For families who love to travel, dine out, or simply juggle busy schedules, one question always lingers: Who will care for the dog? Pets aren’t just animals—they’re family. And finding reliable care can feel overwhelming.
That’s why services like Rover.com have become a lifesaver. Rover connects pet parents with trusted dog sitters, walkers, and boarders, offering flexible options that fit your schedule.
We recently booked Rover for our pup, and what we discovered was more than just convenience—it was ultimate care. This post will break down everything you need to know:
- What Rover is and how it works.
- Our personal experience booking and using Rover.
- Services offered (sitting, boarding, walking, and more).
- Pricing and value.
- Family perspective: why it works for parents and kids.
- Safety measures and trust factors.
- Comparison to kennels, local sitters, and other apps.
- Insider tips for making the most of Rover.
What Is Rover.com?
Rover is often called the “Airbnb for pets.” It’s a platform that connects dog owners with local sitters and walkers.
- Founded: 2011, now one of the largest pet-sitting networks in the U.S.
- How It Works: Owners browse local profiles, read reviews, and book services directly.
- Flexibility: Sitters offer everything from drop-in visits to overnight boarding.
- Coverage: Available in thousands of cities across the U.S.
👉 In short, Rover makes pet care accessible, customizable, and convenient.
First Impressions: Signing Up
Signing up for Rover was simple:
- Create a Profile: Add your dog’s name, breed, age, quirks, and needs.
- Browse Sitters: Filters for location, availability, services, and pricing.
- Read Reviews: Each sitter has detailed reviews from past clients.
- Book a Service: Messaging and payments happen within the platform.
💡 Parent Tip: Include kid-related notes (“our children may greet you during walks”) so sitters know what to expect.
The Rover Services: What You Can Book
Dog Boarding
Your dog stays overnight at the sitter’s home. Perfect for longer trips.
House Sitting
The sitter stays in your home—dogs remain in their familiar environment.
Drop-In Visits
Quick visits for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime.
Dog Walking
Scheduled walks for exercise and relief.
Doggy Day Care
Daytime care at the sitter’s home while you’re at work or out.
💡 Family Note: For us, drop-in visits and overnight stays worked best. Kids loved getting photo updates while we traveled.
Our Personal Experience with Rover
Meet & Greet
Before booking, Rover encouraged a meet-and-greet with the sitter. This was key for trust:
- Our pup immediately warmed up to the sitter.
- The sitter asked detailed questions about routines, food, and play.
- We felt confident before leaving.
During the Booking
- Daily updates with photos.
- Walk logs showing distance and time.
- Notes about meals and potty breaks.
Returning Home
We came back to a happy, calm dog—and even a tidy home. The sitter left a note about the week, which our daughters loved reading.
👉 The experience felt like more than service—it felt like family.
Pricing & Value
Rover pricing varies by location and sitter. In Los Angeles, we found:
- Drop-In Visit: $20–$30.
- Dog Walking: $20–$25 per walk.
- House Sitting: $60–$90 per night.
- Dog Boarding: $50–$80 per night.
- Day Care: $30–$45 per day.
👉 Compared to kennels ($70+ per night with less personal care), Rover was a better value for quality and peace of mind.
Safety & Trust on Rover
One of our biggest concerns was safety. Rover addresses this well:
- Background Checks: Sitters can be background-checked.
- Verified Profiles: Only approved sitters are listed.
- Insurance: Rover includes sitter liability insurance.
- 24/7 Support: Customer care is available any time.
- Rover Guarantee: Covers medical emergencies (with conditions).
💡 Tip: Always check sitter reviews and response rates before booking.
Why Families Love Rover
For Parents
- Peace of mind during travel.
- Easy communication through the app.
- Transparent pricing and reviews.
For Kids
- Daily photo updates felt like postcards from home.
- Helped them feel less guilty about leaving the dog.
- Some sitters even sent playful videos.
For Dogs
- Personalized care vs. crowded kennels.
- Consistent routines reduce stress.
- Extra attention and cuddles.
Pros & Cons of Rover
Pros
- Wide range of sitters and services.
- Easy app and payment system.
- Personalized pet care.
- Reviews build confidence.
Cons
- Quality varies by sitter.
- Popular sitters book up quickly.
- Pricing can add up for long trips.
Rover vs. Other Pet Care Options
Rover vs. Kennels
- Kennels: Loud, busy, often stressful for dogs.
- Rover: One-on-one care in a calm home.
Rover vs. Friends/Family
- Friends: Free, but not always reliable.
- Rover: Professional, insured, consistent.
Rover vs. Other Apps (Wag, Trusted Housesitters)
- Wag: Focuses more on walking, less on boarding.
- Trusted Housesitters: Great for international travel, but less local.
- Rover: Best all-around flexibility.
Insider Tips for Booking Rover
- Book early—especially for holidays.
- Do a meet-and-greet before confirming.
- Leave detailed notes (feeding, meds, quirks).
- Ask for updates—most sitters are happy to send daily photos.
- Review sitters after use—it helps the community grow.
What Other Owners Say
- “Rover makes travel stress-free—I know my dog is in loving hands.”
- “Cheaper and friendlier than kennels.”
- “We’ve used Rover for years, and every sitter has been wonderful.”
- “Our kids love the photo updates—it feels like the dog is traveling with us.”
FAQs
Is Rover safe?
Yes, Rover vets sitters, provides insurance, and offers 24/7 support. Always choose sitters with strong reviews.
Can I book last minute?
Yes, though sitters may be limited. Booking ahead is best.
Does Rover cover medical emergencies?
Yes, through the Rover Guarantee (some conditions apply).
Can I request the same sitter again?
Absolutely—repeat bookings are encouraged.
Do sitters handle special needs?
Yes—many are experienced with senior dogs and medications.
Final Verdict: Ultimate Care with Rover
After trying Rover, we can confidently say it delivers ultimate care for pets. It combines the trust of professional sitters with the flexibility of an app, creating a system that works for families, kids, and pets alike.
Whether you’re traveling for a weekend, working late, or just need a midday dog walk, Rover makes pet care easy and stress-free.
👉 Our verdict: Rover is a must-have tool for modern pet owners—and the best option we’ve found for balancing family life and pet care.
