Side hustles are no longer side conversations—they’re a major part of modern budgeting. Whether you’re filling gaps between paychecks or saving for specific goals, opportunities like Rover offer a tempting solution. But before you start juggling leashes and dog bowls, it’s worth asking: is Rover worth it from a time, effort, and financial standpoint?
In this post, we explore the real economics behind pet sitting and dog walking through Rover in 2025—and why the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
What Rover Offers (and What It Doesn’t)
Rover is an online marketplace for pet care. Think Airbnb meets pets: sitters list services, availability, and rates; pet owners browse and book. Services include:
- Dog walking
- Drop-in visits
- Boarding in your home
- In-home pet sitting
- Doggy daycare
You’re in charge of setting your hours and pricing. But autonomy doesn’t mean automatic success.
Income Potential vs. Reality
Here’s the good news: Many sitters report earning $20–$30/hour. The not-so-good news? That number drops quickly once you subtract:
- Rover’s 20% service fee
- Self-employment taxes (approx. 15.3%)
- Expenses like fuel, supplies, or extra insurance
💡 Reality Check: Charging $25/hour might leave you with ~$16–18/hour after deductions. And if travel time or cancellations eat into your schedule, your “hourly” income drops even more.
Who Actually Makes It Work?
Successful Rover users typically fall into these categories:
- Flexible schedule: You can take last-minute bookings or fill weekday midday slots.
- Dense urban areas: Higher pet populations = more demand = higher pay.
- Marketing-savvy: Your profile, reviews, and communication matter.
- Physically active: Walking dogs multiple times a day is physically demanding.
- Financially literate: You treat it like a business—with budgets, expense tracking, and tax planning.
Financial Tools You’ll Need
To make Rover sustainable, it’s critical to track:
- Income vs. time spent (don’t forget travel!)
- Fixed and variable expenses (treats, leashes, mileage)
- Cash flow from gigs that fluctuate weekly
- Savings for slow periods or unexpected cancellations
- Tax estimates to avoid surprises in April
Apps like Spendings.IO can help sitters visualize how profitable the gig really is. Plug in all income and costs, and use category breakdowns to see your real hourly rate—not just what Rover shows.
Hidden Costs and Considerations
Before diving in, consider:
- Physical risk: Not all dogs are trained. Injuries happen.
- Weather: Rain or shine, pets need care.
- Customer issues: Micromanagers, no-shows, and poor reviews can affect your profile and bookings.
- Emotional labor: Saying goodbye to a pet you bonded with isn’t always easy.
Is Rover Worth It? Final Thoughts
Here’s the honest answer: Rover is worth it if you treat it like a small business—not a hobby.
If you’re just looking for quick cash with no planning, you might be disappointed. But if you enjoy animals, have a flexible schedule, and understand budgeting and taxes, Rover can be a meaningful side income stream.