Are you looking for a flexible and rewarding way to make some extra money? Consider becoming a dog walker or sitter on Rover!
This is a side hustle that I personally do that is both an excellent source of income, but it is time spent with dogs, how can you beat that!
Rover is an online platform that connects pet owners with trusted dog walkers and sitters in their area.
Working as a walker on Rover, you can set your own schedule and rates, and choose which services you want to offer.
Whether you’re an experienced pet professional or just love dogs, Rover is a great way to make money doing something you enjoy.
How much can you really make with Rover?
According to data from the company, the average dog walker on Rover earns $2,000 per year, while the average sitter earns $5,000 per year. Keep in mind that this is the average and depending on how much time you commit, these numbers can be much lower, and significantly higher.
I have seen walkers make upwards of $150,000 per year sitting and walking on Rover.
If you don’t believe me, check out how this Rover walker makes over $10,000 a month walking and dog sitting!
These figures will vary depending on a number of factors, including your location, experience, and the demand for dog walkers and sitters in your area.
To maximize your earnings on Rover, it’s important to set competitive rates and offer additional services, such as dog boarding or doggy day care. The biggest strategy that I have learned is to not undersell yourself.
Oftentimes walkers and sisters with higher prices will 1. Get better clients, 2. Get more clients as you are seen as a “premium” walker.
Dog walking can be a fun and rewarding way to make money on the side, and platforms like Rover make it easy to find and book dog walking jobs in your area. Here’s a beginner’s guide to getting started:
Create a profile on Rover:
To become a dog walker on Rover, you’ll need to create a profile and set your availability, rates, and services offered.
Be sure to include a clear profile picture and a detailed description of your experience and qualifications.
Here are some quick tips for setting up your profile:
- Include a clear, professional profile picture
- Write a detailed description of your experience and qualifications
- Include multiple photos within your profile of you WITH animals.
- This is such a crucial step that many miss and it really helps validate you as an animal lover and trustworthy person to walk or watch someone’s pet.
- Set your availability, rates, and services offered clearly and concisely
- Offer additional services, such as dog sitting or boarding, to increase your bookings
- Respond to inquiries and booking requests promptly to increase your chances of getting hired
Get your credentials:
This may not be necessary in most areas, but I will include it anyway.
Depending on your location, you may need to have certain credentials to legally walk dogs in your area. This may include a business license, insurance, or a pet CPR certification.
- Check with your local authorities to find out what credentials are required for dog walkers in your area
- Obtain any necessary business licenses or insurance
- Consider getting a pet CPR certification to demonstrate your commitment to the safety and well-being of the dogs you’ll be walking
Set your rates:
This may be the most important factor to determine how much you will make on Rover. Deciding how much you want to charge for your dog walking services.
Be sure to set your rates competitively, but also remember to factor in your time and any expenses you may incur while walking dogs.
Crucial Tips when Setting Rates
- Research the going rates for dog walkers in your area to ensure you’re competitive
- Best way to do this is to go on Rover as a “client” and search for the services that you will be providing.
- Consider your experience, location, and the demand for dog walkers in your area when setting your rates
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate with clients if you feel your rates are justified
- Don’t forget to set holiday rates, as well as periodically change your rates depending on the number of bookings you are getting
- Ie. If you are getting a lot of bookings, consider raising your rate, and visa versa.
Market yourself:
This is not totally necessary as Rover itself is a marketplace where you will be scene, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. To find more dog walking jobs on Rover, you can market yourself to potential clients.
Consider promoting your services on social media, local classified websites, or through word-of-mouth.
You MUST also encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Rover profile, which will help boost your profile in the search results on Rover, and help you attract more business.
Recap:
- Promote your services on social media, local classified websites, and through word-of-mouth
- Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Rover profile
- Consider offering special promotions or discounts to attract new clients
- Be responsive to inquiries and booking requests to increase your chances of getting hired
Prepare for your walks:
Congratulations! You have got a booking.
Once you’ve landed a dog walking job, be sure to arrive on time and well-prepared. Always consider meeting the owner and pet beforehand as you can see what you may need to bring to the walk.
It’s also a good idea to ask the owner about the dog’s specific needs, such as any medical conditions or allergies.
Remember to:
- Arrive on time and well-prepared for each walk
- Bring a leash, baggies for picking up after the dog, and any treats or toys you may want to use (if specified by the owner)
- Ask the owner about the dog’s specific needs, such as any medical conditions or allergies
- Follow all local laws and regulations, and always prioritize the safety and well-being of the dogs you’re walking.
By following these steps, you can get started as a dog walker on Rover and start making money this month doing something you love!
Success Stories
Below are just a few stories from actual Rover walkers pulled directly from forums on Rover’s site.
“I’ve been a dog walker on Rover for over a year now, and I absolutely love it. I’m able to set my own schedule and work with pets, which is something I’ve always been passionate about. I’ve made over $10,000 in the past year, and I couldn’t be happier with the extra income. My best tip for anyone starting out on Rover is to be reliable and professional, and to always put the needs of the pets first.”
– Sarah, dog walker
“I started using Rover as a way to make extra money while I was in school. I quickly became a top-rated sitter on the platform and started getting repeat clients. In just a few months, I was able to earn enough money to pay off my student loans! I couldn’t believe it. My advice for anyone looking to make money on Rover is to be friendly, flexible, and reliable. It’s also a good idea to offer additional services, like dog boarding, to attract more clients.”
– Jake, dog sitter
I encourage you to also hop on YouTube and check out some of the successes Rover workers have seen over the last few years using this side hustle.
