This post is brought to you by Rover.com via the Mom It Forward Blogger Network; however, all opinions are my own. #RoverDotCom #RoverSitterPic
I love my dogs. They’re my constant companions; I spend more time with them than with any human being, even my husband. Some may say I spoil them, I say I treat them like the loving companions they are.
Sadly, my oldest girl, a 10-year old Pomeranian named Jewel, has been losing the use of her back legs to a progressive neurological condition. Thankfully she’s not in pain, but she requires around-the-clock care. I know my time with her is coming to an end, and though I’m not ready, I know it’s inevitable.
I’ve thought a lot about what I’ll do when the time comes to let her go. While I adore her, I admit that she makes my life more difficult. It’s almost impossible to leave her to travel and even getting out for the day means I have to worry that she’s fallen out of her bed, can no longer reach her food and water, or has messed herself and needs to be changed.
While life would be easier without her and I’ll still have Gracie, my 6-year old Maltese, the thought of never having a puppy or young dog again makes me sad. Still, I’m not sure I’m ready to commit to another dog. The idea of having more freedom is tempting, but that means a lot of days without the comfort and joy of a companion for Gracie.
Rover.com: Make Money By Providing Belly Rubs and Snuggles (and puppy kisses!)
I may have found a solution to my dog woes. I discovered Rover.com a few years ago when we were looking for a local pet sitter. We’re incredibly choosy when it comes to our pets and kenneling them isn’t an option. Our dogs are used to sleeping in our bed, laying on the couch, and generally being treated as a member of the family. The thought of them spending time in a cage is something we’re not ready to do.
Remembering back to that experience I thought about how many wonderful in-home choices we had and that made me realized that perhaps pet sitting could be a way for me to have the best of both worlds. It would afford me the freedom of not owning another dog, but I’d get the benefit of being able to spend time with a pup when my schedule allows it.
Pet sitting would also allow me to make extra income from my home in addition to my current blogging business. It’s a perfect work-from-home opportunity for a stay-at-home parent, someone enjoying retirement, a student, or anyone else with a flexible schedule. Getting paid to play ball, scratch a belly, and snuggle up on the couch – that’s not a bad way to earn money. The only downside to pet sitting may be that you’ll fall in love with the dog, but that’s to be expected and one of the side benefits!
Thinking of Booking Your Pet Sitting Through Rover.com? Here’s What You Need To Know
Do I have to take pets full-time? As a pet sitter booking through Rover.com, you’re an independent contractor, so you choose whether or not you want to take dogs full-time, part-time, provide doggy daycare, overnight, or vacation sitting and you set your rate for services. Also, an independent contractor, you may be entitled to business tax deductions for the use of your home and other expenses related to pet sitting (I am not a tax consultant – contact your tax advisor for more information).
Can’t have pets at your place? You can offer on-site sitting, pet walking, transportation, or pet check-in.
How much can I make as a pet sitter through Rover.com? That’s up to you. The number of hours/days you’re available, the type of dogs (those with medical issues can usually command a higher rate as can taking on multiple dogs), and how often you sit will determine your income. It’s entirely doable to make $1000 a month. That’s a lot of money towards paying off student loans, building a holiday fund, or saving for a large purchase or vacation. But enthusiastic sitters can earn as much as $3300 a month. You set your rates, and you work as little or as much as you like so it’s up to you!
Is there a fee to sign up to become a Rover Pet Sitter? No. Creating your sitter profile is free.
How does Rover.com make money? Rover retains 15% of the cost of the service (25% if you’re a Premium sitter), and those fees allow Rover to maintain the platform, do marketing and promotions to attract new clients, and to provide premium pet insurance* for services booked through them. They also provide 24/7 emergency support in case of a lost dog, safety incident, or medical emergency. Premium Sitters receive these same services in addition to one-on-one support and training as you build your pet sitting business, a profile created by a Rover Premier consultant, a profile badge noting you’ve passed an in-person home inspection and interview, and increased business from owners who contact Rover for the perfect sitter.
How do sitters get paid? When you’re booked through Rover.com, the pet parent pays your fee directly to Rover at the time of booking. You’re paid 48-hours after the completion of the appointment.
Curious How Rover.com is Working for Sitters and Owners?
Check out the Rover.com web page and read the customer comments and see the photos of happy dogs. Do I believe them? Yes! A well-known Seattle blogger is also a Rover sitter, and I see the dogs she cares for – she treats them like family and those dogs have a spectacular time with her! But she’s not the only fantastic Rover.com pet sitter, and I suspect within the next two years I’ll be joining their ranks. The only thing stopping me right now is my old girl. She does NOT like other dogs, and she deserves to spend her last year or two in peace.
Rover.com covers the US so no matter where you are, there’s likely a pet parent looking for a loving caregiver. Find out more about becoming a Rover Sitter (or to book pet sitting for your dog) at Rover.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Have you ever considered becoming a pet sitter?
*Rover premium pet insurance is secondary to your primary insurance and covers the pet, your pets, plus general and professional liability – please visit Rover.com for complete details
This is such a wonderful service. It is great to be able to give your pet personalized, special care if you have to go away for some reason.
What a great service. Pet parents need help too.
Pet sitting is so important for people that work. giving your pet a break in between is key to their happiness.
I need pet sitters all the time! They are who I am contacting the next time I need to have someone watch my pets! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Looks like I know who I am contacting the next time I need to have someone watch my pets!
First of all, your dogs are super cute! AND…what a great idea for a business and the peace of mind it gives pet owners.
The dogs in our family growing up were like pets too. I remember tucking my little dog in at night, lolol!
Its so sad to hear about Jewel .. Shes such a beautiful well kept girl. I like this awesome idea. I think its a great and convenient service for Pet Parents
Though I take my dog everywhere with me, I do know that there are folks who would love this service. I have heard of it before and nice to see word getting out 😉
We love Rover! I discovered it recently and we had the BEST dog sitter come to take care of our dog Bear. Really reasonable rates too, in fact it was cheaper to have our very own sitter come to our house than it was to send him off to a kennel where he would be around dozens of strange dogs in a strange place.
I’m so glad you had a great experience! Thanks for sharing!
What a great program. I think you may have solved all my worries about getting a sweet puppy for my two girls!
What a great idea. I used Rover a couple of times and they were great on finding me the perfect place for my Precious. I loved being able to find someone that was okay with Precious sleeping with her and that could keep her schedule while I was gone. Rover.com sounds great on both ends.
My friend would be perfect for this service and it would be perfect for her pet. She does not kennel her dog, Roxi, and will take her when she travels if none of her friends can sit. It is hard to find someone you trust, so this is a great alternative.
I’d love to make some part time cash while taking care of fur babies/ and biggies! I’ll have to look into it!
What a great business idea!
We don’t have anything like this here where I live. Most people have to kennel their fur babies when they go out of town.
Rover.com works anywhere in the US. It’s a great way for teens to make money. I’m surprised no one’s discovered them.
I’m so sorry about Jewel! I love Pomeranians. I want one someday.
This seems like a perfect solution for pet owners.
I adore my Pom. If you want a dog that will idolize you, a Pom is it. 🙂
This is seriously an awesome idea! We usually leave our dog with my mother-in-law but sometimes she is not available and I’m always so stuck on finding the right thing to do for him. I think this is just a perfect idea!
We use family too, but darn it sometimes we feel guilty about it. Not that we should, we watch their pets far more often!
I really like how this services is beneficial in a variety of ways for both pet owners and pet sitters. I would use this service if I had a dog.
These puppy pictures are absolutely adorable! I definitely think this might be a great solution for people who are natural dog lovers, but aren’t in a position to commit to the time and effort they need.
Ah thanks. I think they’re pretty adorable as well (except when they bark or poop in the house 😉 )
That sounds like a great service. I am sure it will help lots of people!
What a cool service for parents of fur babies. I really like knowing pets are taken care of.
So much better than being locked in a kennel.