TL;DR: Pet sitting is a flexible way to earn income while caring for animals, and the right app can maximize your success. In 2025, top pet sitting apps offer competitive earnings, reasonable fees, and features tailored to sitters’ needs. Petme stands out as the only platform combining pet sitting with a social media community, fostering connections with pet owners who value their animals. This guide compares eight leading apps to help you find the best fit for your side hustle. Petme is a top choice for its versatility and community focus.
Why the right app matters for pet sitters
Pet sitting offers a rewarding opportunity to earn money while spending time with animals, but choosing the right platform is critical. A good app provides fair compensation, low fees, and a user-friendly experience, allowing you to focus on pet care rather than navigating complex systems. For sitters balancing busy schedules, an app that streamlines bookings and payments is essential. Additionally, platforms that connect you with a community of pet owners can lead to repeat clients and a more fulfilling experience. With various apps available, selecting one that aligns with your priorities ensures a sustainable and enjoyable side hustle.
Comparing the top pet sitting apps
Key factors to evaluate
When choosing a pet sitting app, consider these factors:
Earnings: How much can you earn, and do you control your rates?
Signup and membership fees: Are there costs to join or maintain an account?
App’s cut: What percentage of your earnings does the platform take?
Pet types: Does the app support diverse animals?
Usability: Is the app intuitive, or does it have technical challenges?
Community: Are there features to connect with pet owners?
Comparison table
Below is a comparison of the top eight pet sitting apps, ranked from best to worst:
| Rank | App | Earnings | Signup Fee | Membership Fee | App's Cut | Pet Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Petme | $20–$50/hr | $15–$19 | None | 10%–15% | All pets |
| #2 | Meowtel | $20–$45/hr | None | None | 30% | Cats only |
| #3 | TrustedHouseSitters | None (free stays) | None | $129–$259/yr | None | All pets |
| #4 | Petbacker | Varies | None | None | 25%–40% | All pets |
| #5 | Pawshake | Varies | None | None | 20% | Dogs, cats, small pets |
| #6 | Gudog | Varies | None | None | 20% | Dogs only |
| #7 | Wag | $15–$85/gig | $65 | $0–$149 | 40% | Dogs, cats |
| #8 | Rover | $15–$20/hr | $49 | None | 20%–25% | Dogs, cats |
Ranking the apps from worst to best
#8 Rover: High fees, competitive market
Rover is a well-known platform with a large user base, offering $15–$20 per hour for services like dog walking and boarding. It supports only dog and cat profiles, and its Rover Guarantee is not an insurance and provides limited vet care coverage up to $25,000, though it does not cover sitter injuries and requests are very often rejected. The $49 signup fee and 20%–25% commission reduce earnings, and the app’s interface can feel dated with a steep learning curve for new users. The competitive market makes it challenging for new sitters to secure bookings for months or years.
Pros: Large user base, diverse services, vet care coverage.
Cons: High signup fee, significant commission, outdated interface, competitive market.
#7 Wag: High commission, complex structure
Wag offers earnings of $15–$85 per gig, supporting primarily dogs, but also cats, and small pets. Its insurance covers some damages, but the 40% commission is one of the highest on the market. Signup fees range from $25–$65, and optional premium memberships ($149) prioritize certain sitters, limiting opportunities for others. The app’s interface has reported technical issues, and the inability to arrange meet-and-greets before booking adds complexity. Wag is best for sitters willing to invest in premium features and based in the US (as it is not available abroad).
Pros: Speed of booking, insurance coverage, broad pet support.
Cons: Highest commission on the market, high signup and membership fees, technical issues, no pre-booking meet-and-greets.
#6 Gudog: Dog-focused, limited scope
Gudog is a dog-only platform, only operating in a few European countries, with no signup or membership fees and a 20% commission. Earnings vary by location, and insurance details are often unclear. The app’s focus on dogs excludes other pets, and it has been acquired by Rover, so its future is uncertain. Gudog suits dog-focused sitters in Europe but lacks versatility for those working with diverse animals.
Pros: No signup or membership fees, reasonable commission, dog-focused services.
Cons: Limited to dogs, unclear insurance, limited regional focus.
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#5 Pawshake: Small countries reach, technical issues
Pawshake operates in over 15 countries (however excluding the US), supporting dogs, cats, and small pets, with no signup or membership fees and a 20% commission. Earnings vary by region, and vet coverage is capped at €2,500. The platform is most of all known in Europe, but its app has not been updated in quite a while, and customer support may not always be prompt. Pawshake is a reliable choice for sitters in supported areas, though its interface may require some adjustment.
Pros: Reach in smaller European countries, no signup fees, community focus.
Cons: Technical challenges, inconsistent insurance, variable customer support.
#4 Petbacker: Global, dated interface
Petbacker is available in 50 countries, supporting all pet types, with no signup or membership fees and a 25%-35% commission with penalties of up to 40% of your earnings. Its protection plan covers pet injuries, but the meet-and-greets require a deposit. Petbacker is a good option for sitters seeking international opportunities, though monetary penalties for sitters make it rather unattractive to sign up.
Pros: Global availability, all pet types supported, insurance coverage.
Cons: Dated interface, deposit for meet-and-greets, monetary penalties of up to 40% of sitters’ earnings.
#3 TrustedHouseSitters: Non-monetary, fee-based
TrustedHouseSitters provides free accommodation in exchange for pet sitting, requiring a $129–$259 annual membership fee. It supports all pet types, making it suitable for travelers, but the lack of monetary earnings limits its appeal for most sitters. Insurance is available with premium plans, covering up to $1,000,000 for damages. The app’s navigation is functional but lacks social features, and the commitment to overnight sits and travel may not suit all schedules.
Pros: Free accommodation, supports all pets, premium insurance options.
Cons: No monetary earnings, high membership fee, limited features.
#2 Meowtel: Cat-only, strict entry
Meowtel specializes in cat sitting, offering $20–$45 per hour with a 30% commission and no signup or membership fees. Insurance covers cat-related incidents, but the application process is highly selective, accepting only 10% of applicants. The app’s interface is functional but has a learning curve, particularly for new users. Meowtel is ideal for cat enthusiasts but not suitable for sitters working with other animals.
Pros: Tailored to cat sitters, no signup fees, cat-specific insurance.
Cons: Cat-only focus, selective application, higher-end fees.
#1 Petme: Pet sitting and social community
Petme leads the pack in 2025 as the only platform combining pet sitting with a social media community, fostering connections between sitters and pet owners. It offers $20–$50 per hour, a $15–$19 signup fee, and a 10%–15% commission with up to 5% cashback for high earners. The platform supports all pets, from dogs to exotic animals, and provides up to $20,000 vet coverage. Its modern design ensures easy navigation and efficient booking, setting it apart from competitors with less user-friendly interfaces. Petme’s social features help sitters build client relationships, making it a top choice for both income and community.
Pros: Social media community, high earnings, low fees, user-friendly design, lower competition.
Cons: Modest signup fee, newer platform with growing user base.
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How much do pet sitters charge?
Pet sitters typically charge $10–$30 per visit, $20–$30 per day, or $45–$75 per night, depending on location, pet type, and services. Overnight boarding often commands higher rates, especially for pets requiring specialized care, such as medication administration. Petme’s flexible pricing allows sitters to set rates that reflect their expertise, helping them earn more compared to platforms with higher commissions. This flexibility makes it easier to build a sustainable income while meeting client needs.
Tips to increase pet sitting earnings
To enhance your pet sitting income, consider these strategies:
Engage with Petme’s community: Build relationships with pet owners to secure repeat bookings.
Offer specialized services: Provide care for exotic pets or training to justify higher rates.
Request reviews: Positive feedback on Petme boosts your profile’s visibility.
Add extra services: Offer grooming or pet transport to increase earnings per job.
Implementing these approaches can help you grow your client base and maximize your income over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pet sitting app in 2025 requires evaluating earnings, fees, and features that align with your goals. Petme excels as the only platform integrating pet sitting with a social media community, offering competitive pay, low fees, and a user-friendly experience. Other apps, like Meowtel for cat sitters or TrustedHouseSitters for travelers, cater to specific niches but lack Petme’s versatility. Start your pet sitting journey with Petme to earn income and connect with a community of pet lovers.
FAQs
What’s the best pet sitting app for new sitters?
Petme’s low fees and community features make it beginner-friendly, unlike Rover’s competitive market.Can I sit exotic pets on pet sitting apps?
Petme and TrustedHouseSitters support exotic pets, while Gudog is dog-only.How do I avoid scams on pet sitting apps?
Use verified platforms like Petme, review client profiles, and arrange meet-and-greets.What’s a fair rate for overnight pet sitting?
Rates range from $45–$75 per night, with Petme allowing higher rates for specialized care.
