Is Rover Worth It? 2026 Driver Review & Pay Breakdown
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 23, 2026
Rover Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Rover is a legitimate gig app for pet lovers looking to earn money caring for animals. It offers good hourly rates and a flexible schedule.
Why We Love It
- Set your own rates and schedule
- Wide range of pet care services
- Safety features like Rover Guarantee
The Catch
- ✕Can take time to build client base
- ✕Requires background check
- ✕Not instant cashout
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What is Rover & How Does It Work?
Rover is a gig app connecting pet owners with local pet sitters and dog walkers. You can offer services like boarding, dog walking, and drop-in visits to earn money.
Unlike traditional jobs, Rover lets you run your own pet care business with the backing of a large platform.
At A Glance
- TypeGig Apps
- PlatformiOS & Android App, Web
- CostFree
- Est. Year2011 (15 Years)
How It Works
Create Your Profile
Sign up to become a sitter. You will set up your profile, list your services, and set your own prices.
Get Bookings
Pet parents in your area will find your profile and send you booking requests. You can accept or decline jobs that fit your schedule.
Earn Money
After you complete a service, Rover processes the payment. Your earnings are then available for cashout.
Is Rover Legit? (Company Background)
When considering any gig app, knowing if it's a real company is important. Let's look at Rover's background and safety features.
- Established Company: Rover was founded in 2011 and has grown into the world's largest network for pet care. They operate in 17 countries, showing a wide reach and long history.
- Real Leadership and Presence: The company lists its leadership team, including co-founders and C-suite executives. This transparency helps confirm they are a real business, not a fly-by-night operation.
- Safety and Support: Rover offers features like background checks for sitters and 24/7 support for both pet parents and sitters. They also have the Rover Guarantee for vet care reimbursement, adding a layer of trust.
- Millions of Users: The platform boasts millions of services booked and over 6 million pet parents who have used Rover. This large user base points to a widely accepted and trusted service.
Verdict: Legit
Rover is a legitimate company with a strong track record in the pet care industry. They provide tools and support to help gig workers succeed safely.
How Much Do Rover Drivers Actually Make?
Rover can be a good way to earn extra money, especially if you love animals. Your earnings depend on a few factors.
- Hourly Earnings: You can expect to earn around $15-25 per hour on Rover. This rate can change based on the service you offer and your experience.
- Set Your Own Rates: One great feature is that you decide how much to charge for your services. You control your prices, allowing you to value your time and effort appropriately.
- Service Variety: You can offer many types of services, like dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, doggy day care, and drop-in visits. More services can lead to more earning opportunities.
- Referral Bonus: Rover offers a $20 referral bonus for each new user you bring to the platform. This is a nice way to boost your income by sharing the service with others.
Bottom Line: Earnings on Rover are flexible and can be good, especially if you have a strong profile and offer multiple services. It's a great option for supplemental income.
How & When Does Rover Pay?
Getting paid easily and reliably is key for any gig worker. Here's how Rover handles payments.
- Payment Method: You can get paid directly through Direct Deposit to your bank account or via PayPal. This gives you options for how you receive your money.
- Minimum Cashout: There is no minimum cashout amount on Rover. Once your earnings are available, you can withdraw them.
- Cashout Speed: Payments typically process and arrive within 2 days after you complete a service. This means your money comes to you fairly quickly.
- Approval Process: After you complete a service, the booking is confirmed. Rover then processes the payment, ensuring everything is in order before your funds are released.
- Tax Considerations: As an independent contractor on Rover, you are responsible for reporting your earnings for tax purposes. Keep good records of your income.
Bottom Line: Rover provides straightforward and reliable payment options with a quick turnaround. You have control over when and how you get paid.
Pros and Cons of Driving for Rover
The Good
- Flexible Schedule. You set your own availability and choose which bookings to accept, fitting work around your life.
- Good Hourly Rates. Earnings typically range from $15-25 per hour, which is competitive for gig work.
- Variety of Services. Offer everything from dog walking to overnight boarding, appealing to a wide range of pet owners.
- Established Platform. Work with a large, well-known company that handles marketing and payments for you.
- Safety and Support. Benefit from features like background checks, 24/7 support, and the Rover Guarantee.
The Bad
- Client Acquisition Time. It can take time to build up your profile and get consistent bookings, especially when starting out.
- Background Check Required. You must pass a background check to become a sitter, which can take some time.
- Not Instant Payouts. While quick, payments are not instant and typically take 2 days to process after service completion.
- Platform Fees. Rover takes a percentage of your earnings, which reduces your overall take-home pay.
Rover Driver FAQ
Is Rover legit or a scam?
Rover is a legitimate company founded in 2011 and operating in many countries. It has a strong reputation and provides real earning opportunities for pet sitters and dog walkers.
What are the background check requirements for Rover?
To become a sitter on Rover, you must pass a background check. This is part of Rover's commitment to safety for both pets and pet owners, ensuring trust in the community.
Do you need a vehicle to work on Rover?
A vehicle is not always required, but it depends on the services you offer and your location. For dog walking or drop-in visits, you might only need to travel locally, often on foot. For boarding, a vehicle might be helpful for emergencies.
How much money can you make on Rover?
You can typically earn between $15-25 per hour, but this varies based on your rates, experience, and the demand in your area. Many sitters use it for supplemental income.
How do tips work on Rover?
Pet owners can choose to add a tip when they pay for your services through the Rover app. Any tips you receive are added to your earnings and are entirely yours.
Can you cash out instantly on Rover?
No, Rover does not offer instant cashouts. Payments typically take about 2 days to process after the service is completed before they are available in your account for withdrawal.
What are the busiest times to get work on Rover?
Demand for pet care often increases during holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation periods when people travel. Weekends and common work hours for dog walking also tend to be busy.
