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For many, myself included, turning a love for dogs into a money-making opportunity almost seems too good to be true. However, with so many people owning pets, the need for reputable pet caregivers, just like you and me, is exploding. Dog walking apps are a great way for entrepreneurial-minded individuals to do just that.

Dog walking apps act as a middleman. This is where dog owners looking for someone to care for their pets and trustworthy people are brought together. But before you sign up on just any app, this guide breaks down seven of the best dog walking apps along with pros, cons, and special considerations.

This blog post is all about dog walking apps.

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Best Dog Walking Apps for Pet Sitters

Rover

Without a doubt, Rover is arguably one of the most popular dog walking apps in today’s sharing economy. The app allows users to set their rates and availability. It also includes some key features that benefit both pet sitters and owners alike.

Features such as GPS tracking and 24/7 customer support help to make pet owners feel secure. Background checks and profiles showcasing experience make sitters feel confident knowing they’re working with trustworthy clients. Rover even offers visit reports, allowing pet sitters to provide detailed updates and photos to pet owners after each visit.

Wag

Wag enjoys a fairly equal amount of brand recognition amongst both owners and those looking to break into pet sitting. While similar to Rover in terms of services provided, there are some key distinctions. For example, Wag mandates background checks for its sitters, something Rover does not require. (This is the service I have used and love it)

Wag sets the rates and takes a percentage. Depending on how much you want to earn, one app may be more attractive than the other. Wag’s platform includes GPS tracking to provide pet owners with real-time updates on their dog’s walk. Transparency is a critical feature of dog walking apps that fosters trust. This goes a long way in building a loyal client base.

Fetch Pet Care

With coverage throughout the US, Canada, and select areas of the UK, Fetch stands out by not limiting itself to just dogs. It also includes cats and even offers exotic animal care, making them unique among other apps in the category. Additionally, their sitter application process stands out due to its emphasis on personalized onboarding.

Instead of only relying on background checks, potential sitters interview directly with owners. This goes a long way in solidifying a relationship based on trust. By expanding its services beyond dog walking, Fetch caters to a wider range of pet owners, including those with cats and other pets.

Other Notable Dog Walking Apps

While not as widely known as Rover, Wag, or Fetch Pet Care, these three options below offer many similar services with certain standout features, particularly as you consider your earning potential. These apps provide pet sitters with additional opportunities to connect with pet owners and expand their client base.

1. PetBacker – Available in over 50 countries, this makes PetBacker an excellent option for internationally minded sitters or those living outside of typical North American service areas. PetBacker also offers pet taxi services, allowing sitters to transport pets to vet appointments or other destinations.
2. Steady – This app goes beyond traditional pet care services by connecting gig workers with a broader range of jobs and side hustles.
3. Care.com – Much like Steady, Care.com focuses on multiple services, such as child care and senior care, in addition to standard dog walking services. If you have skills outside of pet sitting, this is a great way to manage everything under one platform.

Landing Your First Client

Like most businesses, breaking into the world of dog walking requires patience, especially as you build up experience. Reviews and testimonials from past clients go a long way. When you’re first starting out you might consider lowering your rates.

Lower rates help attract more opportunities. They also offer the chance to garner 5-star ratings and glowing recommendations. These all go a long way in converting potential leads to steady clientele. Providing excellent pet care and building positive relationships with pet owners is crucial for success as a dog walker.

Beyond the App

Leveraging dog walking apps is one thing, but setting yourself apart from the crowd is how you win big. As you gain more experience walking, ask yourself: What additional services would round out what you offer? Simple add-ons such as bathing, administering medications, or even pet taxi services from vet visits are easy wins that not all dog walkers think about.

Consider obtaining certifications such as pet first aid and CPR to enhance your credentials. Being able to communicate your offerings in a clear and concise manner through eye-catching photography and compelling descriptions helps you become the obvious choice when leads compare you against others on the same platform.

Turning Dog Walks into Big Profits.

Turning your side hustle into a booming business boils down to one key thing: thinking outside the box. Once you have your rates dialed in and systems running smoothly, are there ways to scale?

Take the story of Ryan, as profiled by CNBC Make It. Through leveraging multiple apps, adding services, and expertly marketing himself, he took his dog walking earnings to $100,000 a year. Granted he hustles by walking an average of 6 hours a day, but the takeaway here is: Don’t limit yourself. Get creative. Start with your core offerings then look at expanding into daycare services or group walks. These are especially popular with owners who have multiple pets. Diversifying income streams and being your own boss – now that’s freedom only dog walking apps provide.

Conclusion

Whether your reasons for wanting to work with pets stem from turning an enjoyable hobby into a money-making side hustle or the prospect of ditching the traditional 9-to-5 for a schedule you control, there’s no shortage of opportunity. Dog walking apps can help make the connection. Do your homework.

By using this in-depth guide as a starting point, you’ll gain insight into apps best suited for you. With a bit of creativity and by leveraging many tips shared, turn those simple dog walks into serious profits.

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