rover.com
What Rover.com Actually Is
Rover.com is an online marketplace — think of it as a platform where pet owners connect with local people offering pet care services. It launched in 2011 in Seattle and grew to cover the U.S. and parts of Europe. It’s not a kennel or a vet service itself; it’s a technology platform that links people who need pet care with independent sitters and walkers. (Rover.com)
On Rover you can find care for dogs, cats, and other pets, in various formats such as:
Dog boarding — pets stay in the sitter’s home.
House sitting — sitter stays at your home with your pet.
Drop-in visits — someone stops by to feed/play/check on your pet.
Doggy day care — daytime care when you’re out.
Dog walking — scheduled walks.
Training (newer option). (Rover.com)
Those are the core services, and they’re available through the Rover website or app. (Rover.com)
How Rover’s Service Model Works
This is where the mechanics matter, because Rover isn’t doing the care itself — it’s connecting two sides in a marketplace:
Pet Parents (Clients)
You set up a profile, add your pets, add your location and the dates you need care, and search for sitters near you. You can filter by price, services, and reviews. (Rover.com)Sitters / Dog Walkers (Service Providers)
People who love pets create their profiles, set their own rates and schedules, and list what services they offer. Rover vets them through an application process — including a safety quiz and optional background checks. (Rover Support)Communication & Booking
Once you find someone you like, you can message them directly in the app and often arrange a meet-and-greet before committing. (Rover.com)Payment & Guarantee
You pay through Rover’s platform. Payments are held until the job is done. Rover offers a Guarantee that includes certain protections and support if problems arise. (App Store)
The platform takes a commission on bookings — sitters typically pay around 20% of the booking fee to Rover, and clients pay a service fee as well. (PCI)
User Experience: What People Say
Positive
Many pet owners love the personalized care compared to kennels or traditional boarding — they get regular updates, photos, and genuine one-on-one attention. (Rover.com)
App and booking experience are described as straightforward and user friendly by a lot of reviewers. (Rover.com)
Rover has a large network — in big cities you can choose from dozens of sitters with detailed reviews and profiles. (Rover.com)
Reliable sitters can become long-term caretakers for pets, which builds trust and routine. (Trustpilot)
Common Criticisms
Some sitters and users complain about the fees — Rover keeps 20% and there’s an extra service fee for clients. (PCI)
App features and usability can be frustrating at times, especially early on. (PCI)
Because sitters are independent, quality varies by individual, not by Rover itself. That means a great experience depends a lot on that specific person. (Trustpilot)
There are also extreme outlier stories online — some very negative personal accounts about pet safety. These stories are individual experiences and not reflective of the platform’s overall records, but they do highlight that independent sitters operate largely under their own responsibility. (One example reported widely in news involved a pet death while under a sitter’s care; Rover says such incidents are rare and has systems like the Rover Guarantee to help in eligible situations.) (People.com)
How People Actually Use Rover
As a Pet Owner
You browse sitters by location and services. (Rover.com)
You look at reviews, background checks, and calendars before booking. (Rover.com)
You often schedule a meet-and-greet so your pet and the sitter can connect before the actual booking. (Rover.com)
You get updates, photos, or even GPS walk maps if it’s a walk service. (Rover Support)
As a Sitter or Walker
You set your own rates and availability. (https://oyelabs.com)
You get clients through the app’s search and review system. (https://oyelabs.com)
You earn money doing something you enjoy, but you’re also effectively running your own business — you handle all of your taxes, scheduling, and service quality. (Indeed)
The platform takes a commission and you don’t have employee benefits; you’re an independent contractor. (Indeed)
Practical Pros and Cons
Pros
On-demand access to pet care in many locations. (Rover.com)
Large vet-review network of sitters and walkers. (Rover.com)
Flexible for sitters — set your own schedule and rates. (Indeed)
Communication and tracking tools are built-in. (Rover Support)
Cons
Fees can add up. (PCI)
Independently run services vary in quality. (Trustpilot)
Not a full guarantee of sitter performance — you have to vet them too by reading reviews and talking to them. (Rover.com)
Key Takeaways
Marketplace, not a kennel: Rover connects pet owners with independent sitters and walkers, rather than providing care itself. (Rover.com)
Multiple services: boarding, sitting, drop-ins, dog walking, daycare, and even training. (Rover.com)
User-driven quality: you choose caregivers based on profile, reviews, background checks, and meet-and-greets. (Rover.com)
Fees exist for both sides: sitters pay a commission; owners see service fees. (PCI)
Real experiences vary: many positive stories, plus some negative ones, so vet carefully. (Trustpilot)
FAQ
Is Rover safe for my pet?
Safety depends largely on the individual sitter you pick. Rover supports background checks, reviews, and the Rover Guarantee to help manage risk, but you should always check credentials, talk to the sitter, and arrange a meet-and-greet. (Rover.com)
Do sitters get paid well?
Sitters set their own rates, but the platform takes about 20% of what they charge. Earnings vary widely based on location, demand, and how many clients you serve. (Indeed)
Can I book last-minute care?
Yes, if sitters near you have availability. Many pet owners use Rover for last-minute needs like walks or drop-ins. (Rover.com)
What if something goes wrong?
Rover offers 24/7 support and a Rover Guarantee that may cover eligible veterinary expenses or problems, but it isn’t a full insurance policy and terms apply. (App Store)
Is Rover better than a kennel?
Many people prefer it because pets often stay in a home environment and get more personal attention, but it depends on what you value and the specific caregivers available near you. (Rover.com)
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