Do you find it hard to fit dog walking into your busy schedule? Well, you’re not alone.
Pet owners with hectic lifestyles often don’t find enough time to care for their furry besties properly. Luckily, dog-walking apps make that way easier.
Rover and Wag are the two leading apps in the industry. They help you find reliable walkers and offer services like pet sitting, drop-in visits, and pet boarding.
Since some folks are a bit skeptical about these apps, we’ve compared them in detail to find out more. It’s Rover vs Wag, the ultimate showdown.
So, keep reading to find out:
- What Are Dog Walking Apps?
- Why You Might Need Them
- A Few Things to Consider
- Rover vs Wag — What Are They?
- How to Use the Apps
- What Options Do They Offer?
- What Are the Prices?
- Are There Any Safety Measures?
- Rover Pros and Cons
- Wag Pros and Cons
What Are Dog Walking Apps?
Dog walking apps connect pet owners with experienced dog walkers or sitters. With the rise in dog owners, these apps are becoming more popular.
They’re easy to install, and you get a reliable person to take care of your pet in just a few clicks. Whether you want scheduled walks or need an occasional walker, these apps are true lifesavers.
The good news is that the apps do a thorough background check before allowing anyone to start working. Pet owners often leave feedback after a walk, so Wag and Rover reviews can be pretty helpful when choosing a dog walker for your furry friend.
Why You Might Need One
Regular walks are an essential part of your dog’s life. They’re an excellent way to keep your pet active and healthy.
But sometimes, owners can’t keep up with their pet’s needs and could use some help. So, let’s see a few common reasons for using a dog walking app:
You Work Long Hours
You might need an extra hand with dog walking because of your busy work schedule. Whether Rover or Wag, these apps are a must if you work eight or more hour shifts.
Since that usually means you must leave your dog home alone, it can be nice to have someone who can take your dog for a midday walk. Not to mention that dogs cannot hold their pee for that long.
You Have a High-Energy Dog
Getting a dog walker can be incredibly beneficial if your dog is among those upbeat and energetic breeds. Active dogs need a few extra walks to burn that erupting energy. So, hiring an experienced dog walker who can jump in when you’re busy is an excellent idea.
You Have an Old Dog or a Puppy
Dog walking apps like Wag or Rover are pretty helpful if you own an older dog or a puppy.
Although older dogs don’t have as much energy, they still need some exercise. A short walk to a nearby park will satisfy their daily activity requirements. Also, they often have problems controlling their bladders, and regular walks are an excellent way to prevent potty accidents.
As for younger pups, frequent walks can make a significant difference in potty training. Potty breaks are an essential part of the process, so don’t skip them. Plus, your pup will get the chance to explore more.
A Few Things to Consider
But before you decide between the Rover vs Wag app, consider the following:
Your Dog’s Temperament
While some dog walkers know how to deal with dogs that aren’t super friendly, many of them aren’t trained for that. So, if your dog is an aggressive breed and doesn’t do well around new people, you should think twice before using dog walking apps.
The last thing you want to do is put someone in danger. Instead, try to find a dog-savvy walker who knows how to handle challenging dogs.
Your Neighborhood’s Safety
If you live in a neighborhood with lots of stray, off-leash, or aggressive dogs, asking someone to take your dog for a walk around the block isn’t a good idea.
But since Wag and Rover are so widespread, it won’t be hard to find a local dog walker familiar with the area. Another way to stay on the safer side is to prepare an alternative route.
The Weather
Extreme weather conditions are a no-no for dogs. Although some dogs may enjoy playing in puddles on a rainy day, the fun stops when they come home and need a bath.
But whether it’s too hot, cold, or raining outside, your dog still needs to get its daily exercise. To solve this problem, opt for weather-appropriate activities. A refreshing swim in the summer or a quick walk with lots of playtime inside during winter will do the trick.
Rover vs Wag — What Are They?
Rover and Wag are leading dog walking apps in the booming pet industry. They help owners find reliable pet care providers with just a few taps on their smartphones.
Since it was founded in 2011, Rover has won the hearts of millions across the US. The app even earned the nickname “Dog BnB” because the system lets you choose from a handful of workers in your area. Available workers set the prices themselves, so you can pick the one that fits your budget.
Rover’s main competitor, Wag, joined the industry a bit later. The app was launched in 2015 and has been a success ever since. Also known as “Uber for dogs,” Wag introduced on-demand walks to the dog-walking community.
Are Wag and Rover the Same Company?
Although the apps offer similar services, they’re not the same company. They don’t even share hometowns, as Rover is based in Seattle and Wag is a Silicon Valley startup company.
These companies are true rivals in the dog walking business. They’re in a constant battle to be the # 1 dog walking app and do everything to reach that goal. Continuous improvement is their middle name, and that’s something pet owners appreciate a lot.
How to Use the Apps
The first thing you should do is download one of the apps on your smartphone or computer. They’re available for Android and iOS and are easy to use. The next step depends on whether you choose Wag vs Rover.
Rover has a more relaxed approach and allows you to look at options right away. You’ll only need to enter your ZIP Code and basic information about your dog. Then, you’ll pick from a list of available walkers and schedule the walk.
If you opt for Wag, you’ll first have to create an account. The app is far more detailed than Rover and asks a few additional questions about your dog. These include your dog’s preferences and whether it has any allergies or behavioral issues. Then, the process of choosing a walker begins.
What Options Do They Offer?
Let’s look at all options these apps offer.
Pet Sitting
Wag or Rover dog sitters are a perfect choice if you prefer hiring someone who can stay at your house to take care of your beloved dog. After all, your furry bestie will feel more comfortable in a familiar environment, and it’s crucial not to interrupt its routine.
People usually opt for dog sitting when they go on vacations or business trips. That way, you can enjoy your holiday while experienced pet sitters provide daily care.
Pet Boarding
In contrast to pet sitting, pet boarding means your dog will stay at the sitter’s house. They’ll look after your dog and treat it like a family member. So, if you don’t like the idea of having a stranger in your house while you are away, dog boarding might be your thing.
Rover vs Wag Dog Walking
Both apps offer a dog walking service, and Wag even provides an ASAP walk option. Whether you need a regular or occasional walk, that’s a great way to take care of your dog if you have a busy day.
A walk around the block will help your pet burn that extra energy and have some fun. On top of that, regular walks are excellent for socializing with people and other dogs.
Drop-In Visits
Drop-in visits are a must if you work long hours and need someone to stop by and feed your dog or take it out for a potty break. Sometimes, it’s essential to have a mid-day break, not only for the dog’s needs but also for fun.
Additional Features
Is Rover or Wag better in terms of additional features? Well, there isn’t a true winner here.
While Rover also offers doggy daycare and grooming services, Wag provides dog training and 24/7 virtual pet care.
So, they’re pretty much even. It’s up to you to decide which services you like the best. But one thing is certain, both apps are constantly improving.
What Are the Prices?
Although the apps offer similar services, their pricing system isn’t the same. The rates for Rover vs Wag usually range between $15 and $50.
Rover dog walkers and sitters set the prices themselves. That means various service costs, allowing you to choose the one within your budget.
Dog walking prices mainly depend on your location, but you can expect to pay anything between $15 and $20 for a 30-minute walk. The caregivers have the last word here.
In contrast, Wag has fixed prices. A 30-minute walk would cost $20, while an hour-long walk costs $30. The good thing is the prices remain the same. But do they fit your budget? Well, that’s a whole other story.
So, is Wag or Rover cheaper? Overall, Rover is slightly cheaper than Wag. Although some caregivers may put a higher price, Rover’s rates are lower.
Are There Any Safety Measures?
Dog walking is a serious business, and the two leading companies put safety first. Both apps perform a course of action to secure the safety of their clients and walkers.
For extra security, the apps perform background checks on their walkers. Also, each of them has a profile with verified reviews. The apps also offer GPS tracking, so you can know your dog’s location anytime.
If you’re choosing between a Wag vs Rover dog walking service, it’s good to know that Wag offers free lockboxes. That may make some people feel unsafe, so the company also provides $1 million in home insurance. This extra layer of protection definitely makes the difference.
An essential part of the dog walking business is education. After being accepted, each walker has to go through training. That’s where they learn how to perform basic pet care and handle difficult situations.
There are also a few things you could do to stay on the safer side:
- Ensure to get a good harness for your dog if it loves running.
- Train your dog.
- Although the apps offer GPS tracking, you can get a good GPS tracker for your dog as an extra precaution.
So, is Wag or Rover better for safety? While they may have almost the same safety measures, our choice is Wag since it provides $1 million in home insurance.
Rover Pros and Cons
While Rover has much to offer, there are still some downsides. Let’s check them out:
Pros
- The app is easy to use, and even first-time users can easily schedule a walk.
- More walkers and sitters
- Dog walkers’ profiles contain more information
- You can choose from a list of available walkers.
- Walkers determine the price.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a lockbox
- Not specific about scheduled walk hours
- Not so detailed in asking questions about your dog
Wag Pros and Cons
As the battle for dog walking in Wag vs Rover continues, let’s check out Wag’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Provides free lockboxes
- ASAP walk option — pretty convenient if you’re in a hurry
- Asks more questions to get to know the dogs better
- A+ for supporting charity
- Provides report cards
Cons
- The system assigns a walker instead of you choosing.
- Less available walkers
- The company takes 40% commission from the walkers.
Conclusion
Dog walking apps help pet owners find experienced dog walkers and sitters in their area. They include services like dog walking, pet boarding, pet sitting, drop-in visits, and even 24/7 virtual pet care.
The two leading apps in the dog walking business are Rover and Wag. Both are easy to use and will save you tons of time finding a reliable dog walker or sitter.
The apps ensure their clients’ and caregivers’ safety. And Wag even offers $1 million home insurance to pet sitting users for extra safety.
Although the services determine the prices, they usually range from $15 to $50. While Wag has fixed prices, Rover walkers determine the cost themselves.
So, Rover vs Wag? Which one do you choose?