Launch a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business With Rover (2025 Blueprint)
Why Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Are Top Side Hustles in 2025
If you love animals and want a flexible way to earn extra income, pet sitting and dog walking are among the top side hustles in 2025. With millions of pet owners returning to in-office work and travel, the demand for trustworthy pet care is surging. And platforms like Rover make it easier than ever to get started — even with zero experience.
This isn’t just “walking dogs for cash.” It’s an opportunity to build a reliable stream of income while spending time with pets, managing your own schedule, and working locally in your neighborhood. Whether you’re looking to earn $300/month or create a full-time pet care business, the market is wide open.
How Rover Works for New Sitters and Walkers
Rover is a trusted platform that connects pet owners with sitters and walkers in their area. As a provider, you can list your availability, set your own prices, and choose the services you offer — such as dog walking, drop-in visits, overnight stays, or even pet boarding in your home.
After creating a profile, you’ll go through a simple approval process and background check. Once approved, you can start receiving booking requests from local pet parents. Rover also offers built-in messaging, calendar syncing, GPS walk tracking, and payment processing — making it easy to run your business from their app.
What Services You Can Offer on Rover
One of the best parts about working through Rover is flexibility. You can choose to offer:
- Dog walking: 30- or 60-minute solo walks in your neighborhood
- Drop-in visits: Quick check-ins for feeding, playtime, or medication
- House sitting: Staying overnight in the pet owner’s home
- Pet boarding: Hosting dogs or cats at your own home
- Doggy daycare: Daytime care for pets while owners are at work
You can specialize in certain pet types (e.g., small dogs, senior cats) or focus only on services that fit your lifestyle. Many sitters start with just walking and drop-ins, then expand once they build confidence and reviews.
Step 1: Set Up Your Rover Sitter Profile
Your Rover profile is your storefront — and first impressions matter. A well-written, pet-friendly profile can make the difference between getting ignored and getting booked. Include a friendly headshot, a few candid photos with pets, and a clear, upbeat bio.
Highlight your love for animals, any experience you have (even if it’s personal), and what makes your care unique. Be specific: “I’m a former vet assistant who specializes in shy or anxious dogs” is far more powerful than “I love pets.” Use bullet points to list services, availability, and whether you accept last-minute bookings or special needs pets.
Step 2: Define Your Rates, Hours, and Pet Preferences
Set your rates based on your location, experience level, and service type. New sitters often start with slightly lower prices to build up reviews, then raise rates gradually. As of 2025, average Rover rates range from:
- $15–$25 for 30-minute dog walks
- $20–$40 for drop-in visits
- $40–$70 for overnight pet sitting
Rover allows you to set your availability, preferred pet sizes, and even block out holidays or weekends. If you’re only comfortable with small dogs or cats, make that clear. This helps you attract the right clients and avoid awkward mismatches.
Step 3: Pass Safety Checks and Insurance Verification
Before you can go live on Rover, you’ll need to complete a basic background check and agree to their sitter guidelines. This builds trust with pet owners and protects the reputation of the platform. Rover also provides insurance coverage for all confirmed bookings through the site.
Their “Rover Guarantee” includes liability protection, vet care reimbursement, and 24/7 support — all at no extra cost to you. However, this coverage only applies to bookings made through Rover. To stay protected, never accept cash or book outside the platform, even if a client offers.
Step 4: Prepare for Meet-and-Greets (Templates + Tips)
Before accepting any new booking, Rover encourages (and most owners expect) a meet-and-greet. This initial meetup allows the pet to get to know you and gives you a chance to ask about routines, medical needs, and any behavioral quirks. It also builds trust — a key factor in winning repeat clients.
Prepare a quick checklist or intake form that covers feeding schedules, medication instructions, walking preferences, vet contacts, and emergency procedures. Bring treats, stay calm, and observe the pet’s body language. End with a clear summary: “I’ll arrive at 9am each day, give 30-minute walks, refill water, and send daily photos through Rover.”
Step 5: Plan a Smooth Daily Walking Schedule
As your bookings increase, time management becomes critical — especially if you’re juggling multiple walks or visits per day. Use Rover’s calendar syncing and push notifications to keep your schedule organized. You can also map routes in advance to minimize transit time between clients.
Group nearby clients together and build in buffer time for delays, bathroom breaks, or quick pet cleanups. Most walkers find a sweet spot with 3–5 walks per day, especially during morning and early evening hours. Consistency is key — pets thrive on routine, and so do repeat clients.
Tips to Get Your First Clients on Rover
When you’re just starting out, visibility and responsiveness matter most. Here are a few proven strategies to book your first few clients fast:
- Turn on “Available Now” status and enable notifications for last-minute requests
- Respond to inquiries within 1 hour — Rover promotes fast responders in search
- Offer a “New Client Discount” for your first 3 bookings
- Ask friends or family to book you through Rover (for legit, reviewable care)
- Complete your profile 100% — including your “Why I Rover” intro video
Once you land that first 5-star review, the Rover algorithm begins prioritizing your profile in local searches — so the first client is the hardest, and the most important.
How to Build Trust and Get 5-Star Reviews
On Rover, your reviews are your reputation — and they heavily influence how often you’re booked. To earn glowing feedback, go beyond the basics. Send photo updates, ask thoughtful questions about the pet’s preferences, and follow instructions to the letter. Clients notice when you treat their pet like family.
After each booking, Rover prompts clients to leave a review. Don’t be afraid to ask for one — especially if they comment positively via message. A simple message like “I loved caring for Luna! If you found the service helpful, a quick review helps me grow my business” can go a long way.
Managing Client Communication and Pet Notes
Clear communication makes clients feel at ease and prevents misunderstandings. Use Rover’s in-app messaging for all updates, schedule confirmations, and questions. This ensures there’s a record of everything in case issues arise.
Keep a running note for each pet that includes feeding times, medications, favorite toys, and any behavior quirks (like barking at doorbells or fear of storms). Updating these details after each visit shows professionalism — and saves you time during repeat bookings.
Handling Holidays, Cancellations, and Emergencies
Peak seasons — like summer vacations and holidays — can bring in high-paying bookings. Rover allows you to charge holiday rates, which are typically $5–$15 more per service. Make sure to update your calendar early and set clear availability.
Life happens, and cancellations do occur. Have a clear cancellation policy selected in your Rover settings (flexible, moderate, or strict), and be upfront if you ever need to decline a booking. In emergencies, Rover offers 24/7 support and can assist with vet visits or last-minute replacements — but it’s on you to keep your communication honest and timely.
How Much You Can Realistically Earn on Rover
Your earnings as a Rover sitter or dog walker depend on how many services you offer, your local demand, and your schedule. Most part-time sitters earn between $300–$800/month, while full-time sitters can bring in $1,500–$3,500/month or more, especially with overnight care and repeat clients.
Rover takes a 20% service fee from each completed booking, which covers payment processing, support, and insurance. To maximize income, keep your calendar full, offer premium services (like boarding or holiday care), and build a loyal client base that rebooks monthly.
Common Mistakes New Pet Sitters Make
Even the best pet lovers make missteps early on. Here are a few to avoid:
- Undercharging: Setting rates too low may attract the wrong clients and undervalue your time
- Overbooking: Saying yes to every request can lead to burnout or missed visits
- Poor communication: Failing to confirm details or send updates damages trust fast
- Skipping the meet-and-greet: This often results in misaligned expectations or pet behavior surprises
Treat it like a real business from day one — and you’ll grow faster, earn more, and stress less.
FAQs About Dog Walking & Pet Sitting With Rover
1. How much can I make as a Rover sitter?
Part-time sitters earn $300–$800/month; full-time pet pros can earn over $3,000/month depending on services and location.
2. Do I need prior experience to join Rover?
No. If you love animals, communicate clearly, and are responsible, you can start — even without prior pet care experience.
3. Is pet sitting with Rover safe?
Yes. Rover provides background checks, insurance coverage, and 24/7 support for sitters and pet parents alike.
4. How do I get my first few clients?
Optimize your profile, turn on ‘Available Now’, offer a small discount, and respond to messages quickly to get booked faster.
5. Can I do Rover part-time?
Absolutely. Many people walk dogs or pet sit during evenings, weekends, or holidays for extra income on their own schedule.
Conclusion: Flexible Income With Furry Rewards
If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle that combines freedom, fresh air, and furry companions — starting a pet sitting or dog walking business with Rover is one of the most accessible and rewarding options out there. You don’t need startup capital, prior experience, or certifications to begin. Just a love for animals, a bit of structure, and a desire to deliver dependable care.
Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or someone exploring side income in 2025, Rover makes it easy to turn your passion for pets into real, recurring earnings — one tail wag at a time.
To learn more about building flexible income streams and money-making strategies in 2025, consider reading the following:
