How Much Money Can You Make Walking Dogs? My Real Experience with Rover

If you’ve been looking for a flexible side hustle that pays and doesn’t feel like work, dog walking might be the answer. You probably already know me as someone who dives into all kinds of business ideas and online side hustles—but here’s something you may not know: my first ever business was walking dogs back in the fifth grade!

In this article, I’ll break down how the Rover app works, how much money you can actually make walking dogs, and whether this is a legit opportunity or just overhyped fluff. Spoiler: it’s legit, but there’s more to it than just cute dogs and easy money.

What Is Rover and How Does It Work?

Rover is an app-based platform that connects pet owners with local dog walkers, pet sitters, and caregivers. Think of it like Uber or Airbnb—but for pet care. As a service provider, you can create a profile, choose your services, set your rates, and start getting booked by people in your area.

Services You Can Offer on Rover:

• Dog walking

• House sitting

• Drop-in visits

• Doggy daycare

• Overnight pet boarding

All you need to get started is:

• A completed profile

• A background check (costs $25)

• A love for animals (highly recommended!)

My Experience: How I Made $66/Night Watching Dogs

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined Rover. The $25 background check felt like a gamble, but it paid off. Within the first two weeks, I got over seven inquiries, and soon after, I landed my first job.

Here’s how it went:

• I stayed at a newly remodeled house

• Took care of two huskies

• Charged $33 per night per dog

• Total earnings: $66 per night

• Actual work: Walking and feeding the dogs (~1.5 hours per day)

I still had time to work on my laptop, relax, stream Netflix—you name it. Honestly, it didn’t feel like work at all. And that’s the beauty of this hustle if you’re working remotely: you’re basically getting paid to live your normal life in someone else’s home (with dogs!).

How Much Money Can You Make Walking Dogs?

So let’s talk numbers.

If you’re strictly walking dogs, you can expect:

• $15–$25 per 30-minute walk

• Up to $100/day if you stack multiple clients

If you’re pet sitting, especially overnight, you can earn:

• $30–$70 per night (depending on number of pets and location)

• Some clients with multiple dogs pay double

And yes—there are pet sitters on Rover who make over $10,000 per year just from part-time gigs. If you build a client base or transition into your own pet care business outside the platform, your earning potential grows even more.

Tips to Succeed on Rover

Want to boost your chances of getting booked and making more money? Here’s what worked for me:

✅ Optimize your profile – Share your story, upload friendly photos, and highlight past pet experience
✅ Respond quickly – Fast responses = more bookings
✅ Send regular photo updates – Owners love this
✅ Keep your calendar up-to-date – It affects your visibility
✅ Be reliable – The app runs on reviews, so be your best self

Is Dog Walking Worth It as a Side Hustle?

Let’s break it down:

If you’re working or studying remotely, this is an A– side hustle. For others who have to commute or juggle strict schedules, it’s more of a B or C+ option.

Final Thoughts: Is Walking Dogs for Money Legit?

Absolutely. Dog walking and pet sitting through apps like Rover are legit ways to earn real money. You won’t get rich overnight, but with consistency and a love for pets, it’s one of the most enjoyable and low-stress gigs out there.

Whether you’re making an extra $50 a week or planning to scale into a full pet care business, this side hustle has real potential.

So, if you’re wondering, how much money can you really make walking dogs?—my answer is simple: as much as you’re willing to work for.

Have you tried pet sitting or walking dogs for money? Got questions about how to start? Drop a comment below or reach out—I respond to every one!

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