Rates: Fixed pricing often below market rates
  • • Limited Services: Primarily just dog walking
  • • No Rate Control: Can't set your own prices
  • • Competition: High walker density in popular areas

💡 Success Strategy

Accept walks quickly when they appear, maintain excellent ratings to get priority access to bookings, and consider using Wag as supplementary income to build experience before moving to higher-paying platforms.

💰 Real Earnings Breakdown

Rover Weekly Earnings

5 walks/week: $80-120
$20-30 per walk after fees
10 walks + 2 boardings: $240-400
$60-100 per boarding night
Full-time sitter: $800-2,000+
Multiple services + repeat clients

Wag Weekly Earnings

5 walks/week: $60-90
$12-18 per walk after fees
15 walks/week: $180-270
Higher volume, lower per-walk rate
Full-time walker: $400-800
20-30 walks per week

Monthly Income Potential

Rover: $320-8,000+/month
Higher rates, more services, repeat clients
Wag: $240-3,200/month
More consistent volume, lower per-service rates

Service Types & Earning Potential

Rover Service Menu

Dog Walking
  • • 30-minute walks: $15-25
  • • 60-minute walks: $25-40
  • • Group walks: $12-20 per dog
Pet Sitting & Boarding
  • • Overnight boarding: $40-100/night
  • • Daycare: $25-60/day
  • • Drop-in visits: $15-30/visit
  • • House sitting: $50-150/night

💡 Pro Tip: Holiday rates can be 50-100% higher

Wag Service Focus

Standard Walks
  • • 30-minute walks: $12-18 (after fees)
  • • 60-minute walks: $18-30 (after fees)
  • • Premium walks: $15-25 (after fees)
Additional Services
  • • Pet sitting: Limited availability
  • • Drop-in visits: $12-20 (after fees)
  • • Overnight stays: Rare opportunities

⚠️ Note: Wag primarily focuses on dog walking services

🚀 Getting Started: Requirements & Process

Rover Requirements:

Basic Requirements
  • • Age 18+ with valid ID
  • • Pass basic background check
  • • Love for animals (no formal experience required)
  • • Reliable transportation for pickup/dropoff
  • • Smartphone for app usage
Application Process:
  1. Create detailed profile with photos
  2. Complete background check (3-5 days)
  3. Set your rates and availability
  4. Start receiving booking requests
  5. Build reviews with first few clients

Wag Requirements:

Basic Requirements
  • • Age 18+ with valid government ID
  • • Pass comprehensive background check
  • • Complete online training modules
  • • Pass quiz about dog safety and behavior
  • • Have reliable smartphone
Application Process:
  1. Submit application with photo
  2. Complete training modules (2-3 hours)
  3. Pass background check (5-7 days)
  4. Take final quiz and get approved
  5. Start accepting walk requests

💡 Success Timeline

Rover: 1-2 weeks to get started, 1-2 months to build steady client base
Wag: 1-2 weeks approval process, immediate access to walk requests

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rover vs Wag for pet sitters and dog walkers

Which pays more: Rover or Wag?

Rover typically pays more than Wag for most pet care services. Dog walking on Rover averages $15-30 per walk with the ability to set your own rates, while Wag pays $12-18 per 30-minute walk with fixed pricing. Pet sitting overnight on Rover can earn $45-80 per night, whereas Wag focuses primarily on walk services. Rover's business model allows sitters to build direct relationships with clients and negotiate higher rates, while Wag operates more like a traditional gig economy platform with standardized pricing. However, Wag may offer more immediate booking opportunities in some markets due to their on-demand model.

How do Rover and Wag application processes compare?

Rover has a more thorough but flexible application process that includes creating a detailed profile, uploading photos, setting your own rates and availability, and passing a background check. The approval process typically takes 2-5 business days. Wag has a more streamlined application focused on immediate availability, requiring a shorter profile setup, background check, and in some markets, attending an orientation session. Wag approval is often faster (1-3 days) but has stricter requirements for immediate availability. Both platforms require liability insurance coverage, though Rover allows more time for profile optimization before going live.

Can you use both Rover and Wag simultaneously?

Yes, you can use both Rover and Wag simultaneously, and many successful pet sitters do exactly this to maximize their earning potential and client base. There are no exclusivity requirements on either platform. However, you must manage your calendar carefully to avoid double-booking and ensure you can fulfill all commitments professionally. Many sitters use Rover for longer-term relationships and higher-paying overnight sits, while using Wag for quick walk requests and filling schedule gaps. Just ensure you maintain excellent ratings on both platforms by providing consistent, reliable service and clear communication with pet owners.

What are the main differences between Rover and Wag business models?

Rover operates as a marketplace where pet sitters act like independent businesses, setting their own rates, policies, and availability while building direct relationships with pet owners. Sitters control their pricing, can offer multiple services (walking, sitting, boarding, grooming), and communicate directly with clients. Wag functions more like a traditional gig economy platform similar to Uber, with standardized pricing, limited client communication, and focus primarily on on-demand dog walking services. Rover takes a 15-20% commission but offers more earning potential, while Wag keeps 40% of the walk fee but provides more immediate booking opportunities. Rover better suits those wanting to build a pet care business, while Wag works for those wanting quick, no-commitment gig work.

How do customer ratings and feedback systems compare?

Both platforms use 5-star rating systems, but they function differently due to their business models. Rover reviews are more detailed and relationship-focused, with pet owners often leaving comprehensive feedback about the sitter's care, communication, and specific services provided. These reviews help sitters build long-term reputations and attract premium clients willing to pay higher rates. Wag reviews are typically shorter and more transaction-focused, similar to other gig platforms, emphasizing punctuality and basic service completion. Rover allows sitters to respond to reviews and build relationships through the platform, while Wag's system is more standardized. Both platforms may deactivate accounts for consistently low ratings, but Rover offers more opportunities for profile optimization and reputation building.

What insurance and safety features do Rover and Wag provide?

Both Rover and Wag provide comprehensive insurance coverage and safety features, though with different approaches. Rover offers the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $1 million in liability insurance, veterinary coverage for pet injuries during bookings, and 24/7 emergency support. They also provide background checks, secure payment processing, and detailed booking confirmations. Wag provides similar liability insurance coverage, vet coverage for emergencies during walks, GPS tracking for all walks, and 24/7 customer support. Wag's real-time GPS tracking gives pet owners live updates during walks, while Rover focuses more on detailed communication and photo updates. Both platforms conduct background checks on all sitters and walkers, though the specific screening processes may vary by location.

Which platform is better for building a long-term pet care business?

Rover is significantly better for building a long-term pet care business due to its marketplace model that emphasizes relationship building and business development. Sitters can create detailed profiles showcasing their experience, set competitive rates based on their value proposition, offer multiple services beyond walking, and communicate directly with pet owners to build trust and repeat business. Rover's system allows for seasonal rate adjustments, special service offerings, and the development of regular client bases that provide predictable income. The platform also enables sitters to accept last-minute bookings from regular clients and build premium service offerings. Wag's standardized, transaction-focused model provides less opportunity for business growth and relationship development, making it better suited for supplemental income rather than a primary pet care business.

How do scheduling and availability work on each platform?

Rover and Wag handle scheduling very differently based on their business models. Rover allows sitters to set their own availability calendar, block out dates, set recurring schedules, and accept bookings with advance notice (often 24-48 hours). Sitters can also set different rates for holidays, weekends, and special services. The platform encourages advance booking and relationship building between sitters and pet owners. Wag operates on an on-demand model where walkers make themselves available for immediate requests, typically within 1-2 hours. Walkers can turn their availability on and off throughout the day but must be prepared to accept walks quickly once available. Wag's system favors those who can provide immediate service, while Rover's system allows for better work-life balance planning and higher-value, advance-booked services.

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