Choosing between Rover, Wag, and TrustedHousesitters in 2026 depends on your priorities—cost, convenience, safety, and provider quality.
Key Differences
- Rover: 20% provider fee + 11% pet parent fee (31% total). Providers keep 69% of what the client pays. Broad network, insurance included, strong photo/GPS tracking
- Wag: ~40% provider fee (highest cost). Providers keep ~60%. On-demand walks, insurance included, GPS tracking standard
- TrustedHousesitters: Annual membership ($129–$259), no per-booking fees, but no insurance or background checks
- Tails: 10% provider fee + 5% pet parent fee (15% total). Providers keep 85% of what the client pays. Interview-vetted providers, insurance included, Chicago-focused
Who Should Use What?
Use Rover for reliable on-demand care nationwide with moderate fees. Use Wag for last-minute walks if you're willing to pay premium fees. Use TrustedHousesitters if you travel frequently and prefer home exchanges over paid services. Use Tails for affordable, vetted care with local expertise.
Safety & Vetting
Rover and Wag require background checks but minimal interviews. TrustedHousesitters relies on member reviews with no formal vetting. Tails combines background checks with in-person interviews to ensure provider quality. For a deeper look at how these apps compare on vetting, pricing, and features, see our complete guide to dog walking apps.