Wag Commission Explained: How Much Does Wag Take From Dog Walkers?

If you’ve ever wondered Wag commission and how it impacts your earnings as a dog walker, you’re not alone. The platform promises a steady flow of gigs, but the fee structure can feel like a mystery. This guide walks you through every line item, shows real‑world calculations, and even compares Wag with its biggest rival, Rover, so you know exactly what you’ll keep in your pocket.

What is Wag?

Wag is a pet‑care marketplace that connects dog owners with professional walkers, sitters, and trainers. Launched in 2015, the app handles booking, payment processing, and insurance, letting walkers focus on the walks themselves. Wag’s platform simplifies the logistics of running a freelance dog‑walking business. The service is popular in most U.S. cities and has expanded into Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe.

How Wag’s Fee Structure Works

Wag takes a cut in two places: a base commission on every gig and a processing fee for handling the client’s payment. Both are deducted before the walker sees the payout.

• Commission is a percentage of the total booking amount that goes straight to Wag for providing the platform, marketing, and support. As of October 2025, the standard commission is 20% of the gross fee.
• Payment Processing Fee covers the cost of credit‑card handling and PayPal transfers. Wag charges a flat 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

Both fees are taken out before tips are added, so tips are 100% yours.

Step‑by‑Step Example: Calculating a Walk

1. A client books a 30‑minute walk for $20.
2. Wag applies the 20% commission: $20 × 0.20 = $4.00.
3. The remaining amount is $16.00.
4. Payment processing fee: ( $20 × 0.029 ) + $0.30 ≈ $0.88.
5. Wag subtracts the processing fee from the $16.00, leaving $15.12.
6. If the client adds a $3 tip, the final payout to the walker is $18.12.

In this scenario the walker keeps 75.6% of the original charge, plus any tip. Knowing the exact numbers helps you set realistic rates and decide whether to factor the fees into your advertised price.

Why the Fees Exist

Wag’s commission covers several services that would otherwise be a headache for a solo walker:

• Marketing and client acquisition - Wag spends millions on ads to bring owners to the platform.
• Insurance - Every walk includes a $1 million liability policy, which protects both walker and pet.
• Customer support - 24/7 help desk, dispute resolution, and background checks.
• Technology - The app handles scheduling, GPS tracking, and real‑time updates.

When you compare the cost of building all those tools on your own, the 20% cut can be reasonable for many walkers.

Comparing Wag with Rover

Rover’s lower base commission can look better on paper, but the platform charges a higher processing fee and offers fewer marketing tools for newer walkers. Your choice may hinge on whether you value a larger client base (Wag) or a slightly higher take‑home per walk (Rover).

Tips to Reduce the Impact of Fees

• Bundle services - Offer a “walk + feed” package at a higher price. The commission is still 20%, but the higher total reduces the relative fee.
• Encourage tips - Since tips bypass the commission, a polite reminder after a successful walk can boost earnings.
• Schedule multiple walks per hour - A packed calendar means the fixed $0.30 processing charge is spread over more revenue.
• Cash payments (where allowed) - Some clients prefer paying in cash, which eliminates the processing fee altogether. Check your city’s regulations first.

Common Misconceptions About Wag’s Cut

Many walkers think the 20% commission applies to the tip as well. It does not - the tip is added after all deductions. Another myth is that the fee changes based on the length of a walk. The commission stays flat at 20% regardless of duration; only the total booking amount changes.

What to Watch Out For

Wag occasionally runs promotional periods where the commission drops to 15% for new walkers. These offers are time‑limited and usually require you to maintain a minimum number of completed walks per month. Keep an eye on the app’s email updates so you don’t miss a chance to save.

Bottom Line: Is Wag Worth It?

If you value a steady stream of high‑quality clients, built‑in insurance, and a trusted brand, the 20% cut is a fair trade‑off. For walkers who already have a personal client base and want to keep every penny, a lower‑fee platform or direct bookings might make more sense.