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As more people are seeking ways to make money online, one popular option is to become a service provider on platforms like Rover. Rover connects pet owners who need services for their pets with service providers. This article will guide you through the process of using Rover to make $2,000 per month online.
How Does Rover Work?
Rover is an app that allows you to sign up for a Rover account and fill out your profile. Once your profile is complete, the app connects you with dog and cat owners who need services for their pets. When a pet owner sees your Rover profile and wants to use your services, they can send a request which will appear in your “Pending Requests” section. You can review the request and if it’s a good fit, you can book it.
The booking process may require a meet and greet with the pet owner before completing the booking. This step is important to ensure that both parties feel comfortable and that the services provided will be a good fit. Once the meet and greet is completed, either you or the client can click the “Book It Now” button, which opens a 72-hour window for the other person to accept the request.
Clients pay for the services through the app after you have completed the service. You can withdraw your earnings two days after finishing the job, minus the 20% fee charged by Rover.
How Much Does Rover Pay?
Rover allows you to set your own rates, so technically, you decide how much you make. The average pay for different services on Rover is as follows:
- Boarding: $28 per night
- Housesitting: $25 per night
- Drop-in visits: $25 per visit
- Doggy daycare: $25 per day
- Dog walking: $20 per walk
It’s important to note that these rates may vary depending on your location. To get a sense of how much service providers in your area are charging, you can browse Rover as if you were a potential client.
To make $500 per month, which is a realistic goal for a side hustle, you would need to earn about $630 before Rover’s fee. For example, you could walk two dogs for one client three times per week at $30 per walk (offering a discount for multiple dogs), bringing you to $90 per week. Additionally, you could walk one dog for another client twice per week at $25 per walk, totaling $50 per week. This would bring you to $140 per week, or roughly $600 per month.
Making $1,000 per month is also doable but more challenging. To reach this goal, you would need to offer boarding, doggy daycare, and care for at least one dog every day. If you charge $25 per dog per day and have a second dog for 10 of those days, you would earn approximately $1,000. Keep in mind that Rover’s fee would decrease your actual earnings by 20%.
Clients also have the option to tip, which could significantly increase your earnings.
How Does Rover Pay?
Rover pays service providers via a bank account transfer using Stripe, a third-party payment provider. After completing a service, the money will appear in your account two days later. Once the funds are in your account, Stripe will automatically transfer the funds via direct deposit. It may take up to 5 business days for the funds to appear in your bank account. If a tip is added after you receive payment for a booking, it will be added within 24 hours.
Who Can Work with Rover?
To work with Rover, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a safety quiz
- Pass a general background check
- Have your profile approved by Rover
Working with Rover means you will be an independent contractor, so you won’t receive a regular salary and benefits. However, you will have the freedom to set your own rates and work when you want. Depending on where you live, you may also need to obtain a business license.
If you love pets and can provide them with special care and consideration, working with Rover can be a great job opportunity. Having a flexible schedule and the ability to provide consistent care will increase your chances of success as a Rover service provider.
What to Know Before You Start
Rover offers a “Rover Guarantee” to pet owners, but it’s important to note that this guarantee is primarily for the peace of mind of pet owners, not for the service providers.
Rover will not cover:
- Damage to your property or home
- Injuries to you, a family member, or a roommate
Rover will cover:
- Up to $25,000 in vet care reimbursement for injury to a client’s pets or your pets
- Property damage to the pet owner’s home
- Certain medical costs for third-party injuries (someone who isn’t the pet owner or sitter/dog-walker)
To mitigate potential risks, it is strongly recommended to do a meet and greet before booking. While you cannot determine a pet’s temperament completely in a few minutes, it can give you an idea and help you decide if you’re comfortable providing the services.
It is also advisable to consider getting liability insurance, especially if you plan to offer services that involve boarding or housesitting. Some companies specialize in pet-sitting insurance and can provide coverage for potential incidents.
How to Sign Up for Rover
If you’re ready to sign up with Rover, the process is fairly straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Select the services you’re able to offer.
- Complete your profile by adding a photo, inputting your services and rates, providing information about your own pets, and setting up your schedule.
- Pay the one-time fee of $49 for your profile review.
- Provide information for a background check.
- Submit your profile and wait for Rover to review it.
- Rover will email you within 24-48 hours to let you know if your profile has been approved or if you need to complete additional steps.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings on Rover
To maximize your earnings on Rover, consider the following tips:
- Fill out your profile completely, including photos and testimonials from friends or family members who can vouch for your pet care skills.
- Offer services for pets with special needs, such as puppy care, elderly pet care, or care for pets with specific health requirements. You can usually charge more for these specialized services.
- Be responsive and provide frequent, clear communication with clients. Answer messages and requests quickly, and ask questions when necessary. Send updates and photos during boarding, housesitting, or drop-in visits to keep pet owners informed and engaged.
- Work on building good reviews and ratings. This will help you rank higher in search results and attract more clients.
Alternatives to Rover
If Rover doesn’t meet your needs or if you want to explore other options, here are two popular alternatives:
Care.com
Care.com offers a variety of care services, including pet care. It operates on a membership model rather than taking a cut of your earnings. The basic membership costs $18.99 per year and includes a background check and access to the site. The premium membership costs $8.99 per month and provides higher rankings in search results.
Wag!
Wag! is another platform that offers pet care services, including dog walking and boarding. It charges a $49.95 application fee, similar to Rover. However, Wag! takes a larger cut of your earnings, at 40%, compared to Rover’s 20%. While signing up with Wag! alongside Rover could help you get more clients, keep in mind the higher fee.
In conclusion, Rover can be a viable option for making $2,000 per month online by providing pet care services. By following the tips and guidelines provided, you can maximize your earnings and create a successful side hustle or even a full-time business. Remember to prioritize the safety and well-being of the pets under your care and provide excellent customer service to earn positive reviews and attract more clients.
