Do you love dogs? Whether you have a pooch you’ll be leaving at home while you travel, or like the sound of playing with pups for holiday shopping money, Rover.com is the perfect solution. This site brings together dog owners and passionate pet sitters to transform stress and overwhelm into joy and relaxation. That’s enough to get all of us in the holiday spirit—Fido included.
How it Works
When you sign up, you can set up a profile as a dog owner, dog sitter, or both. Owners use the search tools to find local care providers for dog boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care, or drop-in visits. Many sitters provide services for other pets, too.
Owners browse profiles, contact a sitter, and set up a Meet & Greet prior to the initial stay. Then, after the stay is completed, the sitter receives payment in full.
Rover itself provides access to 24/7 support, including vet assistance. It also handles automatic, secure payments, and covers premium insurance for every gig.
Finding a Great Sitter
Feeling a little overwhelmed with all of your sitter options? Never fear: There’s an easy way to ensure you make a great choice. Start by entering your travel dates—lots of sitters will be busy for the holidays, so you want to browse the people who are around.
Experienced sitters with five-star reviews will definitely catch your eye. As you read through each profile, keep an eye out for people who seem like a good fit for your pet. Does the sitter love the dog park as much as your rambunctious pup? Do they have experience with older dogs who need gentle care? Maybe a particular sitter has spent a lot of time with pups of the same breed, size, or temperament.
Now, reach out! Send a few messages to gauge interest, ask questions, and set up a Meet & Greet if you’re comfortable moving forward. That’s where you’ll watch the sitter interact with your pet, go on a walk together, and learn everything you’ll need to be confident with your decision.
Earning Through Rover
Rover vets all the sitters who sign up on the site, so you’ll need to pass a background check and thoroughly fill out your profile to get approved. Showcase your personality and strengths, and detail your experiences with pets. Did you grow up volunteering at a shelter? Is there a story about a departed dog you want to include? Owners want to know you, so let your passions shine through.
Being a successful Rover sitter is all about keeping your availability, rates, and profile updated. Ask for reviews from friends, and focus on great communication. Respond promptly to requests.
When it comes to the Meet & Greet, put your best foot forward—and let the dog take the lead. Don’t be too pushy or aggressive unless the dog is up for it. Pay close attention to their body language, and match their energy.
As part of the Rover community, you’ll be surrounded by people who care for dogs as passionately as you do. Whether you’re an owner, sitter, or both, there’s a lot of love to go around.
Written by Nat Smith, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.