Thanks to pet-sitting apps that connect you with verified pet owners, it’s now easier than ever to earn money by offering your services as a pet sitter or dog walker in Canada.
Among various pet-sitting platforms online, Rover, Pawshake, TrustedHousesitters, Care.com and Petsitter.com are proven to be some of the best ones you can use.
This article covers all the information you need to get started as a pet sitter through these 5 applications, including how to sign up, what services you can offer, and how much you can expect to earn.
Pet Sitting Apps Explained
Pet sitting apps are platforms that connect pet owners with local pet sitters and dog walkers. These apps allow pet owners to find someone to take care of their pets while they’re at work, on vacation, or simply unable to provide care themselves.
As a pet sitter or dog walker, you can use these apps to find clients in your area, set your rates, and build a business doing something you love.
Best Pet Sitting Apps in Canada
The best pet-sitting and dog-walking apps to make money in Canada include the following:
| Pet Sitting App | How it Works | How Much You Can Earn | Fees |
| Rover | Pet sitters can offer a variety of pet care services and set their own prices. Pet owners can then find and book pet sitter services through the app. | On average, $20 for a 30-minute dog walk, $30 for an hour-long walk, $35-$70 daily/night. | 20% commission on each booking. |
| Pawshake | Sitters may set their own rates and availability for the services they offer. Pet owners can use the app to find and pay verified pet sitters in the area. | Varies based on services. Sitters can set their own prices. | 19% contribution fee on set prices. |
| Petsitter.com | Post your pet-sitting profile and wait for interested clients to book your services or actively apply for pet-sitting job posts on the platform. | It depends on your prices or the client’s offer. | Subscription plans range from $0 to $106. |
| TrustedHousesitters | Specializes in house-sitting for pets. You get paid by staying in the pet owner’s home to accompany the pet | Varies between users. | Annual plans: Basic Sitter ($169), Standard Sitter ($219), Premium Sitter ($339). |
| Care.com | Platform that helps freelancers offer pet care services. Set your own rates and your preferred services. | Varies based on services. | Basic subscription is free, but premium subscription fees apply and range from $14 to $29 monthly. |
1. Rover
The Rover app in Canada is one of the most popular pet-sitting apps that connects pet owners with local pet sitters and dog walkers.
The app works by allowing pet owners to search for available sitters in their area and book services directly through the app. As a pet sitter at Rover, you can offer a variety of services, including dog walking, pet boarding, and drop-in visits.
One of the main benefits of using the Rover app in Canada is the flexibility it offers. It lets you set your rates and schedule.
Using Rover for pet-sitting in Canada can earn you $20 for a 30-minute dog walk and $30 for an hour-long walk. You can also charge $35-$70 daily/night.
However, it is important to note that the app takes a 20% commission from each booking. Additionally, there may be a lot of competition from other sitters in your area.
You can learn more in our detailed review of Rover.
2. Pawshake
Pawshake is another popular pet-sitting app in Canada. It offers various pet care services, including dog walking, pet sitting, and home visits.
One unique feature of Pawshake is its 24/7 customer support. They can assist with any issues that arise during a booking.
As a pet sitter, you can set your rates and availability at Pawshake. It also provides the option for clients to book recurring services.
Using Pawshake is completely free and has no subscription fees. You only need to pay a 19% contribution fee for each of your set prices.
Some users have noted that the app can be slow to update availability. There may also be a limited number of bookings in some areas.
3. Petsitter.com
Petsitter.com is a pet-sitting app in Canada that connects pet owners with local pet sitters and dog walkers. As a pet sitter or dog walker on Petsitter.com, you can set your rates, create your schedule, and choose the types of services you want to offer.
The subscription plan of Petsitter.com ranges from $0 (basic plan) up to $36 (monthly premium) or $106 (yearly premium).
Petsitter.com also provides insurance and support for their sitters and walkers.
4. TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters is another pet-sitting app for cats and dogs that specializes in house sitting for pets. As a house sitter on TrustedHousesitters, you can stay in a pet owner’s home while they are away and take care of their pets.
Sitters on TrustedHousesitters need to pay for their annual plan:
- Basic Sitter – $169
- Standard Sitter – $219
- Premium Sitter – $339
5. Care.com
While Care.com is not solely a pet-sitting app, it does offer pet care services for dogs, cats, and other pets. As a pet sitter or dog walker on Care.com, you can set your rates and choose the types of services you want to offer.
The basic subscription plan on Care.com is completely free. However, if you want to upgrade to premium, the following fees apply:
- 1 Month for $29/mo
- 3 Months for $19.67/mo
- 6 Months for $14.84/mo
How to Become a Pet Sitter
To become a pet sitter or dog walker on any of these apps, you will need to create a profile. This includes completing a background check and providing references. Then, you will need to pay the necessary subscription fees to be able to fully maximize the app’s features.
Once you’ve been approved, you can start connecting with pet owners in your area and building your business.
Pros and Cons of Pet Sitting Apps
The advantages of using pet-sitting apps include:
- Flexible schedule
- Work with animals (can be a fun activity for pet lovers)
- Set your rates
- Meet new people and pets
- Can be a lucrative side hustle
On the other hand, the disadvantages include:
- Inconsistent income
- Need to provide your supplies
- Can be physically demanding
- Need to handle emergencies
Related: Estate Planning For Pets in Canada
How Much You Can Make Pet Sitting
The amount you can make pet sitting in Canada varies depending on the app you use, the services you offer, and your location.
However, according to data from talent.com, pet sitters and dog walkers in Canada can earn an average of $39,000 per year or $20 per hour.
Should You Become a Pet Sitter?
Becoming a pet sitter or dog walker can be a great way to make extra cash while doing something you love. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before getting started.
If you’re an animal lover with a flexible schedule and a passion for pet care, then pet sitting may be a great fit for you. However, if you’re not comfortable with handling emergencies, working with unfamiliar animals, or providing your supplies, then pet sitting may not be the best option.
Become a Delivery Driver With Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the best food delivery platforms available in thousands of cities worldwide.
You can sign up to become a delivery driver with Uber Eats if you have a valid driver’s license, a 2- or 4-door car less than 20 years old, proof of vehicle insurance, and are at least 21 years old. You will also need to pass a background check.
You can deliver as many or as few hours as you want on your schedule and cash out earnings easily. You also keep 100% of the tips you get. This side gig is a great way to bring in extra income.
FAQs
Rover is currently one of the most popular pet-sitting apps in Canada, but other apps like Pawshake and Petsitter.com are also popular.
Yes, there is a high demand for pet sitters and dog walkers, especially in urban areas where pet owners may not have yards or the ability to walk their dogs during the day.
The amount a pet sitter can make in Canada varies depending on the app, services offered, and location. According to data from talent.com, pet sitters and dog walkers in Canada can earn an average of $39,000 per year or $20 per hour.
Yes, pet sitting can be a great side hustle for animal lovers with a flexible schedule. It allows you to work with animals, set your rates, and build a business doing something you love. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before getting started.
Conclusion
Using pet-sitting apps is a great way to take your pet-sitting services to the next level. It is flexible, has a wider reach of potential clients, and you can control your rates and the types of services you offer.
The top pet-sitting apps in Canada are Rover, Pawshake, Petsitter.com, Trusted House Sitters, and Care.com. Do your research and choose the one that suits you best.
