Before diving into the advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to understand how each option works.

• Using an App (Rover, Care.com, etc.): These platforms act as a marketplace for pet sitters and pet owners. You create a profile, set your rates, and get booked through the app. The company handles payments and provides some level of customer support.
• Getting Your Own Clients: This involves marketing yourself through word of mouth, social media, websites, or local advertising. You set your policies, handle bookings, and communicate directly with clients.

Each method offers a different experience, and choosing between them depends on your personal preferences and business goals.

pros

1. Built-in Marketing and Exposure

One of the biggest benefits of using an app is the built-in audience. These platforms already have thousands of pet owners looking for sitters, which means you don’t have to spend as much time or money on advertising.

2. Easier to Get Started

If you’re new to pet sitting, apps make it easy to get started. You don’t need a website, contracts, or a complex booking system. Just create a profile, set your rates, and start taking clients.

3. Payment Security

Handling payments can be a hassle when running your own business. Rover and Care.com process payments for you, ensuring that you get paid safely and securely without chasing down clients.

4. Liability Coverage

Rover offers the Rover Guarantee, which provides some coverage in case something goes wrong during a booking. While this isn’t a substitute for professional insurance, it does provide a safety net that you wouldn’t have if booking independently.

5. Convenience

Everything from scheduling to communication is handled through the app. If you prefer a streamlined experience without managing multiple systems, an app can be a great option.

cons

1. Platform Fees

Apps take a significant cut of your earnings. For example, Rover takes 20% or more of each booking, which can add up over time. If you’re doing a lot of pet sitting, this fee could mean losing thousands of dollars annually.

2. Limited Control Over Clients

When using an app, you don’t have much say in who books you. You may end up with clients whose pets don’t match your experience level or who have unrealistic expectations.

3. Competition Can Be High

Since anyone can sign up, you’ll be competing against many other pet sitters, including those who offer lower rates to attract clients. If you’re new, it may take time to build up a reputation and secure regular clients.

4. Platform Dependence

If the app changes its policies, increases fees, or removes your account for any reason, you could lose your source of income overnight. Relying solely on an app means you don’t own your client list, which can be risky.

pros

1. Higher Earnings

Without a platform taking a cut, you keep 100% of what you charge. This allows you to earn more per booking and control your pricing without worrying about app fees.

2. Direct Client Relationships

When you find your own clients, you have full control over your business. You set your own policies, communicate directly with pet owners, and build long-term relationships with repeat clients.

3. More Flexibility

You’re not restricted by the app’s rules. You can offer additional services, set your own cancellation policies, and choose how you interact with clients.

4. Branding and Business Growth

If you want to build a real business, having your own client base is essential. You can create a website, grow a social media presence, and develop a recognizable brand that attracts loyal customers.

5. More Control Over Who You Work With

You can screen clients more thoroughly and choose pets that fit your comfort level. This is especially important if you have preferences for certain breeds, temperaments, or medical needs.

cons

1. Harder to Get Started

Finding clients takes time and effort. You’ll need to market yourself through flyers, social media, word of mouth, or a website, which can feel overwhelming for new sitters.

2. Handling Payments and Scheduling

Without an app managing payments, you’ll need to invoice clients and ensure timely payments. Scheduling can also be more complicated if you’re managing everything manually.

3. Need for Liability Insurance

Since you won’t have a platform’s coverage, you should invest in pet sitter insurance to protect yourself from potential accidents, injuries, or property damage.

4. Requires More Business Knowledge

Running your own pet sitting business means understanding contracts, pricing strategies, and client management. While rewarding, it does require extra effort to set up and maintain.

When to Choose an App Like Rover: Is Rover Worth It for Beginners?

1. Higher Earnings

Without a platform taking a cut, you keep 100% of what you charge. This allows you to earn more per booking and control your pricing without worrying about app fees.

2. Direct Client Relationships

When you find your own clients, you have full control over your business. You set your own policies, communicate directly with pet owners, and build long-term relationships with repeat clients.

3. More Flexibility

You’re not restricted by the app’s rules. You can offer additional services, set your own cancellation policies, and choose how you interact with clients.

4. Branding and Business Growth

If you want to build a real business, having your own client base is essential. You can create a website, grow a social media presence, and develop a recognizable brand that attracts loyal customers.

5. More Control Over Who You Work With

You can screen clients more thoroughly and choose pets that fit your comfort level. This is especially important if you have preferences for certain breeds, temperaments, or medical needs.

When to Get Your Own Clients: Is Rover Worth It for Long-Term Success?

1. Harder to Get Started

Finding clients takes time and effort. You’ll need to market yourself through flyers, social media, word of mouth, or a website, which can feel overwhelming for new sitters.

2. Handling Payments and Scheduling

Without an app managing payments, you’ll need to invoice clients and ensure timely payments. Scheduling can also be more complicated if you’re managing everything manually.

3. Need for Liability Insurance

Since you won’t have a platform’s coverage, you should invest in pet sitter insurance to protect yourself from potential accidents, injuries, or property damage.

4. Requires More Business Knowledge

Running your own pet sitting business means understanding contracts, pricing strategies, and client management. While rewarding, it does require extra effort to set up and maintain.