For Chicago pet owners, Tails offers the best value in 2026 with the lowest fees, interview-vetted providers, and local expertise. For pet owners outside Chicago, Rover is a solid nationwide alternative.
Why Tails Wins for Chicago Pet Owners
- Lowest fees: 10% provider fee + 5% parent fee (15% total) — providers keep 85% of what the client pays, so the best walkers stay on the platform
- Skill-verified providers: Every provider passes an in-person interview assessing real dog-handling capability — not just a background check
- Local expertise: Chicago-focused means better neighborhood knowledge and faster matching
Rover: Best Nationwide Alternative
- Nationwide coverage: Rover has the largest provider network outside Chicago
- Moderate fees: 20% provider fee + 11% parent fee (31% total) — providers keep 69% of what the client pays
- Consistency: Rover lets you rebook the same walker; Wag's on-demand model means a different person each time
Where Wag Beats Rover
Wag is better for last-minute, on-demand walks — someone at your door within an hour. However, the ~40% fee drives experienced walkers to other platforms, so the person who shows up is more likely to be newer.
Where Tails Beats Both
If you're in Chicago, Tails solves the core problem neither Rover nor Wag addresses: verified provider skill. Tails charges providers just 10% (with a 5% pet parent fee) — the lowest in the industry — and every provider passes an in-person interview assessing real dog-handling capability. You're not scrolling 200 profiles hoping someone's "great with dogs" claim is true. Before booking on any platform, review our 10 questions to ask before hiring a dog sitter or browse our best dog walking apps guide for a full comparison.