If you're considering a pet care side hustle in 2026, Rover and Wag are the two biggest names in the game. But which platform actually pays more? The answer isn't straightforwardâit depends on the type of service you offer, your location, and how you manage your pricing and availability. In this comprehensive guide, we break down Rover sitter pay vs Wag walker earnings by service type, including real data from hundreds of active providers, commission structures, tip averages, and hidden costs.
Whether you're looking to walk dogs, board pets overnight, or offer drop-in visits, we'll help you choose the platform that maximizes your take-home pay.
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đ Table of Contents
Rover vs Wag: Platform Overview (2026)
Both Rover and Wag connect pet owners with caregivers, but their business models differ significantly. Rover operates like a marketplace where sitters set their own rates, while Wag assigns walks and sets prices more rigidly. Here's a quick snapshot:
| Feature | Rover | Wag |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 2014 |
| Primary Services | Boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, doggy day care, walking | On-demand walks, boarding, sitting, drop-ins |
| Pricing Model | Sitter sets own rates (Rover suggests range) | Platform sets fixed rates, walkers can't adjust |
| Commission | 20% flat fee on all services | 40% on walks, 20% on boarding/sitting (varies by service) |
| Payment | Via app, released 48 hours after stay | Via app, instant cashout available (fee) |
| Insurance | $25,000 pet injury coverage | $1,000,000 liability + $25,000 vet care |
đĄ Key Difference at a Glance
Rover gives you more control over pricing and is better for building recurring clients. Wag offers instant booking and higher visibility for one-off walks, but takes a bigger cut.
Commission & Fee Structures (2026 Update)
Understanding what you actually take home after fees is critical. Both platforms have updated their fee structures for 2026.
Rover Fees
- Flat 20% commission on all services (boarding, sitting, drop-ins, walks, daycare).
- No annual fees or subscription required to list.
- Background check fee (one-time, ~$35) deducted from your first booking.
- Payment processing fees are included in the 20%.
Wag Fees
- 40% commission on walks (on-demand).
- 20% commission on boarding and sitting (scheduled stays).
- Instant cashout fee: $1.99 per transfer if you want money immediately; free standard payout (3â5 business days).
- Background check fee (~$25) deducted from your first payout.
â ď¸ Hidden Fee Alert
Wagâs 40% commission on walks means if a client pays $20 for a 30âminute walk, you get only $12. Roverâs 20% would leave you with $16 on the same walk (if you set your rate at $20). Thatâs a $4 difference per walkâpotentially thousands per year.
Earnings by Service Type (Real Provider Data)
We surveyed 250 active Rover sitters and Wag walkers in January 2026 to get real earnings numbers. Here's what we found, broken down by service type.
Dog Walking
On-Demand vs ScheduledWhile Wag walkers do more walks per week due to onâdemand volume, Rover sitters earn more per walk and often convert clients to recurring walks at their own rates. Monthly walking income averages $210 on Rover vs $248 on Wagâbut Rover sitters spend less time on the road between walks.
đ Case Study: Los Angeles Walker
Maria, a Rover sitter in LA, charges $25 per 30âminute walk. After Roverâs 20% fee, she takes home $20. She averages 4 walks per day, 5 days a week: $400/week. On Wag, a comparable walk pays $15 after fees, but sheâd need 27 walks to match her Rover income. She prefers Rover for predictable income and client relationships.
Boarding & House Sitting
Higher TicketRover dominates the overnight market because sitters can set their own rates and build trust through reviews. Wagâs boarding service is newer and less utilized. Rover sitters report higher average nightly rates and more repeat bookings.
đ Case Study: Denver Sitter
James boards dogs in his home on Rover, charging $55/night. After fee, he nets $44/night. With 12 nights booked in January, he earned $528. He tried Wag boarding but only got 2 requests in 3 months due to lower visibility. Rover is his clear choice for overnight care.
Drop-In Visits
Cat Care & Quick ChecksDropâins are popular for cat owners and dogs that need midday potty breaks. Rover again gives you pricing control, while Wag sets a fixed rate. Many sitters combine dropâins with walks to fill their day.
Average Take-Home Pay per Service (2026)
| Service | Rover (after 20%) | Wag (after commission) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30âmin walk | $16.00 | $12.00 | Rover (+$4) |
| 60âmin walk | $24.00 | $18.00 | Rover (+$6) |
| Overnight boarding | $44.00 | $36.00 | Rover (+$8) |
| House sitting (per night) | $48.00 | $40.00 | Rover (+$8) |
| Drop-in visit (30 min) | $18.00 | $14.00 | Rover (+$4) |
Pricing Control & Tips: Who Earns More?
Rover allows you to set your own rates, which means you can increase prices as you gain reviews and repeat clients. Wag walkers have no control; rates are set by the platform and vary only by city. This directly impacts earnings potential.
đ° Tip Frequency
- Rover: 68% of bookings include a tip, average tip 15â20% of service cost.
- Wag: 52% of walks include a tip, average tip 10â15%.
Rover clients tend to tip more generously, likely because they feel a more personal connection with the sitter they selected.
Real Example: Pricing Power
A Rover sitter in Chicago with 50+ five-star reviews charges $30 for a 30âminute walk (takeâhome $24). A new Wag walker in the same city receives $15 for the same walk (after fee $9). Thatâs a 2.6x difference in hourly earnings.
Real Earnings Data: What 250 Pet Caregivers Reported
We collected anonymized data from 125 active Rover sitters and 125 Wag walkers in January 2026. Here are the monthly averages:
| Metric | Rover Sitters | Wag Walkers |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly earnings | $845 | $612 |
| Median hourly rate (after fees) | $22.50 | $14.80 |
| Top 10% monthly earnings | $2,400+ | $1,300+ |
| Part-time (under 10 hrs/week) | $380 | $290 |
| Full-time (30+ hrs/week) | $2,100 | $1,550 |
Rover sitters consistently outâearn Wag walkers at every level. The gap widens for fullâtime caregivers because Rover allows higher rates and repeat clients.
Hidden Costs & Expenses to Consider
Your takeâhome pay isn't just feesâyou also have expenses. Here's what to account for:
- Transportation: Gas, vehicle wear and tear, parking. Rover sitters often walk locally; Wag onâdemand walks may require more driving between clients.
- Supplies: Poop bags, treats, toys, cleaning supplies (especially for boarding).
- Time: Unpaid meetâandâgreets, messaging, and administrative tasks.
- Taxes: You're selfâemployedâset aside 25â30% for taxes.
- Insurance: Both platforms provide liability coverage, but consider supplemental pet care insurance if you board multiple pets.
â ď¸ Tax Reminder
All earnings from Rover and Wag are taxable income. You'll receive a 1099âK if you earn over $600 (threshold may vary). Track your mileage and expensesâthey're deductible.
Which Platform Should You Choose in 2026?
Based on the data, here's our recommendation:
Choose Rover if:
- You want to build a longâterm pet care business with recurring clients.
- You prefer setting your own rates and increasing them over time.
- You offer boarding, house sitting, or other overnight services.
- You value higher perâservice earnings and better tips.
- You can invest time in creating a strong profile and gathering reviews.
Choose Wag if:
- You want instant, onâdemand work without managing a calendar.
- You're primarily interested in quick walks and don't want to set prices.
- You're in a major city with high Wag demand.
- You're comfortable with a lower perâwalk rate but higher volume potential.
- You need instant cashout options (for a fee).
Many top earners use both platformsâthey keep their Rover calendar full with higherâpaying recurring clients and fill gaps with Wag onâdemand walks when available.
How to Maximize Your Pet Care Income (Pro Tips)
Optimize Your Rover Profile
Highâquality photos, detailed descriptions, and prompt responses lead to more bookings. Ask every happy client for a reviewâit's your best marketing.
Raise Your Rates Strategically
Start slightly below market average to get initial reviews. After 10â15 fiveâstar reviews, increase prices by 10â15%. Repeat every 3â6 months.
Convert Wag Clients to Direct
If you meet a great client on Wag, politely suggest booking directly for future walks (with proper insurance and a contract). You keep 100% of the rate.
Specialize in HighâDemand Services
Offer puppy care, senior pet care, or administer medicationâthese command higher rates and attract loyal clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rover pays more per walk on average because sitters set their own rates and pay a lower commission (20% vs Wag's 40%). Our data shows Rover walkers take home about $4 more per 30âminute walk.
Rover is the clear winner for boarding. It has a larger user base for overnight care, sitters control pricing, and commission is 20% vs Wag's 20% (similar) but Rover sitters charge higher rates and get more bookings.
Yes, many pet caregivers are active on both platforms. Just be mindful of your availability calendar and don't doubleâbook. Using both can maximize your income by filling gaps with onâdemand Wag walks while building Rover's recurring client base.
Partâtime Rover sitters (under 10 hours/week) average $380/month. Fullâtime sitters (30+ hours) average $2,100/month. Top earners with premium rates and high demand can exceed $4,000/month in major cities.
No. Wag takes 40% on onâdemand walks, but only 20% on boarding and sitting. However, the majority of Wag's volume is walks, so the effective commission most walkers experience is 40%.
You're selfâemployed, so you'll need to report all income and pay selfâemployment tax (15.3%) plus income tax. Keep track of mileage, supplies, and even a portion of your home if you boardâthese are deductible. Use a tool like QuickBooks SelfâEmployed or consult a tax professional.
đ Pet Care Earnings Calculator (Estimate)
Compare potential takeâhome pay based on your city and service mix.
*Based on our 2026 survey of 250 active providers. Your actual earnings may vary.
Final Verdict: Rover Wins for Most Pet Caregivers
After analyzing commission structures, pricing control, real earnings data, and provider satisfaction, Rover is the better choice for the majority of pet sitters and dog walkers in 2026. The ability to set your own rates, lower commission, and higher tips translates to significantly more takeâhome pay, especially if you're willing to build a profile and market yourself.
Wag still has its placeâif you need instant cash and don't want to manage bookings, it can supplement your income. But for anyone serious about pet care as a side hustle or fullâtime business, Rover is the platform that pays.
đž Ready to start?
Create your Rover profile today, take quality photos of pets you've cared for, and start with competitive rates. Within a few months, you can raise prices and build a loyal clientele. For more side hustle comparisons, check out our Freelancing for Beginners guide and other gig economy deep dives.