A Rover alternative for pet sitters going independent.
Rover is the leading marketplace for pet sitters and dog walkers, and its 20% fee on every booking is the price of the introduction. If your clients already rebook you and would follow you to your own business, you are paying for an introduction you no longer need. Hotlyne gives owners one live timeline link they open in any browser. No commission, no app for owners, and the first 5 timelines are free.
Side by side
Rover vs. Hotlyne, feature by feature.
| Feature | Rover | Hotlyne |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | A marketplace that matches pet owners with sitters, walkers, and boarders | Independent sitters and walkers who already have their clients |
| What it costs you | 20% service fee deducted from every booking, plus owner-side booking fees | Free for 5 timelines. Pro is $9.99/month, flat |
| Where clients come from | Rover search and reviews. Your profile ranks; the client is Rover’s | You. Referrals, your neighborhood, your own website and marketing |
| Who owns the relationship | Rover. Its terms keep bookings on-platform, and taking them off risks your account | You. Client contact info, payment, and every repeat booking stays in your hands |
| How owners see visits | Messages and photos inside the Rover app | One live timeline link in any browser. No app, no account |
| Payments | Processed by Rover, fees deducted, payout released after the stay | Keep Venmo, Square, or checks. Hotlyne takes no cut |
| Protection and support | Rover Guarantee and 24/7 support covering on-platform bookings | Not included. Keep your own pet-sitter insurance |
| Branding | Your profile, inside Rover’s app | Your name, logo, and website on every timeline (Pro) |
Rover details come from its public website, help center, and sitter fee documentation, checked October 2026. Fees can change; verify current terms before you switch.
Where Rover wins.
If you need clients, the 20% is worth it. Start there.
- You’re starting out and need a stream of owners finding you in search.
- You want reviews stacked on a profile pet owners already trust.
- You want the Rover Guarantee and 24/7 support behind every booking.
- You’d rather not handle payments, scheduling, and no-shows yourself.
Where Hotlyne wins.
If your regulars chose you, not the marketplace, Hotlyne fits the shape of your own business.
- Zero commission. At $500 a week in bookings, you keep about $5,000 more a year.
- Owners open one link in any browser. No Rover app, no account, nothing to install.
- The timeline updates live: arrival, walk, feedings, meds, photos as they happen.
- You own the relationship. Contact info, repeat bookings, and referrals stay yours.
- Free for 5 timelines. Pro, with your branding and photos, is $9.99/month.
FAQ
Questions sitters ask before they switch.
- My clients found me on Rover. Can I keep them if I leave?
Rover keeps bookings and messaging on its platform, so there is no client list to export. Owners who trust you rebook you wherever you work. Collect references and screenshots of your reviews before your last stay, so you have proof to show new owners.
- What do I use for updates once I am on my own?
One live timeline link per visit. Owners open it in any browser and watch the walk, feedings, and meds as you log them. No app on their phone, no account.
- When is staying on Rover the better choice?
If you still need new clients each month, stay. The 20% fee buys search traffic, stacked reviews, and the Rover Guarantee. It stops paying for itself once your calendar is full of regulars who would follow you anywhere.
- Do owners need an app or an account?
No. You text the link and they open it in any browser. Anyone they share it with can follow along, no accounts needed.
- What about payments?
Handle them however you already do: Venmo, Square, checks. Hotlyne takes no cut and does not process payments. A flat subscription instead of a percentage.
- How much does Hotlyne cost?
Nothing to start. 5 active timelines free, no credit card. Pro is $9.99/month for photos, branding, and up to 1,000 timelines.
Start for free. Upgrade as you grow.
Everything you need for your first 5 timelines, on us. No credit card required.
Free
Perfect for getting started and building trust with your first clients.
- Up to 5 active timelines
- Unlimited timeline sharing
- Browser notifications
- 2 timeline templates
- Company branding
- Image attachments
- Template sharing with partners
Pro
For pros who want to scale their business and custom branding.
- Up to 1,000 timelines
- Unlimited timeline sharing
- Browser notifications
- Unlimited timeline templates
- Custom company branding
- Image attachments
- Template sharing with partners
Keep the client. Keep the rate.
Five timelines are free, no credit card. Share one link at your next visit and see what changes.