How to Build a Pet Care App Like Rover?

In today’s fast-moving world, pet owners often look for trusted people to take care of their furry friends. That’s where pet care apps like Rover come in. These apps help pet parents find dog walkers, pet sitters, and even boarding services right from their phones. With just a few taps, users can book trusted caregivers and track their pets in real time. The success of Rover shows how big the demand for pet care services has become.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global pet care market is expected to reach $232.14 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 5.1% each year. Apps like Rover are a part of this growth, making it easier for pet lovers to care for their animals. If you’re thinking about creating an app like Rover, now is a great time. Let’s understand what steps you need to take to build a successful pet care app.

What Is an App Like Rover?

An app like Rover connects pet owners with pet care service providers such as dog walkers, sitters, groomers, and trainers. It allows users to browse profiles, read reviews, book services, and make payments online. These apps offer real-time tracking, in-app messaging, and photo updates so pet parents can stay connected with their pets even when they’re away.

Apps like Rover are built to solve the everyday challenges of pet care. They create a safe and trusted community for both pet owners and service providers. Building an app like Rover means you are creating a platform that offers convenience, trust, and love for pets, all in one place.

Why Is There a Growing Demand for Pet Care Apps?

The pet care industry is booming. A big reason is that more people are owning pets. In the U.S. alone, over 66% of households have pets, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Pet owners are also spending more on their animals, including food, toys, grooming, and professional care.

Busy lifestyles and frequent travel make it harder for people to take care of their pets all the time. Apps like Rover fill this gap by offering pet care services at home or nearby. This demand has pushed the pet care app market to grow quickly. Rover alone made over $500 million in revenue in 2023. This shows a strong need for such platforms and the potential to earn well from them.

Key Features You Should Include in a Pet Care App Like Rover 

To make your pet care app successful, you need to offer features that solve real problems for pet owners and service providers. Let’s look at each important feature in detail:

1. User Registration and Profile Management

A smooth sign-up process helps users get started quickly. Include options like signing up via email, phone number, or social media accounts. Once signed in, users should be able to create detailed profiles. Pet owners can add their name, address, pet details (like breed, age, and health info), and photos. Service providers can include their experience, certifications, services offered, availability, and pricing. Verified profiles build trust and encourage more bookings.

2. Service Listings and Custom Packages

Pet sitters, walkers, or trainers should be able to create detailed service listings. Each listing must show the service type (walking, sitting, grooming), duration, location, rate, and available time slots. Some providers may also want to offer custom packages—for example, discounts for weekly bookings or holiday stays. These listings give users a clear idea of what’s being offered and help them make better choices.

3. Advanced Search and Filters

A smart search system allows users to find nearby service providers quickly. Add filters for services, availability, distance, price range, and ratings. You can also include filters for pet type (dog, cat, bird, etc.) or special care needs (puppy care, medication administration). These filters make it easier for users to match with the right caregiver faster.

4. Real-Time Booking and Scheduling

Your app should offer a flexible scheduling system. Users should be able to select the date, time, and duration of the service. Include features like booking confirmation, calendar sync, rescheduling, and cancellations. You can also let users request recurring services (like daily walks). The app should show available time slots based on the service provider’s calendar in real time to avoid conflicts.

5. In-App Chat and Pet Updates

Communication is key when someone else is looking after a pet. An in-app chat feature allows pet owners and sitters to talk securely without sharing personal numbers. Pet sitters can also send photos, videos, or quick updates through the chat feature during walks or visits. This builds trust and makes pet parents feel more connected to their pets.

6. Live GPS Tracking

For dog-walking services, GPS tracking is an essential feature. Pet owners can view the real-time location of the dog during the walk. Some apps also show walking routes, total distance, and time spent walking. This feature gives peace of mind and shows transparency.

7. Secure Payment Integration

A pet care app must include secure and flexible payment options. Integrate trusted payment gateways that support credit/debit cards, wallets, or even PayPal. Allow users to pay directly through the app after a service is completed or during booking. You can also enable tipping, discount codes, or reward points for frequent users.

8. Review and Rating System

Feedback helps improve services and build credibility. After every booking, users should be able to rate the service provider and write a short review. Ratings help future users choose trusted providers and motivate caregivers to offer better services.

9. Push Notifications and Alerts

Keep users updated with timely push notifications. Alerts for booking confirmations, reminders, chat messages, and service updates are essential. You can also use this feature for promotions, special offers, or app news.

10. Admin Dashboard

The admin panel is the control center for the app. Admins can manage users, providers, bookings, payments, and disputes. It should also include analytics to track performance metrics, like most booked services, revenue, and user activity. This dashboard helps maintain smooth operations and ensure quality control across the platform.

Steps to Build an App Like Rover

Creating a pet care app from idea to launch involves several important steps. Let’s break down the entire development process:

1. Conduct Market Research

Start by understanding your target audience. Who are your users—busy professionals, frequent travelers, or elderly pet owners? What pet services are in demand in your location? Study your competitors like Rover, Wag!, and PetBacker. Look at what features they offer, what users love, and what they complain about. This research will help you identify gaps in the market and shape your unique app idea.

2. Define Your Business Model

Decide how your app will make money. There are several proven models:

• Commission-Based: Take a percentage from each transaction between pet owners and service providers.

• Subscription Plans: Offer a monthly plan with added features for providers or premium services for users.

• In-App Ads: Promote pet-related products or services.

• Freemium Model: Offer basic features for free and charge for premium features.

Choose a model that fits your vision and provides steady income.

3. Choose the Right Development Team

You need a team that understands both mobile app development and user behavior. This includes:

• UI/UX designers

• Mobile app developers (iOS & Android)

• Backend developers

• QA testers

• Project managers
  

Hiring a professional app development company can help you bring your idea to life faster and more efficiently.

4. Plan the App Architecture and Features

Create a wireframe or mockup to visualize the app’s flow and design. Decide which features to include in the first version (MVP). Focus on the core features like profile creation, service booking, chat, GPS, and payment. This helps you launch faster and test your idea with real users.

5. Develop the App

The development phase includes coding the front-end (what users see) and back-end (server-side logic). Make sure the app is fast, secure, and works well on different devices. Build both the user side and the service provider side. Also, set up the admin dashboard to manage app activities.

6. Test the App Thoroughly

Before launching, test every feature of the app. Check for bugs, slow load times, or crashes. Test the app on different devices and networks. Also, do user testing with a small group to get feedback on design and usability. Fix all issues before the public launch.

7. Launch the App

Publish the app on platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Prepare a strong app listing with screenshots, descriptions, and keywords. Promote the launch through social media, pet communities, and influencer marketing to reach your target audience.

8. Promote and Market the App

After launch, focus on marketing. Use digital ads, SEO, email campaigns, and partnerships with pet shops or vet clinics. Encourage word-of-mouth referrals and reward users who invite friends. Keep a strong online presence on Instagram, Facebook, and pet-related blogs.

9. Gather Feedback and Update Regularly

Monitor reviews, user feedback, and performance data. This will help you find areas to improve. Regular updates with new features, bug fixes, or seasonal offers will keep users engaged and satisfied.

Cost to Build a Pet Care App Like Rover

The cost to build an app like Rover depends on many things, such as features, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and development team rates. On average, a basic pet care app may cost between $30,000 to $70,000. A more advanced app with real-time tracking, in-app chat, and smart search features can cost up to $150,000 or more.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• UI/UX Design: $5,000 - $10,000
  

• Front-end & Back-end Development: $25,000 - $60,000
  

• Admin Dashboard: $5,000 - $15,000
  

• Testing & QA: $5,000 - $10,000
  

• Marketing & Launch: $5,000 - $20,000
  

You can save costs by starting with an MVP and adding more features over time.

How Do Apps Like Rover Make Money?

Monetizing an app like Rover is simple if you plan well. Here are a few ways these apps earn:

• Commission Model: Take a small percentage from each booking. This is the most popular method.
  

• Subscription Plans: Offer premium plans for more features or higher visibility to service providers.
  

• In-App Advertising: Earn money by showing ads for pet food, grooming tools, or vet clinics.
  

• Service Charges: Add small service fees for instant bookings or top-rated caregivers.

By combining a few of these, your app can have multiple sources of income.

Final Thought 

Creating a pet care app like Rover is a smart idea in today’s pet-loving world. With the pet care industry growing rapidly and more people treating pets like family, the demand for trusted and easy-to-use pet care services is only going up. Apps like Rover have shown that if you provide value, safety, and convenience, pet parents will keep coming back.

If you want to build a successful app like Rover, focus on user needs, add important features, and offer a great experience for both pet owners and caregivers. Start small, test your idea, and keep improving based on feedback. The key is to build trust and create a loving pet care community.

Now is the best time to enter this space. With the right team and idea, your app can become the next big name in pet care services. So take the first step and bring your pet care app idea to life!