How Much Does it Cost to Build an On-Demand Dog Walking App Like Wag or Rover?

Owning a pet dog seems like a fascinating idea; however, it’s not as easy as it looks. Having a pet is similar to raising a baby, where you have to take care of all its needs, including food, health, hygiene, and its daily walk. In a world where people increasingly adopt digital convenience, there’s also a growing demand for dog walking apps like Rover or Wag.

The dog walking and pet sitting market is a growing industry, with projections estimating the global market size to reach around $5.14 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2025 to 2030.

The dog walking app is a massive hit, as delegating a significant responsibility to a trusted resource is a sense of relief. In today’s guide, we will explore the importance of creating on-demand dog walking apps and other pet care apps. We will focus on the benefits of pet care app development and the key cost considerations to take into account when creating one.

Why to Invest in Dog Walking App?

The animal and pet care industry has grown massively in the past decade. According to one of the studies by gminsights.com, the pet care industry was already around 223 US billion dollars in 2019. It is expected to grow by 5.9% in the next 6 years (2020-2026).

Technology today has played a significant role in the growth of the pet care industry. People can keep an eye on their pets without being there with the help of various gadgets and dog care apps that are available in the market.

People choose dog walking apps like wag or rover to appoint dogwalkers online. Similarly, apart from dog walking, other apps that are related to nutrition, pet sitting, hygiene, and health of the pets are in high demand.

To acknowledge this statement, here are some of the facts that advocate the same.

• In today’s time, around 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are pets.
• 44% of households in the USA have a dog.
• 85 million families in the USA have at least one pet.

Thus, it is very evident that the animal care industry is growing because of technological enhancements. The growing number of pet owners today is why pet care app development has a bright future. Let us now focus on why dog walking apps are the favorites of all in the pet care industry particularly.

Most Recommended: How to Build a Pet Care App? 

 

Functional Model of Dog Walking App

The dog walking apps have gained popularity recently in the mobile age. The changing technology and people’s dependency on the internet have also affected pet care. 

People find the dog walking app to be a convenient way of shifting their responsibility for the dog walking routine to trusted sources. These apps track the location of the dogs, providing users with details about dog walkers, walking times, and payments.

Below is the standard functional model of a dog walking app or dog walker app.

Let us know each of these in detail as follows-

• Register

The registration on the app, both for the user and dog walker, is very convenient. Simply register with email credentials, phone number, or social media platforms and get on board.

Applicants for the dog walker position must provide their personal information, including name, age, profession, and contact details.

Likewise, the person interested in dog walking services fills in the owner’s name, contact details, and the dog’s name and age. breed, health report, etc.

The registration allows them to sign up, fill in details, and build their profile.

• Schedule Walk

After all the profile setting up and registration, it is time to get connected with the suitable dog walker just like you do in the online taxi booking app.

In the dog walking app, the owner of a dog is shown options of different dog walkers that are available in the nearby areas and match the owner’s requirements.

Upon selecting a walker, the system schedules the walking time, including the estimated walking duration, walking location, and the pickup time for the dog walk.

This avoids chaos and confusion about when and where to meet a dog walker for taking the dog out on a walk.

• Dog walking

The on-demand dog walking is complete once all necessary information is provided to the dog owner, including the dog walker’s ratings, the chosen walking track, and the estimated return time.

Many apps also offer live tracking, similar to what you find in online food delivery apps, allowing you to see the route taken by a delivery person. 

• Payments

The payment is either done through post-payment or prepaid plans that are already in the app. The dog walking plan subscriptions can be cancelled, or you can opt to pay daily as needed.

For payments, the standard payment gateways are enabled along with OTPs for payment security. E-wallets like Amazon Pay and Google Pay are also becoming a popular source of payments. Thus, these are also included with cash on delivery and standard online payment gateways.

Top Features to Include in Dog Walking App Like Wag

Now, as we know, what are the basic things that happen in a dog walking app? There are multiple features that you can consider for your dog walker app. Let’s learn: 

1. Pet Owner Panel Features

A dog walking app for pet owners should focus on convenience, safety, and transparency.

• Easy Registration & Profile Setup: Quick sign-up with pet details, preferences, and medical needs.

• Search & Book Walkers: Pet owners can browse profiles, check ratings, and book trusted walkers.

• Real-Time GPS Tracking: Track your dog’s walk live on the map for peace of mind.

• Secure Payments: Multiple payment options, including cards, wallets, and subscriptions.

• Push Notifications: Alerts for walk start, end, and updates during the walk.

Reviews & Ratings: Share feedback and check walker reliability before booking.

2. Dog Walker Panel Features

A dog walker app panel should empower walkers with tools to manage jobs efficiently.

• Profile Creation & Verification: Upload details, certifications, and complete background checks.
• Job Requests & Scheduling: Accept or decline walk requests and manage availability.
• In-App Navigation: GPS and route optimization for efficient dog walking.
• Earnings Dashboard: Track completed walks, income, and payouts.
• In-App Chat with Owners: Communicate directly for special instructions.
• Walk History & Reports: View past jobs and performance ratings.

3. Admin Panel Features

The admin dashboard for a dog walking app ensures smooth operations and platform management.

• User & Walker Management: Monitor profiles, approvals, and verification.

• Booking & Payments Control: Manage walk requests, payments, and commission tracking.

• Advanced Analytics: Insights into active users, earnings, and service demand.

• Dispute Resolution: Handle complaints, refunds, and safety issues.

• Promotions & Discounts: Run marketing campaigns and loyalty rewards.

• Content & Notification Management: Control app content, send push alerts, and update policies.

Step-by-Step Development Process of Dog Walking App Like Wag or Rover

Following, we’ve listed a step-by-step guide to build a dog walking app like Rover or Wag. Let’s learn:

Step 1: Conduct Market Research and Competitor Analysis

The first step in building a dog walking app like Wag is to research the market and study your competitors. Apps such as Rover, Barkly Pets, and Pawshake already dominate the industry, so you need to identify gaps and opportunities. Understanding pet owners’ pain points—like scheduling flexibility, safety concerns, or affordability—will help you design unique features that stand out. This groundwork ensures your dog walking app is tailored to real customer needs.

Step 2: Define Core Features and Functionality

Once you know your market, the next step is to decide on the must-have features of a dog walking app. Core features should include user sign-up, walker profiles, booking and scheduling, GPS tracking, and secure payments. To build trust and engagement, add real-time photo updates, in-app chat, and reviews or ratings. Including safety features like background checks and insurance coverage can also give your app a competitive edge, making it as reliable as apps like Wag and Rover.

Step 3: Design an Intuitive UI/UX

The success of an on-demand dog walking app depends heavily on how easy it is to use. Your UI/UX design should be simple, clean, and intuitive so that pet owners can book services in just a few taps. Think about features like quick scheduling buttons, map-based tracking, and push notifications for reminders. By prioritizing user-friendly design, you can increase engagement and customer satisfaction, which are crucial in a competitive market.

Step 4: Develop the MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

With the design in place, the next step is dog walking app development like Wag or Rover. Start with an MVP that includes only the essential features like registration, booking, GPS tracking, and payments. This allows you to launch quickly, test the app with real users, and gather feedback before scaling. Using modern app development frameworks ensures faster development, better scalability, and cost-efficiency. An MVP approach saves time and money while validating your business idea.

Step 5: Integrate Advanced Features for Scalability

Once your MVP is live and tested, you can start adding advanced features to make your app more competitive. These could include subscription plans, in-app wallets, instant match with available walkers, AI-based route optimization, or even wearable integrations for dogs. Advanced features not only enhance user experience but also open up new revenue streams, making your dog walking app like Wag more profitable in the long run.

Step 6: Test for Quality and Security

Testing is a critical stage in developing a pet care and dog walking app. Your app should undergo functional, usability, and security testing to ensure smooth performance across Android and iOS devices. Features like real-time tracking and payments must be thoroughly tested to avoid errors or breaches. A bug-free and secure app builds trust with users, which is especially important when dealing with pet safety and financial transactions.

Step 7: Launch and Market Your Dog Walking App

After testing, it’s time to launch your Uber-like dog walking app on Google Play and the App Store. A strong marketing plan is key to attracting both pet owners and walkers. Use social media ads, influencer collaborations, and referral programs to spread the word. Highlight your unique features—such as safety measures or subscription models—to stand out. Continuous updates and customer support will also help retain users and build loyalty.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Dog Walking App Like Wag or Rover?

The cost to build a dog walking app like Wag depends on several factors, including project complexity, features & functionalities, UX/UI design, tech stack, and more. However, the dog walking app development cost ranges from $10,000  to $30,000. The budget is directly proportional to the integration of features and functionality. 

Building a basic dog walking app will cost you less than developing an advanced, fully-functional one. However, you can also opt for the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) approach, which gives you the freedom to build a dog walker app with basic features & functionalities and launch it in the market. After testing the market, you can reach out to investors for funding to develop your fully-fledged dog walker application.

Get more details about your app development cost here.

Top Dog Walking Apps Like Uber for Dog Walkers in 2025

1. Rover

• Overview: Rover is one of the most popular pet care apps, often called the “Uber for dog walkers.” It connects pet owners with trusted walkers, sitters, and boarders.

• Features:

  • On-demand booking for walks, boarding, and daycare

  • GPS tracking of walks

  • Photo and video updates

  • 24/7 customer support

• Cost: Walkers set their own rates; typically $15–$25 per 30-minute walk. Rover takes a service fee (~20%).

2. GoodPup

• Overview: While mainly a dog training app, GoodPup also offers trusted dog walking services in some regions, making it a versatile option for pet owners.

• Features:

  • Book professional dog trainers and walkers

  • One-on-one video training sessions

  • In-app messaging with trainers/walkers

  • Safety and health tips for dogs

• Cost: Training starts around $30/week; dog walking prices vary depending on the city.

3. Barkly Pets

• Overview: Known for professional dog walkers, Barkly Pets focuses on quality and reliability, ideal for busy pet parents.

• Features:

  • Walk scheduling through the app

  • Detailed walk reports with notes and pictures

  • Insurance coverage for pets

• Cost: Starts at $15–$20 per walk, depending on city.

4. PetBacker

• Overview: A global app for pet services, including dog walking, grooming, and boarding.

• Features:

  • Wide range of pet services beyond walking

  • In-app chat with sitters/walkers

  • Reviews and ratings for trust-building

• Cost: Varies by service; walks usually $10–$25.

5. Pawshake

• Overview: Popular in Europe, Pawshake connects pet parents with local, verified pet sitters and walkers.

• Features:

  • Flexible booking for walks, home visits, and overnight stays

  • Insurance included for bookings

  • Photo updates from walkers

• Cost: Walks typically range from $15–$30.

How Dog Walking Apps Make Money?

Let’s discuss in detail how dog walking apps like Wag or Rover make money:

1. Commission on Each Booking

The most common revenue model is charging a service commission on every walk or service booked. Apps like Rover or Wag take 15–25% per transaction, ensuring steady income as bookings grow.

2. Subscription Plans for Pet Owners

Many dog walking apps offer premium or monthly subscriptions where pet owners pay a fixed fee for benefits like discounted walk rates, priority booking, or unlimited services.

3. Featured Listings for Walkers

Dog walkers can pay extra to get highlighted profiles or priority placement in search results, helping them attract more clients while generating income for the platform.

4. In-App Advertisements

The app can partner with pet care brands, food companies, or accessory providers to display targeted ads, creating an additional stream of revenue without affecting user experience.

5. Value-Added Services

Extra services such as pet grooming, vet consultations, pet training, and insurance coverage can be offered within the app at a premium price, giving owners more convenience and the app more revenue.

6. Partnerships & Collaborations

Collaborating with local pet shops, vet clinics, and pet product companies allows the app to earn commissions on referrals or sales, expanding its earning potential.

How Apptunix Will Help You Build a Dog Walking App Like Wag or Rover?

At Apptunix, we specialize in developing custom on-demand apps that combine innovation, scalability, and user-friendly design. If you are planning to build a dog walking app like Wag or Rover, our team ensures that your app not only matches but surpasses industry standards. We start with a detailed market analysis and competitor research to identify unique opportunities for your business.

Our UI/UX designers craft intuitive interfaces so pet owners and dog walkers can easily navigate the app. At the same time, our skilled developers integrate advanced features like real-time GPS tracking, secure payments, live notifications, reviews & ratings, and subscription models.

What sets Apptunix apart is our ability to create customized solutions. Whether you want to add insurance integration, loyalty rewards, or AI-based route optimization, we tailor the app to meet your exact requirements. We also provide end-to-end services—from wireframing, development, and testing to post-launch support and app marketing strategies—ensuring your platform is successful long after launch.

With a proven track record in on-demand app development and a strong portfolio in industries like pet care, logistics, healthcare, and marketplaces, Apptunix is the trusted partner to bring your idea to life. By choosing us, you’re not just building an app—you’re creating a profitable dog walking business ecosystem that connects pet owners and walkers seamlessly while generating multiple revenue streams.

Suppose you’re ready to launch the next big dog walking app like Wag or Rover. In that case, Apptunix will help you with scalable technology, attractive designs, and powerful features to dominate the pet care industry.