What Rover is and how to use it
Rover is a marketplace app and website where you can find people in your area who walk dogs, sit with pets, or board animals. You create a profile for your dog, browse profiles of walkers and sitters near you, message them directly, and pay through the app. Rover doesn't employ the walkers — it's a platform that connects pet owners with independent service providers, similar to how Uber connects riders with drivers.
The service operates in most U.S. cities and some international locations. You can search by service type (dog walking, pet sitting, boarding), by price range, and by availability. Each walker or sitter has a profile showing their experience, reviews from other pet owners, photos, and their rates.
Payment happens through Rover's app or website. You don't hand cash to the walker. Instead, you pay Rover, which holds the money and releases it to the service provider after the booking is complete. Rover takes a percentage of each transaction — the exact amount varies but is typically around 20 percent of the service fee.
Key Takeaways
- Rover is a marketplace where independent dog walkers and pet sitters list their services; you search by location, availability, and price, then book and pay through the app.
- You create a pet profile with photos and details about your dog, which walkers can see when deciding whether to accept your booking request.
- Pricing varies by walker, location, and service type — a 30-minute walk might cost $15 to $25 in a rural area or $25 to $45 in a major city.
- Rover holds your payment until the service is complete, and the walker receives their share after you confirm the booking went well.
- You can message walkers before booking to ask questions about their experience, whether they can handle your dog's size or behavior, and what they'll do during the walk.
Setting up your account and pet profile
Start by downloading the Rover app or visiting Rover.com on your browser. Create an account with your email address or phone number. You'll be asked for your location so Rover can show you walkers nearby.
Next, add your dog to your profile. Upload a photo, write your dog's name and breed, and note their age, size, and any important details — whether they're energetic, anxious around other dogs, have any health conditions, or need medication. Be honest about behavior: if your dog pulls on the leash or gets nervous, say so. Walkers use this information to decide if they're the right fit.
You can add multiple dogs to one account. Each dog gets their own profile, and you can book the same walker for all of them or different walkers for each.
How to find and book a walker
Open the app and select "Dog Walking" or the service you need. Rover will show you available walkers in your area, sorted by rating, price, or distance. Each profile shows their photo, years of experience, customer reviews, their rates, and their availability calendar.
Read the reviews carefully — they tell you whether the walker actually showed up on time, how they handled the dog, and whether they communicated with the owner. Look for walkers who have walked dogs similar to yours. If a walker has only walked small breeds and your dog is a 90-pound lab, that matters.
Click on a walker's profile and send them a booking request. You'll choose the date, time, and duration. The walker can accept, decline, or message you with questions before accepting. Some walkers respond within minutes; others take a few hours. If a walker declines, Rover will suggest other options.
Once a walker accepts, you'll see the total cost, including Rover's service fee. You can message the walker to confirm details — where to pick up your dog, whether they'll send photos during the walk, or any last-minute instructions.
Understanding pricing and payment
Rover doesn't set the prices. Each walker sets their own rates. A 30-minute walk in a small town might be $12 to $18, while the same service in New York City or San Francisco could be $35 to $50. Rates also vary by walker experience, whether they're booking multiple dogs at once, and the time of day.
When you book, you see the walker's base rate plus Rover's service fee before you confirm. There are no hidden charges. If the walker needs to cancel, you get a full refund. If you cancel within a certain window (usually 24 hours), you may be charged a cancellation fee — check Rover's current policy.
Payment is processed through the app using a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. Your card is charged when you confirm the booking, but the walker doesn't receive their money until after the service is complete and you've confirmed everything went well. This protects both you and the walker.
What happens during and after the walk
On the day of the walk, the walker will arrive at the time you agreed on. Most walkers will send you a photo or message when they pick up your dog and again when they drop them off. Some send updates during the walk; others don't — check the walker's profile or ask in your messages what to expect.
After the walk, the walker marks the booking as complete in the app. You'll receive a notification and can review what happened. This is when you rate the walker and leave a review. You can also add a tip through the app if you'd like.
Once you confirm the booking, Rover releases the payment to the walker. The walker typically receives their money within a few business days, depending on their bank.
Safety and what Rover covers
Rover does background checks on walkers who join the platform, though the depth of these checks varies. Read reviews from other pet owners — they're your best source of information about whether a walker is trustworthy and reliable.
Rover offers a "Rover may provide" that covers certain situations if something goes wrong during a booking. The specifics change, so check Rover's current policy on their website. Generally, it covers things like injury to your pet during a walk, but it has limits and exclusions. It does not cover routine vet bills or pre-existing conditions.
You're responsible for telling the walker about any medical needs, behavioral issues, or special instructions. If your dog has anxiety, takes medication, or has ever bitten someone, the walker needs to know before they accept the booking.
Alternatives if Rover doesn't work for you
If you can't find a walker on Rover in your area, or if prices are higher than you expected, other options exist. Wag and Care.com are similar marketplace apps. Nextdoor (a neighborhood social network) often has local dog walkers advertising. You can also ask your vet's office for referrals or check local Facebook groups for pet owners in your area.
Some neighborhoods have independent walkers who don't use apps at all — they rely on word of mouth. Asking neighbors or friends is often the cheapest way to find someone, though you won't have the same review system or payment protection that Rover offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my dog gets sick or injured during a walk?
Tell the walker when ready. Most walkers will contact you right away and take your dog to an emergency vet if needed. You are responsible for vet bills. Rover's may provide may cover some situations, but read the policy carefully — it has limits. This is why choosing an experienced, responsible walker matters.
Can I book the same walker every week?
Yes. Once you've booked a walker and both of you are happy, you can request them again. Many regular customers and walkers develop ongoing relationships. Some walkers offer discounts for recurring bookings — ask in your messages.
What if a walker cancels on me last minute?
You get a full refund. Rover will suggest other available walkers, but finding a replacement on short notice can be hard. If you have a regular walker, ask if they have a backup they recommend, or keep a list of a few walkers you trust so you have options.
Do I have to use the app to pay, or can I pay the walker directly?
Rover's terms require payment through the app. Paying the walker directly outside the app means you lose Rover's payment protection and the walker loses the security of Rover's system. It also violates Rover's terms of service. Stick with the app.
How far in advance do I need to book a walker?
It depends on the walker and your area. In busy cities, popular walkers book up days or weeks ahead. In quieter areas, you might find someone available the same day. Book as early as you know you'll need a walker. If you need someone urgently, filter by "available today" or message a few walkers to see who can help.