House Sitting Ames
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 413 pet parents in Ames have booked house sitting
Ames, Find top rated house sitting
Prices are estimates per night. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“I was in need of 'in my home' doggy care three consecutive times within a two month span and didn't really want to "train" multiple sitters. Brianna was able to take the first and third times but offered to show her college age sister how to take care of Lacie. Sister Alyssa took good care of Lacie most recently. Thank you so much for caring for my spoiled fur baby!”
“Hailey did a wonderful job with our high energy Border Collie, taking her for short walks & playing fetch with her in the hot weather! Highly recommend her! Would hire her again!”
About: I have had animals my entire life and have experience caring for dogs, cats, and many other animals. I am very comfortable around animals of all sizes and personalities and understand that every pet has their own routine and needs. I have trained my own dogs in basic commands such as sit, lay down, shake, fetch, and kennel. I also have experience fostering cats, including caring for expecting mothers and raising their kittens until they were ready to be adopted. Having cared for so many different animals over the years, I know how important it is to have someone you can trust to treat your pets with patience, attention, and lots of love while you're away. I am currently a full-time student but have a flexible schedule. I am typically free all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays and am on and off campus on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I live in a quiet neighborhood with very few dogs in the area, which provides a calm and comfortable environment for pets. Pets are never left outside alone and will always be supervised while in my care. I can easily crate your dog if needed and am happy to follow any routines or instructions you provide. I also have roommates who love animals and are always excited to have another furry friend in the house.
About: I have taken care of high-maintenance dogs for 6 years now! I have had 2 dogs, 1 miniature schnauzer and one bichon frise. My schnauzer was a rescue. As she got older, she grew blind and needed eye drops twice a day, medicine twice a day, and eventually food substitutes. My bichon frise was also a rescue, and was described with CDB ( canine dysfunctional behavior). This is what they use to describe dogs with autism-like behaviors. With him, I had to be sure I didn’t get in his face, make loud noises, or expose him to high-stress environments. I put in a lot of work to ensure they lived their best lives, and I would absolutely give the same care to your babies! I am a current cosmetology student. I am at school 9-4 Monday-Friday. I don’t currently have a job outside of school, so I am completely free outside of class! I currently live in a pet friendly apartment. People are always taking the dogs on walks around my neighborhood, and there is a nice pond with lots of room to roam around! I also have a front door leading straight outside, so your dog wouldn’t have to face staircases or hallways.
About: I have taken care of dogs since I was 12. All kinds of dogs are loved by me☺️. Dogs bond with me very quick🤗. My friends and family always relies on me to take care of a dog🥰 I am working part time. And I am a student so classes are mostly online I am free most of the time and am at home. I will give them food on time and of course the balcony at my place is fenced. Rest I give all my love to dogs.
About: I have cared for animals ever since I can remember. I am a huge animal lover so I had/have a lot of different pets: Cats, dogs, a ferret, hamsters, lizards, and fish! I am going into junior year for college as a double major in Biology and Animal Ecology. I was involved in an animal training class for two semester where I helped/observed dog training. I was a Kennel Attendant for 3 months at an Animal Hospital, have interned there for 2 Summers, and am working as a veterinary assistant this Summer! I am working part time as a Veterinary Assistant at an animal clinic during school breaks. I’m available to care for your pets for many weekends and weekdays after my classes since I don’t have a part time job at school. I am available for feeding, walking, and giving your pet lots of attention (if they seem ok with it)! And I will make sure to fulfill all of your pets needs.
“Grace was fantastic. She stayed with my three dogs for ten days and sent pictures and updates on everyone. Great at communicating and left the home in great order. Will definitely use her services in the future!”
About: I’ve taken care of a range of animals that I think equips me for the kindness, knowledge, and skills to care for your pet. I’ve had many cats and dogs including a lab and a Great Dane. Training them in both in potty training to playing dead. I’m currently a student at ISU but have classes only Tuesday and Thursday till 5 so am open the rest of the week. I don’t have a job yet so free for whenever. I’ve done lots of pet sitting before at other’s homes my home does not accept pets though. I’m very trustworthy and comfortable with the boundaries you may have at your home.
About: I have owned dogs my entire life. I am accustomed to the good, bad, and everything in between when it comes to owning a pet. Some of my dogs in the past have had medical issues of varying sorts, so I am no stranger to strict/detailed feeding. I am also used to walking dogs daily regardless of rain, snow, or sunshine. I'm currently a graduate student so my schedule is a bit random. I am most available in the early mornings or evenings. I'm always in need of a study break though and would be as flexible as possible. My living situation doesn't allow for me to keep your pet with me. However, I'm happy to stop by and either check on your pet or give them a walk!
About: With over 15 years of professional animal care experience and a lifetime of pet ownership, you can be sure that your animal is in great care with me! I have 3 years experience at an animal shelter where I worked with dogs and cats of all sizes and personalities. Additionally, I have experience in basic medical care for animals and would be a great fit for any pets with special needs or medications. I am happy to provide pet sitting while you are out of town or drop in visits for animals that need a little more TLC throughout the work day! I am a current PhD student at Iowa State University. My working hours can be flexible, allowing me to meet the needs of your pets schedule and routine. I care for pets in my clients home based on your preferences and the pet's personality. I enjoy taking my time to get to know each pet as an individual so that I can meet their needs.
About: I have two years of pet care experience and work comfortably with all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. I’m reliable, detail-oriented, and experienced with puppies, seniors, and routine care. My focus is providing safe, consistent, and trustworthy care so your pets feel comfortable while you’re away. I’m a student at Iowa state and have a part time job but my hours are flexible and can work around my schedule if needed I take the time to play with your dogs to get energy out I let them out to go potty and I feed them when needed i try my best to keep them on the routine you have for them
“Amy is absolutely amazing - she consistently goes above and beyond; is always punctual, responsible, and communicative. Our dogs and guinea pigs adore her, and it’s clear how much love and care she puts into every stay. It gives me total peace of mind knowing our fur crew is in such great hands; plus she’s incredibly respectful of our home and is a very tidy guest. I highly recommend Amy to anyone looking for reliable, loving care for their pets. Thank you for everything you do!”
About: I treat every pet like my own. I’m reliable, follow routines, and make sure pets feel comfortable and happy while you’re away. I love my furry friends! I currently am a full time student at Iowa State University although I have free time throughout the day. My time is very flexible, and very free on the weekends. I check in with my pet regularly. While pet sitting for family members and friends I tried to make the pet feel comfortable and happy. additionally, I like to send regular updates to the pet owners so that they feel at ease.
“We’ve had Angie watch our pets for about a year, and we always have a positive experience. We have a couple of special of needs animals, and we recently added an 8 week puppy to the mix. Angie took it all in stride, and it’s comforting knowing we can rely on Angie when we’re away from home.”
“Adrianne took wonderful care of Oliver. She kept us updated and sent pictures throughout the weekend. Oliver has a happy pup when we returned, we will definitely be booking her again!”
“Allison did a great job house sitting and taking care of Dax at the last minute! She sent lots of updates and photos. The house was very clean too! My only issue was the $20 meet n greet fee which I thought would be deducted from the booking once confirmed. Even though her bio says, “to be modified in the final price once a booking is confirmed” I still thought it meant she would take it off the price upon booking, but she adds it no matter whether you book or not. I’ve used Rover for almost 2 years and never had to pay someone to meet. I also pay fees when booking Rover too…. So it’s part of the program. I, too, lose out on my time if someone meets Dax and decides he’s too big or not a good fit for them. I don’t get paid for my time going to job interviews or when I’ve interviewed babysitters…. So just something to consider.”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Ames is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Ames
She did great with my furry crew! This was our first time using a house sitter...She was on time and even texted us so we knew when she would be at our home. She sent pictures and updates and was quick to respond with our texts. We were able to enjoy our time away knowing they were in good hands.
Amiree was an amazing pet sitter for two weeks at our home. Our dog is a bit neurotic (and probably was a bit more than she bargained for) but Amiree was kind and understanding, and tried to keep her routine as close as normal - despite thunderstorms making everything infinitely more difficult. She gave twice daily updates with pictures and left our home exactly as she found it. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an overnight pet sitter.
Trinity did an amazing job pet sitting! She was very responsive and quick to communicate, which gave me a lot of peace of mind. I really appreciated the regular picture updates—it was so nice to see my pet happy and well cared for while I was away. I would definitely trust her again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and caring pet sitter.
Book with peace of mind
- Screened pet sitters have passed a third-party background check and show verified reviews from other pet parents, like you.
- Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 reimbursement for eligible vet care. Learn more
- 24/7 support from the Rover team–here to help if you ever need someone to talk to.
Why Choose Rover?
Cashless payments
Book and pay through Rover’s secured platform—no cash or checks required.
Reservation protection
It doesn’t happen often, but if your sitter has to cancel, we’ll work with you to find a new sitter.
World-class support
We’re friendly, knowledgable, and total pet fanatics. You can get in touch with us anytime.
How to book house sitting
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer house sitting.
2. Meet In Person
Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit.
3. Book & Pay
It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform.
Popular requests for house sitting - Ames
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Ames average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Ames
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Ames is $36 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $26 and $56 per night. On Rover, sitters set their own rates based on factors such as their experience, the length of care, the number of pets, and your pet’s specific needs. As long as your booking dates and pet profiles are accurate, the price shown before you confirm is the total, including any booking fee.
As of October 2026, there are 577 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Ames. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
Beyond belly rubs and feeding schedules, a house sitter’s presence may provide an additional layer of security for your home. However, you will need to arrange overnight stays and other household tasks with your sitter when reaching out to them. Not all sitters offer the same services. Common household tasks you can negotiate include:
- Mail & deliveries: Collecting letters and packages so they don't pile up.
- Plant care: Keeping your indoor or outdoor garden hydrated.
- Trash & recycling: Taking trash cans to the curb on scheduled pickup days.
- Home security: Sitters can stay overnight to keep your home occupied.
The best way to align on expectations is during your free Meet & Greet. Use this time to provide a "home cheat sheet" that includes your preferred Ames walking routes, the location of your favorite pet store, and any specific quirks about your home’s security or appliances.
It’s helpful to think of house sitting as a "home base" service. Most sitters in Ames maintain their normal daily routines, like running errands or heading to the office, meaning your pet should be comfortable being alone for a few hours at a time. If your pet needs a little extra company, here is how to find the perfect match:
- Look for "WFH" sitters: Many sitters mention "Work from Home" on their profile to indicate they’ll be present for the majority of the day.
- Update your pet’s profile: Write down how long your pet can comfortably be left alone. This helps sitters quickly determine if their schedule aligns with your needs.
- Communicate 24/7 needs: Standard house sitting usually doesn't include constant supervision. If your pet requires round-the-clock care, be sure to discuss this upfront.
Tip: Use the Meet & Greet to confirm a sitter's typical "away" windows. Transparency ensures your pet stays happy and your sitter can plan their day effectively!
Key handling is entirely up to you and your sitter to agree on during the Meet & Greet or in the Rover app. Most pet parents in Ames choose to hand over a spare key or digital fob in person, while others arrange a lockbox or unique access code. Don't forget to discuss key returns as well!
The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes 24/7 customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement program for eligible veterinary care in the rare event something goes wrong.
All bookings are backed by the Rover Guarantee, which provides up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care reimbursement.
Every sitter on Rover is required to pass a background check before listing their services. This process confirms their identity and indicates they are not on the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website or have any disqualifying offenses.
Beyond ID checks, you can review each sitter's star rating, read verified reviews from other pet parents, and see how many repeat clients they have. Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care. For more details, visit Rover's Trust & Safety page.
If a health concern arises during a stay, your sitter is instructed to contact you and our Trust & Safety team immediately and, if needed, take your pet to the closest veterinarian. Through our Trust & Safety support team, sitters can ask for diagnostic advice from a qualified veterinary professional if your pet is showing signs of possible illness.
For extra peace of mind, you can also prepare an authorization form for your regular vet. An authorization form outlines your preferred method of care and allows your sitter to bring your pet into their regular clinic.
Every qualified booking made on Rover is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes reimbursement for eligible emergency vet care.
A Meet & Greet is a casual meeting to vet potential sitters and communicate care needs for peace of mind before a booking begins. Only sitters who have never booked with you before can schedule a Meet & Greet on Rover; however, you are welcome to coordinate one in Rover messages with sitters you have previously booked. This can be helpful if you have a new pet or routine you want to go over with your sitter.
Meet & Greets can take place in person or virtually. If you are booking with a sitter for the first time, we recommend in-person Meet & Greets to get a clearer sense of how your sitter interacts with your pet or the new environment.
During the Meet & Greet, you will have a chance to walk through your pet's routine, medical needs, and unique quirks. Take the time to ask your sitter questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. Meet & Greets are a great way to prepare your pet and sitter for longer stays or first-time bookings. Read our tips for your first Meet & Greet.
sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their contact information. Sitters may set a same-day, one-, three-, or seven-day cancellation policy. Cancelling within your sitter’s cancellation policy qualifies you for a full refund.
Same-day cancellations for recurring services, which include walks, drop-ins, and day care, follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for pet boarding and house sitting, if you cancel after 12 pm on the applicable cancellation deadline, you’ll receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for any remaining days.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means you will get a full refund and our support team will work with you to find a replacement sitter.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in Ames. On Rover:
- 90% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 96% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 95% can help with daily exercise
You can also find pet sitters on Rover who accept only one pet at a time, which is ideal for anxious puppies, kittens, or senior pets who move at a gentler pace. Some sitters will also list availability for 24/7 care, also known as constant care, in their profiles.
Use the search filters to narrow down sitters whose specific experience or environment meets your pet's needs. When reaching out to your sitter, outline your pet's care routine and use the Meet & Greet to walk your sitter through your expectations.
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