YIELDLYRover vs Wag: which is better for boarding dogs at home?
Both apps let you board dogs in your own home and get paid for it. The difference is mostly in how pricing works and how much of each booking reaches you.
Rover is the bigger marketplace and lets you set your own rates; in most US markets it keeps 20%, so you take home 80% (California and some pilot markets work differently). Wag! doesn’t publish its cut for boarding. It says the boarding rate you set is what you receive, while independent reports put its share at about 20% for boarding and sitting. Many sitters list on both and let their calendar decide.
Swipe the table to compare →
| Rover | Wag! | |
|---|---|---|
| What you can offer from home | Boarding, house sitting, drop-ins, day care | Boarding and overnight sitting |
| Who sets the price | You (Rover suggests a range) | You set your boarding rate in the app |
| Platform’s cut | 20% of each booking in most US markets | Not published by Wag; reported at about 20% for boarding and sitting (40% on walks) |
| On a $500 week of boarding, you keep | $400 in most markets | About $400–500, depending on how Wag applies its fee |
| When you’re paid | About 2 days after the stay (reported) | A few business days, with paid instant cashout (reported) |
| Joining fee | $49–79 profile review, varies by location | A one-time background check fee (reported) |
| Typical boarding rate | About $35–75 a night | About $48–69 a night paid by owners |
Pick Rover if…
- You want the most owners searching in your area.
- You want to offer more than boarding, like day care or drop-ins.
- You like knowing what you’ll keep: 80% in most markets.
Pick Wag! if…
- You want a second source of bookings to fill quiet weeks.
- You already walk dogs on Wag and want to add boarding.
Before you board a single dog
- Check your lease or HOA. Some don’t allow pet businesses or extra dogs.
- Check your homeowners or renters policy. Many limit coverage for business activity at home, and app protection programs usually come with limits and exclusions.
- Price for your time, not just the night. Boarding means feeding, walks and being home. Compare it to what your space could earn renting a different way.
Sources: Rover: is Rover free?; Rover: fees and rates in California; Gridwise: Rover pay (2026); EarnifyHub: Rover vs Wag pay (Feb 2026); Wag!: setting your boarding price. Fees and programs change, so confirm in each app before you list.
Questions people ask
Does Rover or Wag pay more for dog boarding?
On Rover you keep 80% of the rate you set in most US markets. Wag doesn’t publish its boarding fee; it says the rate you set is what you receive, while independent reports cite about 20%. On a $500 week, expect about $400 on Rover and $400–500 on Wag.
What does it cost to join Rover?
Rover charges a one-time $49–79 profile review fee, depending on your location.
Can I list on both Rover and Wag?
Yes. Many sitters do, and keep one calendar so they don’t double-book.
Do I need insurance to board dogs at home?
Check your homeowners or renters policy first. Many limit business use at home, and the apps’ protection programs have their own limits and exclusions.