Do you have a deep affection for dogs and dream of turning that passion into a flexible and rewarding income stream? Becoming a dog walker or pet sitter could be the perfect side hustle, or even a full-time career, for you. For years, I’ve embraced the joy of caring for furry friends as a supplementary income source, and it remains one of my most cherished ways to earn money. The key to success often lies in finding the Best Dog Walking Company To Work For, one that aligns with your lifestyle and offers ample opportunities.
While many platforms exist, my personal go-to has always been Rover due to its user-friendly interface and the consistent high demand from pet owners seeking reliable caregivers. However, the ideal choice can vary based on your specific needs and location. This guide will delve into the top dog walking companies and apps available, helping you navigate the options to find the perfect fit for your pet care aspirations. We’ll cover everything from how to sign up, what services you can offer, potential earnings, and crucial tips for building a thriving dog walking business.
Top Platforms and Companies for Dog Walkers
Below, we explore some of the leading platforms that connect aspiring pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners. Each offers unique benefits and opportunities for those looking to join the ranks of professional pet caregivers.
1. Rover
Rover stands out as a premier app that seamlessly connects pet owners with a diverse network of pet sitters and walkers. As a sitter, you can offer a variety of services, including dog walking, dog boarding, doggy daycare, administering medication (from routine flea treatments to more serious prescriptions), and quick drop-in visits. The platform’s flexibility is a major draw, allowing you to tailor your work to your preferences.
With Rover, you have the autonomy to:
- Set your own prices and rates for all services.
- Offer a range of services, such as overnight dog boarding or daily dog walking.
- Define your preferences for pet size, age, and specific needs.
- Enable push notifications to receive real-time updates on scheduled appointments and service requests.
Rover simplifies communication between pet owners and sitters, making it incredibly popular. From my own experience and that of family members, it’s a highly effective platform for finding reliable pet care. To enhance trust and safety, Rover includes “The Rover Guarantee,” providing up to $25,000 in vet care reimbursement for incidents that occur during a booking. Additionally, 24/7 in-app support, including vet assistance, offers peace of mind. Getting started is straightforward: create a profile, begin accepting requests, and enjoy earning money doing what you love. This platform is often considered the best dog walking company to work for due to its widespread use and robust support system.
2. Wag!
Wag! is another prominent platform designed to connect trusted pet caregivers with pet owners. Similar to Rover, Wag! allows you to earn money through dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, training, and drop-in visits. It’s a strong contender if you are looking for a reputable dog walking company to work for.
To become a walker with Wag!, the process involves:
- Completing an online application.
- Passing a thorough background check.
- Successfully completing a pet care quiz to demonstrate your knowledge.
- Once approved, you can start finding jobs in your area.
Pet owners frequently choose Wag! because of its stringent vetting process, requiring all walkers and sitters to pass extensive background checks. The Wag! app also offers practical features such as GPS tracking for walks, secure lockboxes for key management, and a live chat function for direct communication between owners and walkers. For those seeking a professional and secure environment, Wag! offers a compelling option when considering the best dog walking company to work for.
3. Fetch Pet Care
Fetch Pet Care operates by connecting dog walkers with pet owners, offering a personalized and localized approach to pet care services. Walkers on this platform perform a variety of tasks, including pet drop-in visits, dog walks, cat playtime, puppy care, feeding, and even pet transportation. Depending on the location, some Fetch Pet Care franchises also offer in-home boarding at the sitter’s residence or overnight care at the client’s home.
To join Fetch Pet Care as a dog walker, you typically need to:
- Select the Fetch location you wish to apply for.
- Fill out an online application.
- Meet with the local franchise owner to ensure a good fit with their team and standards.
Initial job assignments may be limited, but as you build your client base and reputation, your workload and earnings will progressively increase. What sets Fetch Pet Care apart is its broader scope of animal care; beyond dogs and cats, they also cater to gerbils, lizards, fish, birds, and even livestock in rural areas, such as horses, cows, and chickens, making it a unique option among dog walking companies.
4. PetBacker
PetBacker is an international platform, operating in over 50 countries, that connects pet owners with local pet sitters and walkers. This global reach makes it an excellent option for those seeking a dog walking company to work for in various regions worldwide.
To become a pet sitter with PetBacker, you apply directly through their app. The benefits of working with PetBacker include significant freedom and flexibility:
- The ability to choose your own schedule.
- The power to define the services you offer.
- Control over your rates.
- Services are intelligently allocated to pet parents located near you.
PetBacker also provides tools to manage bookings and requests from pet parents efficiently, alongside a simple and secure in-app payment system. This comprehensive support structure allows caregivers to focus on providing excellent pet care without the hassle of administrative tasks.
5. Steady
Steady is an innovative app that goes beyond just pet care, acting as a broad platform that matches users with various side hustles, part-time jobs, and freelance opportunities. For those specifically looking for a dog walking company to work for, Steady can be a valuable resource. The app is intuitive, allowing you to browse through numerous job listings to find opportunities that align with your skills and availability.
On Steady, you can specifically search for dog walking jobs near your location. To get started, download the app and provide basic information about your skills, experience, and what you’re looking for. A significant advantage of Steady is its personalized insights feature, which helps users identify ideal earning situations tailored to their life circumstances. The app is free to use, and many members report significant earnings, with claims of earning an average of $5,500. It’s a great aggregator for diverse work, including pet care.
6. Care.com
Care.com is a well-established online platform that lists a wide array of care-related jobs, including childcare, senior care, housekeeping, tutoring, and notably, pet care. While not exclusively a dog walking app, its robust pet care section makes it a viable option for those searching for a flexible dog walking company to work for.
To secure jobs on Care.com, you must:
- Complete a comprehensive profile detailing your services and experience.
- Pass a background check, which instills confidence in potential clients.
A key advantage of Care.com is the ability to list multiple services. This means you aren’t limited to just pet care; you can also offer babysitting, senior caregiving, and other services, diversifying your income streams. Based on personal experience, I’ve had great success finding babysitting and nannying jobs through Care.com. Building a strong reputation with positive reviews and references is crucial on this platform, as a high rating significantly increases your chances of being hired.
7. Holidog
Holidog is an app focused on connecting dog owners with local pet sitters who offer services such as dog walking, drop-in visits, and dog boarding. For individuals seeking a dog walking company to work for with flexibility and a clear focus on canine care, Holidog presents an attractive option.
Working as a Holidog pet sitter offers several benefits, including:
- Significant schedule flexibility, allowing you to balance work with other commitments.
- The opportunity to earn side hustle income.
- The enjoyable prospect of spending time outdoors with pets.
The process to become a Holidog pet sitter involves creating a detailed profile. Once submitted, your profile undergoes a review and validation process, which typically takes around 24 hours. After validation, your profile is activated on the platform, making you available to pet owners in your area.
Maximizing Your Earnings and Success as a Dog Walker
Beyond choosing the right platform, there are strategies you can employ to ensure you get the most out of your dog walking endeavor. Making your profile stand out and consistently delivering excellent service are crucial for building a strong client base and increasing your income.
Landing More Dog Walking Jobs
When you’re just starting, securing dog walking jobs might feel challenging. To attract more clients, consider these strategies:
- Competitive Pricing: Initially, you might want to set your rates slightly lower than the average. This approach helps you land more jobs, which in turn leads to more reviews and testimonials from pet owners.
- Punctuality and Exceptional Care: Always be on time for every job and provide the best possible care for the pets. This builds trust and encourages repeat business.
- Personalized Updates: Sending real-time, adorable photo updates of the dogs to their owners can significantly enhance their happiness and comfort with your service. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows you genuinely care.
- Follow-Up Notes: A personalized note after the service is complete is also a great way to reinforce a positive experience.
- Leverage Reviews: Once you accumulate several positive reviews, you can gradually increase your rates. Reviews are incredibly important on platforms like Rover and Wag!, and maintaining a high rating is key to long-term success. For those aiming to be the best dog walking company to work for in their local area, reputation is everything.
Important Considerations Before Starting
Before diving into the world of professional dog walking, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind.
What is the best dog walking app to make money?
In my experience, Rover often stands out as the most lucrative dog walking app. I’ve consistently found an abundance of dog walking and pet sitting jobs through Rover, making it an easy platform to use for various services. Its flexibility allows you to customize your rates, availability, and service offerings.
However, the “best” app can be location-dependent. In some cities, Wag! might be more popular. It’s wise to explore different apps in your area to gauge which one is most frequently used by pet owners. Also, consider the fees each platform takes, as this directly impacts your net earnings.
How much can I get paid walking dogs?
Dog walkers typically earn between $15-$30 per hour, depending on factors like the number of dogs, duration, and specific services. While this might seem substantial, remember to factor in travel time to and from clients’ homes. Some dedicated dog walkers can earn significantly more; for instance, a CNBC Made It video highlighted a dog walker earning over $100,000 a year by working about 6 hours a day, 6 days a week. This shows the potential for growth if you treat it like a serious dog walking company to work for.
YouTube video explaining how a dog walker earns a high income
Are Wag! and Rover the same company?
No, Wag! and Rover are two distinct companies, though they offer similar pet care services. Both platforms connect pet owners with dog walkers, pet sitters, and trainers through their websites and mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. They are competitors in the burgeoning pet care market, each striving to be the best dog walking company to work for for independent contractors.
Should I walk dogs on Rover or Wag!?
The choice between Rover and Wag! often depends on which platform has more job listings available in your specific city. It’s recommended to check both platforms to see which has a stronger presence and higher demand in your local market. Additionally, evaluate each app’s user interface and overall experience to see which you prefer working with. Also, consider the insurance coverage and support services provided by each. Many professional dog walkers opt to use both apps to maximize their opportunities and income.
Why is Rover often preferred over Wag!?
Some caregivers prefer Rover due to the greater control it offers over setting rates and the types of services provided. Rover generally offers more flexibility within its app, allowing users to fine-tune their offerings based on their skills and local market demand. Beyond the United States, Rover also has a significant international presence in countries like Canada, the U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. The platform also includes premium insurance coverage for services booked through it, which offers an added layer of security for both the walker and the pet owner.
Can you work for both Wag! and Rover?
Absolutely! Many dog walkers choose to offer their services on both the Wag! and Rover apps. This strategy has several advantages, primarily increasing the number of dog walking jobs available to you, which directly translates to higher earning potential. While each platform has its own policies regarding rates, scheduling, and service offerings, using both allows you to diversify your income and build a client base across multiple channels, leading to a more stable and robust income stream. This approach is highly recommended for those serious about making dog walking a significant source of income.
What percentage does Rover take?
Rover typically takes a 20% service fee from your earnings on the app. For example, if you list a service for $100 per night, Rover will deduct $20, and you will receive $80. This fee covers the platform’s operational costs, customer support, marketing, and the Rover Guarantee.
Are there any dog walking apps for under 18 years old?
Most popular dog walking apps, including Rover and Wag!, require users to be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is due to legal and liability considerations, as handling pets involves a certain level of responsibility and inherent risks. If you are under 18 and interested in dog walking, you can still gain experience and earn money by promoting your services locally through flyers in your neighborhood or advertising in local community Facebook groups. Another excellent way to gain experience is by volunteering with a parent at a local animal shelter, where you can walk dogs and potentially discover valuable networking opportunities.
Conclusion
Embarking on a dog walking side hustle or full-time career can be an incredibly rewarding experience for any animal lover. Finding the best dog walking company to work for is a crucial step towards transforming your passion into a profitable venture. From the flexibility of setting your own schedule and rates to the joy of spending time with furry companions, the opportunities are vast.
Whether you aim to provide quick 30-minute walks or run a full-fledged doggy daycare, platforms like Rover, Wag!, Fetch Pet Care, and others offer secure payment systems and a steady stream of clients. Remember that building a successful pet care business requires dedication, exceptional service, and a genuine love for animals. By understanding the nuances of each platform and applying effective strategies for client acquisition and retention, you can enjoy a fulfilling and profitable journey as a pet care provider.
Are you ready to turn your love for dogs into a thriving career? Explore these platforms and take the first step toward your paw-some adventure!
