Dog Walking Platform Reviews

Rover

Rover is the largest dog walking platform in North America and has the broadest city coverage of any app-based service. Walkers set their own rates, complete a background check, and build public profiles with reviews. GPS tracking and photo updates are standard on all walks. Rover takes roughly 15–20% of the booking fee as a platform commission.

Rover works best in dense urban and suburban markets where walker supply is high. In smaller cities and rural areas, availability can be thin. The platform's insurance coverage applies to walks booked and paid through the app — cash or off-platform arrangements are not covered.

Wag!

Wag! operates a more on-demand model than Rover, making it better suited for last-minute or same-day bookings. The platform has a larger presence in major metros and tends to attract walkers who prefer flexible scheduling over recurring client relationships. GPS tracking is included on all walks.

Wag! has faced criticism in the past over walker vetting standards, and the on-demand model means your dog may walk with a different person each time unless you specifically request a recurring walker. For owners who value consistency, this can be a drawback.

Care.com

Care.com covers a broader range of pet care services beyond dog walking — pet sitting, boarding, and grooming are all on the platform. Its dog walking coverage is less dense than Rover or Wag! in most markets but can be useful in areas where the larger platforms have limited supply.

Care.com requires a paid membership to contact service providers directly, which adds friction compared to Rover and Wag!. The vetting process is less standardized, so background check practices can vary by provider.

Which Platform Is Right for You?

In most major cities, start with Rover — the supply of walkers is highest, the review system is most useful, and the insurance coverage is clearest. If you need last-minute coverage, add Wag! as a backup. In smaller markets, check all three and supplement with local Facebook groups or neighborhood referrals where platform supply is thin.