We tested every major dog walking software platform so you don't have to. Here's an honest breakdown of pricing, features, and which one is best for your business.
Side-by-side overview of pricing, features, and what each platform does best.
| Software | Category | Price | Scheduling | Invoicing | AI Receptionist | Auto Marketing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeyDogWalker AI | AI Receptionist | $29/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Solo walkers who want to grow |
| Time To Pet | Scheduling Tool | From $25/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Growing teams (5+ staff) |
| Scout | Scheduling Tool | From $29/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Brand-conscious businesses |
| Scritches | Scheduling Tool | Free–$15/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Budget solo walkers |
| Rover Pro | Marketplace | 20% commission | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | New walkers needing clients |
| Wag | Marketplace | 40% commission | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Side-hustle walkers |
| PetSitClick | Scheduling Tool | From $24.99/mo | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Admin-heavy businesses |
The cheapest tool isn't always the most affordable. Here's what you're really paying.
Every tool above can schedule walks. Only HeyDogWalker makes sure you never miss the call that leads to the walk. That's the difference between a $25/mo calendar and a $29/mo business operator.
HeyDogWalker is the only dog walking software with a built-in AI receptionist that answers client inquiries 24/7. While you're out on walks, the AI handles new booking requests, answers pricing questions, and checks your availability in real time — no missed calls, no lost leads.
The platform includes everything a solo walker or small team needs: online booking pages, customizable service pricing (with multi-dog surcharges and recurring discounts), availability management, and a professional dashboard. But what sets it apart is the AI layer. Studies show 30-40% of calls to solo dog walkers go unanswered. Each missed call is a $25-75 lost booking. HeyDogWalker eliminates that problem entirely.
Setup takes about 2 minutes. You get a branded booking page (/walker/your-name) that you can share on Google Business Profile, social media, or business cards. No technical skills required.
Time To Pet is the most popular dog walking software, trusted by 4,000+ pet care businesses worldwide. It's a full-featured platform designed for companies that have outgrown spreadsheets and need real team management tools.
The scheduling system is deep — repeating appointments, route optimization, staff assignment, and GPS tracking on every walk. Client management includes visit report cards with photos, automated invoicing, and a dedicated client portal. If you run a team of 5+ walkers, Time To Pet has the operational depth you need.
The trade-off? It can feel overwhelming for solo walkers. The feature set is built for companies managing dozens of staff and hundreds of clients. If you're a one-person operation, you may end up paying for features you'll never use.
HeyDogWalker's AI receptionist answers every inquiry 24/7 for $29/mo. ROI-positive from day one.
Start Free Trial →Scout positions itself as the "modern" alternative to Time To Pet, with a focus on clean design and custom branding. The client-facing app looks polished and professional, which helps if your brand is a big part of how you win clients.
Automated billing is Scout's standout feature. Once configured, invoices go out on schedule, payments are collected automatically, and late reminders are sent without you lifting a finger. The admin side is designed to run itself, which is exactly what busy business owners want.
The downside is customer support, which gets mixed reviews. Some users report slow response times and occasional bugs in the mobile app. For a tool that manages your entire business, reliable support is critical.
Scritches is the most affordable option for solo dog walkers, offering a free plan and paid tiers starting at just $15/mo. It covers the basics — scheduling, client management, and invoicing — without the complexity of enterprise-grade tools.
The interface is clean and simple, designed specifically for one-person operations. You won't find team management or GPS tracking, but if you just need to schedule walks, send invoices, and keep client records organized, Scritches gets the job done at a fraction of the cost.
The limitation is growth. Once you need advanced features like route optimization, automated billing, or a client-facing app, you'll outgrow Scritches quickly. Think of it as a great starting point, not a long-term solution.
Rover isn't traditional software — it's a marketplace that connects dog walkers with pet owners. The biggest advantage? Clients come to you. Rover has millions of pet owners searching for walkers, so you get bookings without marketing.
The platform handles scheduling, payments, GPS tracking, and even offers the Rover Guarantee (insurance). For someone just starting out with zero clients, Rover is the fastest path to your first bookings.
The catch is the 20% commission. On a $30 walk, Rover keeps $6. Do 5 walks a day, 5 days a week, and that's $600/month going to Rover. You also don't own the client relationship — they're Rover's clients, not yours. That makes it hard to build a sustainable independent business.
Unlike marketplaces that take 20-40% commission, HeyDogWalker charges a flat $29/mo. Book 2 extra walks and it pays for itself.
Start Free Trial →Wag is an on-demand dog walking marketplace — think Uber for dog walking. Pet owners request a walk, and nearby walkers can pick it up. It's built for convenience, not for building a dog walking business.
The app is polished and well-known. GPS tracking, photo updates, and in-app payments are all built in. Wag provides insurance through the Wag Guarantee and handles all the client-facing logistics.
The problem is the 40% commission — the highest in the industry. On a $30 walk, you keep $18. That's fine for side income, but it's nearly impossible to build a profitable full-time business at those rates. Combine that with no control over your schedule (walks are first-come-first-served) and it's clear Wag is built for gig workers, not business owners.
PetSitClick is a traditional pet care business software built in Toronto, Canada. Its standout feature is the integrated accounting suite — billing, invoicing, payment processing, and financial reporting are all built in without needing external tools like QuickBooks.
The software covers scheduling, client management, and staff coordination. Pricing is tiered by team size: $24.99/mo for solo walkers, $34.99/mo for 2-5 walkers, and $49.99/mo for unlimited staff. It's straightforward and does the job.
The interface is functional but dated compared to newer competitors. There's no GPS tracking, no client-facing mobile app, and the design feels like it was built a few years ago. If accounting features are your top priority and you don't mind a less polished experience, PetSitClick is a solid budget choice.
There's no single "best" software — it depends on where you are in your business. Here's the shortcut:
Get a professional booking page and AI receptionist from day one. Never miss a lead while you build your client base.
When you have 5+ walkers, you need deep scheduling, staff management, and client portals. TTP is the standard.
Start getting bookings immediately through Rover's marketplace. Transition to your own software once you have regulars.
A one-page PDF with all 7 tools side-by-side. Print it, share it, or save it for later.
Every other tool on this list is a calendar. HeyDogWalker is a business operator — it answers calls, books walks, requests reviews, and runs your ads. The $29/mo pays for itself after one saved booking.
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