1. Rover: The Most Popular Dog Walking and Sitting App
Rover is the biggest and most well-known app for pet care, connecting dog lovers with owners who need reliable services like walking, pet sitting, boarding, and drop-in visits, according to the Apple Store. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to make consistent money in the pet care industry. One of the standout features of Rover is its flexibility—walkers and sitters can set their own schedules, choose the services they want to offer, and even determine which breeds they’re comfortable handling. The app makes it easy to build a client base, as millions of pet owners actively use the platform to book services. Many sitters have even turned Rover into a full-time job, earning significant income by offering overnight boarding for dogs in their homes. If you’re great with pets and have extra space, this can be a great way to boost your earnings.
Rover also prioritizes security and ease of use. Payments are handled directly through the app, eliminating the need to deal with cash, and Rover provides 24/7 customer support in case you ever run into issues. Additionally, all sitters and walkers are covered by Rover’s pet insurance, which adds a layer of protection in case of emergencies. However, one downside is that Rover takes a 20% commission from your earnings, which can cut into your profits. That said, the platform offers one of the best earning potentials in the pet care industry, especially if you establish a strong reputation through positive reviews. If you’re looking for an app that provides steady work, strong security features, and a user-friendly experience, Rover is an excellent choice.
2. Wag!: A Fast-Paced Dog Walking App with Instant Gigs
Wag! is often referred to as the “Uber for dog walkers” because of its on-demand system that allows walkers to pick up gigs as they become available, according to Cow Shed. If you prefer flexibility and don’t want to rely on pre-scheduled bookings, Wag! is a great option. The app provides real-time job listings, meaning you can sign in whenever you’re free and accept dog-walking requests in your area. This is perfect for people with unpredictable schedules who want to earn extra cash without committing to long-term pet care. Walkers typically earn between $12 to $20 per walk, but tips from owners can push that number even higher. Since many pet owners book walks when they’re stuck at work, there’s usually a steady demand, particularly in busy cities.
While Wag! is great for quick earnings, there are a few drawbacks. The app takes a 40% commission, which is significantly higher than Rover, meaning you’ll keep less of your earnings. However, the upside is that Wag! provides built-in insurance coverage, GPS tracking for walks, and 24/7 customer support, ensuring the safety of both walkers and dogs. Additionally, Wag! offers pet sitting and boarding services, allowing you to expand beyond walking if you’re looking to make even more money. Many experienced dog walkers use both Wag! and Rover together to maximize their income, taking advantage of each app’s unique strengths. If you’re looking for on-demand work that fits around your schedule, Wag! is one of the best platforms available.
3. PetBacker: A Global Platform for Dog Walkers and Sitters
If you live outside the U.S. and are looking for a dog-walking app that operates internationally, PetBacker is a fantastic choice. Unlike other apps that are mainly popular in North America, PetBacker is widely used in Europe, Asia, and Australia, making it a great option for travelers or people in cities where Rover and Wag! aren’t available. The platform allows you to offer a variety of services, including dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, and even pet transportation, according to Uptodown. This makes it one of the most versatile pet care apps available. PetBacker also provides insurance coverage for all bookings, ensuring safety for both pet sitters and owners.
One of the standout features of PetBacker is its review-based system, which helps sitters and walkers build credibility over time. The more positive reviews you receive, the higher your chances of getting booked by pet owners who are looking for reliable caregivers. However, one downside of the platform is its high commission fees, which can range from 15% to 25%, depending on the service you’re offering. That said, many experienced sitters and walkers find that PetBacker is an excellent way to supplement their income, especially when used alongside other apps. If you want a global pet care platform with a wide range of service options, PetBacker is worth checking out.
4. Pawshake: A Community-Focused Pet Care App
Pawshake is a unique pet care app that focuses on building a strong community of trusted pet sitters and walkers. According to the Pawshake website, it operates in multiple countries, including Canada, Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe, making it an excellent choice for people outside the U.S. One of the biggest advantages of Pawshake is its low commission fees, allowing sitters and walkers to keep a larger portion of their earnings. Unlike other platforms that take huge cuts from your pay, Pawshake ensures that caregivers are fairly compensated for their work. The app offers a range of services, including dog walking, overnight boarding, house sitting, and drop-in visits, giving you multiple ways to earn.
Another reason Pawshake stands out is its emphasis on quality pet care over quantity. Instead of treating pet sitting as just another gig, Pawshake encourages long-term relationships between sitters and pet owners. This means you’re more likely to have repeat clients, which leads to more stable income and a stronger reputation. The app also provides insurance coverage for all bookings, so you’re protected in case of emergencies. While Pawshake isn’t as well-known as Rover or Wag!, it’s an excellent platform for those looking to build a loyal client base and earn consistent income.
5. Barkly Pets: A Premium Dog Walking App for Professional Walkers
Barkly Pets is an excellent option for people who want to take dog walking seriously as a profession rather than just a side hustle. Unlike other apps that allow casual gig workers to sign up, Barkly Pets is geared toward experienced dog walkers who want to provide high-quality, personalized pet care services, according to App112. The platform emphasizes professionalism, meaning dog walkers have full control over their schedules, pricing, and client relationships. While this might not be the best choice for someone looking for quick, on-demand gigs, it’s perfect for those who want to build a sustainable pet care business. The app allows you to set your own rates, which means your earnings are not limited by standardized pricing set by a company.
Another unique feature of Barkly Pets is that it doesn’t take a high commission from your earnings, unlike Wag! or Rover. Instead, the app operates on a subscription-based model, where dog walkers pay a flat monthly fee to use the platform. This is great for serious walkers because it means you keep 100% of your earnings, making it more profitable in the long run. Barkly Pets also provides insurance coverage, key management services, and automated scheduling, which helps you operate your pet care business more efficiently. While it may take some time to build a client base, once you do, Barkly Pets can provide a consistent and highly lucrative income compared to other apps.
6. Fetch! Pet Care: A Personalized Matchmaking Pet Sitting Service
Fetch! Pet Care is a highly personalized pet sitting service that works differently from most gig-based dog walking apps. Instead of allowing walkers and sitters to simply accept jobs on demand, Fetch! matches pet sitters with pet owners based on their experience, skills, and availability. This means you’re more likely to build long-term relationships with repeat clients, leading to a more stable income. If you prefer a structured approach over constantly competing for bookings, Fetch! Pet Care is a fantastic option. The platform offers dog walking, pet sitting, and overnight care, giving caregivers plenty of opportunities to earn money.
One of the best features of Fetch! is that it handles all the marketing and client acquisition for you, so you don’t have to spend time advertising your services. This is particularly useful for people who are new to pet sitting and don’t yet have a strong reputation. However, since Fetch! acts as a middleman between sitters and clients, it does take a commission from your earnings. The exact percentage varies depending on location and services offered, but many walkers find the steady stream of bookings and less competition worth the trade-off. If you prefer a more structured pet care job with stable clients, Fetch! is a great app to consider.
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7. Time To Pet: A Professional Pet Sitting Business Tool
Time To Pet is different from other apps on this list because it’s not a gig-based platform—it’s actually a business management tool for pet sitters and dog walkers. If you’re serious about making pet care your full-time profession, this app helps you manage bookings, invoices, client communication, and scheduling all in one place. Instead of taking a percentage from each job, Time To Pet operates on a flat monthly subscription, which means you keep all your earnings. This is ideal for pet sitters who already have clients and want to organize their business more efficiently.
One of the best aspects of Time To Pet is that it allows you to accept payments online, send automated reminders to clients, and even create customized pet care reports for pet owners. This makes you look more professional and helps you build strong relationships with repeat customers. The app also provides GPS tracking for dog walks, ensuring that pet owners feel comfortable leaving their pets in your care. While it’s not ideal for beginners looking for immediate gigs, it’s an excellent tool for those who want to scale their pet sitting business and turn it into a full-time career.
8. Holidog: A European-Based Pet Sitting Platform
Holidog is a popular pet care app based in Europe, catering to dog owners looking for reliable walkers and sitters. It offers a wide range of services, including dog walking, pet sitting, and in-home boarding, making it a well-rounded option for pet lovers looking to earn money. If you live in countries like France, Germany, Spain, or the UK, this app is one of the best ways to connect with pet owners in need of care services. Unlike some other apps, Holidog places a strong emphasis on personalized pet care, ensuring that pets receive one-on-one attention from their caregivers.
One of the biggest advantages of using Holidog is its low commission structure, allowing caregivers to earn more from each booking. Additionally, the app offers a pet-sitting subscription service called “Vetodog,” which provides discounted vet services for clients who book pet sitters through the platform. This feature helps pet owners feel more secure about leaving their pets in someone else’s care. However, since Holidog primarily focuses on European markets, it may not be as widely available in the U.S. That said, if you live in Europe and want to build a steady pet care income, Holidog is one of the best platforms to use.
9. Care.com: A Household Services App with Pet Care Jobs
Care.com is a well-known platform that connects caregivers with people in need of various services, including childcare, senior care, housekeeping, and pet care. Unlike dedicated pet-sitter apps, Care.com allows you to expand your earning potential by offering multiple services. If you’re someone who enjoys taking care of both pets and people, this platform can be a great way to earn steady income. The pet care section of Care.com allows sitters to offer dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding services, similar to Rover and Wag!.
One unique aspect of Care.com is that it allows long-term pet sitting opportunities, where sitters can be hired for weekly or monthly arrangements. This can lead to higher-paying and more stable gigs, especially for experienced pet caregivers. The downside, however, is that Care.com charges membership fees for premium profiles, meaning you may have to pay to unlock better job opportunities. However, many caregivers find the investment worth it since it increases visibility and leads to higher-paying, long-term pet care jobs. If you’re looking for a broader caregiving platform that includes pet care, Care.com is a great option.
10. PetSitter.com: A Classifieds-Style Pet Sitting Job Board
PetSitter.com is a straightforward job board that connects pet owners with pet sitters, walkers, and boarders. Unlike traditional pet care apps that handle bookings and payments, PetSitter.com is more like a classifieds platform where pet owners post job listings, and sitters apply for the ones that interest them. This setup gives you more control over your rates and working conditions, as you can negotiate directly with pet owners without worrying about high commission fees. The platform is great for people who prefer one-on-one communication with clients rather than relying on an app’s automated system.
One of the biggest advantages of PetSitter.com is that it allows sitters to charge higher rates than most other platforms since there are no middlemen taking a cut of their earnings. However, the downside is that you have to compete for jobs, meaning it might take some time to build a steady client base. Unlike apps like Rover or Wag! that provide instant gig opportunities, PetSitter.com requires a bit more effort in finding clients. That being said, once you establish a good reputation through positive reviews and repeat customers, you can create a stable income stream with flexible scheduling and complete control over your pet care business.
11. DogHero: A Leading Pet Sitting App in Latin America
DogHero is one of the most popular petsitting platforms in Latin America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. It works similarly to Rover, allowing sitters to offer dog walking, pet boarding, and drop-in visits while setting their own schedules and rates. The platform has grown rapidly due to the increasing demand for pet care in urban areas, where many pet owners work long hours and need trusted caregivers for their dogs. If you live in Latin America and want to earn money by caring for pets, DogHero is one of the best apps available.
One of DogHero’s standout features is its vet coverage for all bookings, meaning that if a dog under your care experiences a medical emergency, the company will help cover veterinary expenses. This provides peace of mind for both pet sitters and owners, ensuring that pets receive the best possible care. Additionally, DogHero offers strong customer support, making it easy to resolve issues that may arise during bookings. The downside is that the platform takes a commission on earnings, similar to Rover and Wag!, which can reduce your overall take-home pay. However, because the demand for pet sitters is high in many Latin American cities, many caregivers still find it a lucrative and enjoyable way to earn money.
12. Swifto: A Premium Dog Walking Service in Major U.S. Cities
Swifto is a premium dog-walking service that caters to pet owners in major U.S. cities, particularly New York, Miami, and Chicago. Unlike other apps where anyone can sign up, Swifto is highly selective and only hires experienced, professional dog walkers. The company requires applicants to undergo a strict screening process, including background checks, in-person interviews, and training sessions. This ensures that only the most reliable and skilled dog walkers are accepted, making it a great platform for people who want to turn dog walking into a serious career rather than just a casual gig.
Because Swifto offers premium services, the pay is higher than on most other platforms, with walkers earning an average of $20 to $30 per walk. Additionally, the app provides GPS tracking, automatic scheduling, and pet insurance, making it one of the most secure platforms for professional dog walkers. However, since Swifto is only available in select cities, it’s not an option for everyone. If you live in a Swifto-supported area and have experience working with dogs, it’s one of the best ways to earn high wages while enjoying the company of friendly pets.
13. HouseCarers: A House and Pet Sitting Platform for Travelers
HouseCarers is an ideal platform for people who love to travel and want to combine their adventures with pet sitting opportunities. Unlike traditional dog walking apps, HouseCarers focuses on house sitting assignments that often include pet care responsibilities, such as feeding, walking, and playing with pets while their owners are away. This platform is perfect for digital nomads, retirees, or anyone who wants to experience free accommodation in exchange for pet care. Some listings even offer payment in addition to free lodging, making it a unique way to earn money while traveling.
One of the biggest benefits of HouseCarers is that it provides long-term pet sitting opportunities, which can range from a few days to several months. This means you can save money on accommodation while also building a trustworthy pet care reputation. However, since many listings prioritize free lodging over direct payment, it’s not the best platform if you’re looking for quick cash from dog walking gigs. That said, if you enjoy traveling and want a way to stay in beautiful locations while caring for pets, HouseCarers is an amazing platform to explore.
