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Rover FAQ: what new users ask most

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 11m ago

About this FAQ

New Rover sitters and walkers tend to ask the same questions. This FAQ answers them using Rover's help center and getting-started guide for US sitters. Policies and fee models vary by location and change, so check your account.

What is Rover?

Rover is an online marketplace connecting pet owners with sitters and dog walkers for boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, doggy day care and dog walking. Sitters create profiles, set rates and choose which bookings to accept.

Who can become a sitter?

Adults who can care for pets responsibly can apply. You create a profile describing your experience and services. In the US, sitters usually complete a background check during sign-up.

How much does Rover take?

Rover's standard US provider service fee is 20% in most areas, so you keep 80%. Rover documents a relationship-based pilot in some Washington, Illinois and Texas cities with different tiers, and in California sitters enter their take-home rate and Rover adds its fee to the public price.

How do I set my rates?

Decide what you want to take home, then allow for the fee. Under the standard 20% fee, to take home $40, list about $50. Check local rates for similar sitters. The percentage calculator on this site helps.

How do I get paid?

Set up payments in your account through Stripe, entering your Social Security number and bank details. Payments appear two days after a completed service, then Stripe deposits them automatically.

When will the money reach my bank?

Most banks show the deposit soon after Stripe sends it, but Rover says it can take up to five business days in some cases. Your Withdrawals tab shows the fulfilment date.

How do tips work?

Clients can tip after a booking. If a client tips after you were paid for the booking, Rover says the tip is added to your account within 24 hours.

How do I get my first bookings?

Complete your profile with specific experience and clear photos, price competitively, reply to requests quickly and offer Meet and Greets. Rover says requests answered within five minutes are 42% more likely to become bookings.

What is a Meet and Greet?

An optional meeting before a booking where owner, sitter and pet meet. Rover says sitters who do one are 15% more likely to get a second booking. Use it to discuss routines, medication, behaviour and emergency contacts.

How is a booking confirmed?

Either the sitter or owner selects Book It Now in the Rover inbox. Only confirmed bookings through Rover are covered by Rover's protections.

Can clients pay me directly?

Not for bookings arranged through Rover. Rover's terms require those bookings to be completed and paid through the platform, including repeat bookings.

What is the Rover Guarantee?

Rover says every service booked through the platform is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 in vet care reimbursement for eligible situations. It has terms and exclusions and is not insurance.

What happens if an owner cancels?

It depends on the cancellation policy you chose and the timing. Rover offers policies ranging from flexible to stricter options, where late cancellations may still pay part of the booking.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancel as early as possible and message the owner. Sitter cancellations can affect your profile and search ranking, so avoid them when you can.

How should I update owners?

Rover recommends sending photos at least once a day for boarding and house sitting and using a Rover Card for walks and drop-ins, which records the route, time and a photo.

What if a pet gets sick or injured?

Contact the owner, get veterinary care if needed and contact Rover's 24/7 support. Keep the owner's vet details for every booking.

How do reviews work?

Owners can leave reviews after bookings. Reviews appear on your profile and influence future bookings.

Worked example: a first month

Jess offers dog walking and drop-ins. In her first month, she completes 20 walks at $25 and 8 drop-ins at $22, totalling $676. Under the standard 20% fee, she keeps $540.80. Three owners tip a total of $30. Her payments arrive two days after each service. She spends about $25 on poo bags, treats and a spare leash. Her pre-tax income is about $546.

Are Rover sitters employees?

No. Sitters are independent contractors who pay their own taxes, including self-employment tax on net earnings of $400 or more.

Do I need insurance?

The Rover Guarantee is not insurance. Some sitters buy their own pet sitting liability insurance for extra protection.

Do local rules apply?

Yes. Some cities require licences for home boarding or limit the number of animals in a home. Check local rules.

How do I choose which services to offer?

Consider your schedule, home and experience. Walks and drop-ins fit around work or study; boarding and day care need a safe home and more time; house sitting means staying at the owner's home. Many sitters start with one or two services and add more once they have reviews.

How many pets can I care for at once?

You set your limits. Be realistic about what you can manage safely, especially for boarding several dogs. Local laws may also limit the number of animals in a home.

Can I care for cats?

Yes. Many sitters offer cat drop-ins and boarding. Mention cat experience clearly in your profile, and set separate limits if you care for cats and dogs.

What should I do at a Meet and Greet?

Ask about feeding, medication, walking routines, behaviour with people and other animals, fears, escape risks, vet details and emergency contacts. Observe the pet's behaviour and agree how you will send updates. Decline politely if the booking is not a good fit.

How do I handle a difficult owner?

Keep communication polite and on Rover. Refer to what was agreed in messages. If a dispute arises, contact Rover support rather than arguing.

Should I send updates even for short walks?

Yes. Rover Cards after walks and drop-ins show the time, route and a photo, which reassures owners and creates a record if questions arise.

How do I raise my rates?

Once you have reviews and regular clients, raise rates for new bookings first and give regular clients notice. Use holiday rates during peak periods.

Can I take breaks from Rover?

Yes. Update your calendar to block dates when you are unavailable. Keeping it accurate avoids requests you cannot accept.

What records should I keep for taxes?

Keep Rover's payment history, a log of mileage for walks and drop-ins and receipts for supplies. These support deductions and help you report income accurately.

How do I deal with a pet that will not eat?

Some pets eat less in a new environment. Follow the owner's feeding instructions, keep the routine consistent and message the owner. If the pet refuses food for longer than the owner says is normal, or shows other signs of illness, contact a vet.

What should I do if a dog escapes?

Act immediately: search nearby, call the owner, contact local shelters and animal control and contact Rover's 24/7 support. Prevention matters most: check gates, use secure harnesses and never leave doors open.

Can I offer services in another city?

Your profile is tied to your location and service area. If you move, update your address and service area so owners nearby can find you.

What if the owner is late collecting their pet?

Keep the owner informed and agree an updated time through Rover messages. Extra time may be covered by additional booking days according to what you agree on the platform.

How do I protect my home when boarding?

Pet-proof the areas pets will use, remove hazards, use crates or gates where the owner agrees and keep valuables out of reach. Check the yard before each stay.

Can I message owners outside the app?

It is best to keep communication on Rover, which creates a record of what was agreed and helps support resolve any issues.

What if I get a bad review?

Respond calmly and professionally if the platform allows, explaining any context without blaming the owner. Focus on delivering consistently good service so that positive reviews outweigh the occasional negative one.

Can I care for pets with medical needs?

Yes, if you are comfortable and experienced. Mention skills such as giving pills, injections or caring for senior pets in your profile. Get clear written instructions from the owner, including doses and times, and know when to call the vet.

Is Rover available outside the US?

Rover operates in several other countries, including Canada, the UK and parts of Europe. Fees, payment methods and policies can differ by country, so sitters outside the US should check their local help center.

Where can I get help?

Rover's help center and 24/7 support cover bookings, payments and emergencies. This FAQ is general information, is not affiliated with Rover and is not financial or tax advice.

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