Create a Rover account, complete your caregiver profile with photos and experience, pass Rover’s background check, and set your own rates and availability. Start accepting pet sitting, dog walking, and boarding jobs once approved, typically within 5–10 days.
How to Apply at Rover Pet Care
- Sign Up on Rover: Visit rover.com and click “Become a Pet Sitter.” Enter your email, create a password, and verify your email address.
- Build Your Profile: Add your full name, profile photo, phone number, and address. Write a compelling bio describing your experience with pets, certifications, and what services you offer.
- Add Service Details: Select the pet care services you want to offer: dog walking, pet sitting, dog boarding, cat sitting, house sitting, and/or doggy daycare. For each service, set your availability, cancellation policy, and pricing.
- Upload Verification Documents: Provide a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. Rover may also request proof of address.
- Background Check: Authorize Rover to conduct a background check, which includes criminal history and sex offender registry screening. This process takes 2–10 business days.
- Add References (Optional but Recommended): Include phone numbers or email addresses of previous pet owners or employers who can vouch for your pet care experience and reliability.
- Review and Accept Terms: Read Rover’s independent contractor agreement and pet care insurance details, then accept to proceed.
- Link Payment Method: Connect a bank account where Rover will deposit your weekly earnings.
- Get Verified and Activate: Once approved, your profile is published to the Rover marketplace and pet owners can book your services immediately.
Rover Pet Care Earning Opportunities and Pay Rates
| Service Type | Average Earnings | Schedule Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Walking (30 minutes) | $12–30 per walk | Full flexibility; set your own hours |
| Pet Sitting (daily visits) | $25–75 per day | Full flexibility; block out your calendar |
| Dog Boarding (overnight) | $30–100 per night | Full flexibility; manage availability |
| House Sitting | $40–150 per night | Full flexibility; longer bookings preferred |
| Doggy Daycare | $30–60 per dog per day | Set your daily capacity and hours |
Rover Pet Care Requirements to Join
- Age: At least 18 years old
- Government-Issued ID: Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Pet Experience: Demonstrated experience caring for pets (personal ownership, previous work, or volunteer experience)
- Background Check: Clean criminal background; Rover screens for felonies and misdemeanors
- Valid Email and Phone: Active email address and working phone number for pet owner communication
- Address: Stable residential address for background verification
- Bank Account: Valid US bank account for payment deposits
- Pet Liability Insurance (Optional): Rover provides coverage, but some caregvers carry additional insurance
- Transportation: Reliable transportation if offering dog walking services
Rover Pet Care Onboarding Process
After submitting your application, Rover begins the background verification process, which typically takes 5–10 business days. During this time, you can continue building your profile by adding photos, completing your bio, and adjusting your services and rates. Many caregivers use this time to write detailed descriptions of their experience and upload professional-quality photos.
Once approved, your profile is live and visible to pet owners searching for caregivers in your area. Rover doesn’t require formal training, but new caregivers should familiarize themselves with the app’s messaging system, booking calendar, and pet care guidelines. Rover provides online resources covering pet safety, communication best practices, and customer service tips.
Your first booking is an important opportunity to establish credibility. Plan to arrive early, communicate clearly with the pet owner, and go above and beyond to earn a positive review. Rover’s rating system (5-star scale) heavily influences your visibility in search results, so strong performance early on is critical.
Rover Pet Care Earnings and Payment
You set your own rates for each service you offer. Rover takes a 20% commission from each booking, with the remainder going directly to you. For example, if you charge $50 for a dog walk, Rover retains $10 and you earn $40. Pricing is entirely up to you, and many caregivers adjust rates based on experience, local demand, and service type.
Payments are deposited into your bank account weekly, usually on Thursdays. Rover provides a transparent earnings dashboard where you can track completed bookings, pending payments, and your total monthly income. Unlike some gig platforms, Rover doesn’t charge service fees beyond the standard commission.
As a caregiver, you’re an independent contractor responsible for your own taxes and business expenses. Rover provides 1099 forms at year-end for tax filing purposes.
Rover Pet Care Pros and Challenges
Advantages: Rover allows complete freedom to set your rates and work schedule. The platform is ideal for pet lovers who want flexible work without rigid requirements. You control your availability on a calendar, so you can block out time for personal commitments. The five-star review system rewards quality work, and successful caregivers build a loyal client base. Rover’s pet liability insurance covers accidents and injuries, protecting you legally during bookings.
Challenges: Earnings are inconsistent and depend on local demand, seasonality, and your rating. Building a strong reputation takes time and multiple positive reviews. Competition from other caregivers in your area can pressure prices downward. Pet sitting and walking involve physical labor and exposure to unpredictable animal behavior. Additionally, you must manage your own taxes, insurance, and liability–Rover does not withhold taxes from payments. Customer disputes, cancellations, and no-shows can significantly impact your income.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Rover background check take?
Background checks typically take 5–10 business days. You can check your application status in the “Settings” tab of your Rover account. Some applications are expedited and approved within 2–3 days.
Can I offer multiple services at different rates?
Yes. Rover allows you to set different rates for dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, house sitting, and daycare. Each service can have its own pricing, availability, and cancellation policy.
What if a pet gets injured while in my care?
Rover provides pet liability insurance covering accidents and injuries during bookings. However, coverage excludes pre-existing conditions and certain high-risk activities. Review Rover’s insurance policy for full details. You may also carry personal liability insurance for additional protection.
How do I handle cancellations?
You set your cancellation policy when creating each service (e.g., 24-hour notice, 7-day notice, non-refundable). Pet owners see this policy during booking. If you need to cancel, you must notify the pet owner immediately and offer to reschedule or provide a refund.
Can I increase my rates after I start?
Yes. Rover allows you to adjust rates at any time. Existing bookings use the rate at the time of booking, but future bookings reflect your updated pricing. Some caregivers raise rates after accumulating positive reviews and building demand.