Wag and Rover are the two biggest pet sitting platforms. They're similar in many ways but have meaningful differences in pricing, vetting, insurance, and reliability.
Rover: the basics
The larger platform, marketplace model. Sitters set prices, Rover takes 20% from sitters. Basic background checks, Rover Guarantee covers up to $25,000 for vet care, transparent reviews, and offers boarding, sitting, walking, daycare, and drop-ins.
Wag: the basics
Originally on-demand dog walking (book within 30 minutes), now expanded to sitting and boarding. More standardized pricing, Wag Premium insurance ($9.99/month), GPS tracking during walks, and lock-box system for walker access.
Pricing comparison
Both price similarly. Rover drop-ins: $15–$30. Wag: $12–$25. House sitting: Rover $25–$75/night, Wag $20–$60. Both charge owner service fees on top.
Sitter quality
Both do background checks but neither requires professional training. Quality ranges widely. Rover's reviews are more robust. Neither guarantees consistency — your favorite sitter may not be available.
Insurance
Rover Guarantee: up to $25,000, requires booking through app. Wag: varies by service level, Premium plan adds protection. Neither is as comprehensive as a licensed facility's commercial liability policy.
When neither app is the right answer
Dogs with medical needs (trained facility staff is safer), aggressive dogs, when guaranteed reliability matters (a business has backup staff), when you need 24/7 supervision, or for extended trips (2+ weeks is a big ask for an individual).
The local facility advantage
Trained staff all day, established emergency vet relationships, climate-controlled suites, 24/7 cameras, consistent routine, vaccine requirements, and accountability to business licensing and commercial insurance.
Bottom line
Both are useful for dog walking and short visits. For overnight care, medical needs, or reliability-critical situations, a dedicated local facility is safer. If using an app, read reviews thoroughly, do a meet-and-greet, and always book through the platform for insurance.
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Or call (850) 257-5776Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rover or Wag safer?
Both have similar measures. Safety depends on the individual sitter. Read reviews and do a meet-and-greet.
Is a pet sitting app better than boarding?
For some dogs and situations, yes. For medical needs, aggressive dogs, or reliability-critical cases, a staffed facility is safer.
What if my sitter cancels last minute?
Both attempt to find a replacement, but no guarantee. This is the biggest risk vs a business with backup staff.