Rover

Name: Rover
Brand: Rover

Marketplace app for booking background-checked dog walkers, pet sitters, and boarding.

softwarePet Carepet sitting marketplacedog walking apppet boarding

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Our Verdict

Best for

Pet owners who want vetted, background-checked sitters or walkers on demand.

Skip if

You already have a trusted personal network for pet care and want to avoid service fees.

What is Rover?

Rover is an online marketplace connecting pet owners with independent, background-checked pet care providers across North America, covering boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, doggy day care, dog walking, and training. It's the largest pet care platform in the region, with more than 100,000 sitters and walkers listed. Browsing and messaging sitters is free; Rover makes money by adding an 11% service fee (capped at $65) to what pet owners pay at checkout, while sitters keep 80% of their earnings after a 20% service fee (25% in California and on RoverGO). Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 in eligible vet-care coverage and 24/7 support.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentCloud/SaaS

open source❌ No

api available❌ No

support options24/7 support, help center

Key Features of Rover

Connects pet owners with independent sitters and walkers for boarding, house sitting, drop-ins, day care, walking, and training.

Requires background checks for every pet care provider joining the platform.

Charges pet owners an 11% service fee (capped at $65) added at checkout.

Pays sitters 80% of their earnings after Rover's 20% service fee (75% in California/RoverGO).

Backs every booking with the Rover Guarantee, covering up to $25,000 in eligible vet costs.

Provides 24/7 support and secure in-app payments for all bookings.

Lets owners browse sitter/walker profiles, ratings, and reviews before booking.

Use Cases for Rover

Vacation pet boarding

A pet owner books an in-home boarding stay with a vetted sitter while traveling.

Daily dog walking

A busy professional books a recurring midday dog walk through a local walker.

Drop-in pet checks

An owner books quick drop-in visits for a cat or small pet during a short trip.

Finding a dog trainer

A new dog owner books a trainer through Rover to work on basic obedience.

Pros & Cons of Rover

Pros

Free to browse, message, and compare sitters before committing to a booking
Background checks and the Rover Guarantee add a real safety net compared to informal arrangements
Covers a wide range of pet care types in one app, not just walking or just boarding
Largest network in North America means better sitter availability in most areas

Cons

Service fees (11% for owners, 20% for sitters) add meaningfully to the cost of a booking
Quality and reliability still depend on the individual sitter, not Rover directly
Sitters in California and on RoverGO keep less (75%) than the standard 80% cut