Rover vs. Wag: Which App Is Better for Making Money? Compare Features, Pay, and Flexibility
For pet lovers, earning extra money by walking dogs or caring for pets may sound like a dream come true. Rover and Wag are two of the most popular apps offering flexible opportunities for dog walking, pet sitting, and more. These platforms allow people to sign up as independent contractors, providing services to pet owners, from daily walks to overnight boarding. But when it comes to making money, which app offers the best features, pay rates, and overall experience?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between Rover and Wag, including their sign-up processes, requirements, fees, and earning potential. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which app is the best fit for your goals in the pet care industry.
Rover vs. Wag: Overview of Features and Services
Both Rover and Wag provide opportunities for pet lovers to make money through a variety of services. However, each platform offers slightly different features, which can affect your earnings potential.
- Rover: Rover is a comprehensive pet care marketplace, offering services like dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, drop-in visits, and doggy daycare. Rover users have the ability to set their own rates and choose the services they want to offer. This flexibility can be an advantage for those looking to expand their pet care services. For example, if you have space in your home, you could earn extra income by boarding pets or offering daycare services. This diversity of services can lead to higher income potential, especially for those with room for overnight stays.
- Wag: Wag focuses on providing pet sitting and dog walking services but also offers pet training. Pet owners can book sitters and boarders through Wag, but the app doesn’t have a doggy daycare option like Rover. Wag’s inclusion of pet training is a unique feature, allowing individuals with experience or certification in animal training to earn additional income. However, the standardized pricing on Wag can limit flexibility in setting rates. Wag’s model is more structured than Rover’s, with preset pricing for many services, which can streamline the process for caregivers and pet owners but might not appeal to those looking to maximize earnings through premium rates.
Key Difference: If you’re looking for variety and flexibility in the services you offer, Rover might be the better option. On the other hand, if your focus is primarily on walking and sitting, with the occasional training gig, Wag could be more suitable. Rover’s inclusion of doggy daycare and its broader service options allow you to earn more through higher-value services like boarding.
Sign-Up Process: Rover vs. Wag
Both Rover and Wag have detailed sign-up processes designed to vet potential caregivers. While the procedures are somewhat similar, there are notable differences in how long it takes to get started and the costs involved.
- Rover: To get started on Rover, you need to create a profile through their website or app. This includes providing basic information like your name, contact details, and services offered. You’ll also need to upload photos, set preferences (e.g., availability and dog sizes you’re comfortable with), and submit to a background check. If you plan to offer dog walking, daycare, or drop-in visits, the app is required for communication and scheduling. Completing a Rover quiz on dog care is also part of the process. Rover’s background check may come with a small fee, depending on the services you plan to offer. Profiles are typically approved within 5-10 business days, meaning you can start accepting bookings relatively quickly.
- Wag: Wag’s application process is similar to Rover’s but with a few added layers. Along with providing your contact information and experience, Wag requires applicants to take a quiz on dog care and safety, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Wag also charges a $49.95 fee for background checks and application processing, which is higher than Rover’s fee. Additionally, endorsements from friends, family, or former clients can improve your chances of being approved more quickly. Wag prioritizes applicants who can provide multiple endorsements. The approval process takes an average of 14 days, making it slightly longer than Rover.
Both apps also require caregivers to be at least 18 years old and live in areas where the platforms operate. Additionally, both require access to a smartphone with the latest version of their respective apps for communication and job management.
Key Difference: Rover’s sign-up process tends to be quicker and less costly upfront, but Wag’s endorsement system may help you stand out in the long term if you can gather positive recommendations. Wag’s longer approval time and processing fee might make it less appealing to those looking to start quickly.
Requirements for Joining Rover and Wag
Each platform has specific requirements for becoming a caregiver. These eligibility criteria ensure that caregivers are equipped to handle the responsibilities associated with pet care. Here’s what you need to know before signing up:
- Rover: To become a dog walker or sitter on Rover, you must be at least 18 years old and live in an area where the app operates. You’ll need to complete your profile, pass a background check, and have the latest version of the Rover app for most services. If you plan to offer boarding or daycare, your residence must allow pets, and you should check with local regulations to ensure compliance with any pet care requirements. In some areas, additional licenses may be required for boarding services.
- Wag: Wag’s requirements are similar to Rover’s, with some added specifics. You must be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and pass a safety quiz and background check. Wag also requires that sitters and boarders live in pet-friendly homes if they plan to offer in-home services. Once approved, caregivers must download the Wag Pet Caregiver app, which is separate from the standard Wag app that pet owners use. Wag also emphasizes the importance of having endorsements, which can help you get more bookings faster.
Key Difference: Both platforms have comparable basic requirements, but Wag’s additional emphasis on legal work authorization and its separate app for caregivers are distinctions worth noting. Additionally, Wag’s emphasis on endorsements can give new caregivers an advantage if they can secure recommendations from past clients or pet owners.
How Much Can You Make on Rover vs. Wag?
When it comes to earning potential, both apps allow caregivers to make money in various ways. However, there are significant differences in how pay is structured and how much you can earn based on the services offered and the platform’s fees.
- Rover: Rover allows caregivers to set their own rates, which gives you more control over your income. You can charge higher rates for services like boarding and overnight pet sitting, which tend to be more lucrative than dog walking. According to Rover, caregivers who offer overnight services can earn up to twice as much as those who only offer walking. Additionally, Rover allows clients to leave tips, which you get to keep in full. Rover charges a service fee of 20% for standard users and 25% for those using RoverGo, a premium version of the app that helps boost visibility.
- Wag: Wag operates differently when it comes to pay. Wag sets standard rates for services, although you can adjust these rates slightly based on the specific service provided. For instance, the average 20-minute walk on Wag costs between $12.75 and $19.99 for one dog. For 30-minute and 60-minute walks, rates increase accordingly, but Wag takes a 40% commission from each booking—double Rover’s fee. Wag also allows for tips, and caregivers keep 100% of any tips earned. However, the high service fee can significantly cut into your overall earnings, especially if you’re providing multiple services.
Key Difference: Rover’s lower service fee and flexibility in setting rates make it a more attractive option for maximizing income, especially if you offer premium services like boarding. Wag’s 40% commission on services can significantly reduce earnings, even though tips can help offset the cut.
Payment Policies and Fees: Rover vs. Wag
How you get paid and the fees associated with each platform are important factors to consider, especially if you’re looking for steady and reliable income from these gigs.
- Rover: Rover operates on a direct deposit system, where funds are available to withdraw two days after completing a service. Payments are made via direct deposit into your bank account, and you’ll need to provide your Social Security number and bank account information during the sign-up process. Rover’s service fee of 20-25% applies to each booking, but you’ll keep 100% of any tips earned.
- Wag: Wag offers several payment options. Standard payments are issued weekly through Stripe, with funds deposited into your bank account every Friday. If you prefer to get paid sooner, Wag offers an Instant Pay feature, which deposits earnings into a connected debit card immediately for a fee of 3%, with a minimum charge of $1.99. Wag’s 40% commission rate is notably higher than Rover’s, which can significantly reduce your overall earnings.
Key Difference: Rover’s lower service fee and quicker payment turnaround make it the more favorable option for those looking to maximize their take-home pay. Wag’s Instant Pay feature offers convenience, but the associated fees can add up, reducing your overall earnings.
Flexibility and Control Over Your Schedule
Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of using these apps, but the level of control you have over your schedule differs between Rover and Wag.
- Rover: Rover allows you to set your own availability, rates, and services. This level of control is ideal for caregivers who want to tailor their pet care services around their own schedules. You can accept or decline bookings at your discretion, which makes it easy to balance pet care with other responsibilities. Whether you’re looking to walk dogs occasionally or offer full-time boarding services, Rover provides the flexibility to do so.
- Wag: Wag operates more like an on-demand service, where jobs are sent out to caregivers based on location and availability. While you can set preferences and block off times when you’re unavailable, the app will automatically recommend you for jobs, which can sometimes limit the control you have over which jobs you take. This system can be beneficial for those who prefer a more structured schedule but may be less ideal for those seeking total flexibility.
Key Difference: Rover offers more flexibility and control over your schedule, making it a better choice for those who want to work on their own terms. Wag’s on-demand nature can be beneficial for consistent jobs but may lack the flexibility some caregivers desire.
App User Experience and Support
The ease of use and quality of support provided by each app can greatly impact your experience as a caregiver.
- Rover: Rover’s app is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean interface that makes it easy to manage bookings, communicate with clients, and track payments. Rover also provides resources and community features, such as forums where caregivers can share tips and ask questions. The app’s customer support is responsive, and disputes or cancellations are handled fairly.
- Wag: Wag’s app is similarly intuitive, but it places a stronger emphasis on endorsements and ratings. Caregivers with more endorsements are prioritized for jobs, which can create competition among sitters and walkers. While the app is easy to navigate, its customer support has received mixed reviews, with some users citing long response times for issues related to payments or disputes.
Key Difference: While both apps are easy to use, Rover’s community features and more consistent customer support make it the better option for caregivers who want a seamless user experience. Wag’s focus on endorsements and competition may make it harder for new caregivers to gain traction.
Client Reviews and Ratings Impact
Client reviews play a significant role in determining how often you’re booked and how much you can charge for services.
- Rover: Rover encourages clients to leave reviews after each service, and your ratings can significantly impact your profile visibility. Maintaining a high rating can lead to repeat bookings and higher rates. The transparent review system allows clients to see how other pet owners have rated your services, which builds trust and helps you secure more jobs over time.
- Wag: Wag’s review system is also crucial, but the platform places even more importance on ratings when recommending walkers to new clients. Walkers with higher ratings and more endorsements are prioritized in search results, which can make it difficult for new caregivers to get started. However, once you establish a strong reputation, Wag’s recommendation system can lead to more consistent bookings.
Key Difference: Both apps rely heavily on reviews, but Wag’s system creates more competition among caregivers. Rover’s system, with more flexibility in pricing and services, allows caregivers to leverage their reviews for higher earnings. On Wag, endorsements play a bigger role in job visibility, adding an extra layer of competition.
Conclusion:
Both Rover and Wag provide excellent opportunities to make money as a pet caregiver, but they differ in key areas such as pay rates, flexibility, and service fees. If you prefer setting your own rates and want to avoid steep commissions, Rover might be the better option. On the other hand, Wag’s structured pricing and potential for more varied services, like training, may appeal to those looking for a straightforward setup.
Ultimately, the choice between Rover and Wag comes down to your personal goals, how much flexibility you need, and which platform is more popular in your area. Consider your time availability, preferred service types, and the local demand for pet care before deciding which app to use. Whichever you choose, both platforms offer a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income while spending time with furry friends.
