House Sitting Ankeny
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 245 pet parents in Ankeny have booked house sitting
Ankeny, 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.
“Lexi has been a fantastic sitter for Taz (our dog) and Lola (our cat). This was our first time, so we were very nervous about leaving them for quite a few days, but Lexi ensured we got frequent updates on how they were doing! Constantly checked in and made sure everything was in order. She even took Taz for some car rides and pup cups! She is honestly the sweetest person we've met here in Iowa. Since we recently moved here, it has been awesome to find someone so truly honest, caring, and responsible in taking care of our babies at home. She is an A+!!! 💖”
“Nancy was amazing!!!! She sent us pictures every day. Took them for walks and gave their meds. Our old ladies are a lot and she never once complained. We would definitely use her again!!!!”
“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!”
“Meg took wonderful care of our doggies this weekend! She sent us photos, videos and text message updates of our pups. When we arrived home the dogs were relaxed and happy and our house was neat and tidy. Thanks Meg!”
“Kennedy is amazing! She was available for us last minute. She sent pics and updates multiple times a day while we were gone. We will definitely be using her again in the future.”
“Kendra is great! She took great care of my young puppy while I was out of town. On time, good communication about how everything was going, fun photos and video. It was relatively last minute, and she was still able to make it work.”
About: Hi! I'm Ross, I grew up having Labrador Retrievers as family pets and have always had a strong love of dogs. I like all dogs, big or small! I'm great at responding to a pets needs. I love to give them the attention and play that they want while maintaining appropriate disciple/doggie boundaries ( like not jumping up on strangers). I am good at reading dogs body language which helps to know if they are tired, playful, need to go to the bathroom, not feeling well, or just need some attention! Working from home gives me extra flexibilty to give the pups extra attention when they need it. Regardless of the setting I am able to follow the guidelines that you have set up for your pet. I look forward to getting to know your dogs!!
About: Hi, welcome! My name is Grace and I would be honored to care for your beloved pet while you are away! I’ve had plenty of experience with dogs, cats, and bunnies. Most notably, I’ve been a consistent caretaker for two energetic black labs for the past 8 years. I’ve also cared for fish, turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. If you think I’d be a good fit for your furry (or scaly!) family please reach out! I do not currently have any commitments! I’m new to the area and excited to meet some fur friends here. My new job will start September 14, 2026, but until then I’m wide open! Once I start my position, I’ll be working 8 hour days in Urbandale (if you’re close to that area I am more than willing to spend my lunch breaks with your pet). Once I’m back from work for the day I am ready to play! Coming home to an animal friend is one of the best feelings, and I want to give your pet all the love possible! I feel very comfortable being away from home. I love getting to help families keep their animal loved ones in a place they are familiar with. Whether you have a fenced in yard or no yard at all, I always get play time in every day. I love watching pets’ personalities blossom in their own space.
“Jessica was great! We were out of town 4 nights, and then our flight got delayed and she was able to adjust her schedule to stay a 5th night to take care of our dog. She sent photos and updates at least twice a day and I felt better knowing I had someone here at our house to care for our dog (instead of boarding him). Our dog has some anxiety and allergy issues and she took care of all his meds and gave him lots of love and cuddles. She also washed all the bedding, towels and took the trash out (which she didn't need to do but did it anyhow). Highly recommend! Thanks again, Jessica.”
“Jodie took such great care of our dog Otis and our two kitties! This was my first time using Rover and it was a great experience. Jodie had great communication each day and walked my dog multiple times which he loved! Will definitely book her again!”
“Mckenzie and Anthony were a great duo. This was the first time our puppy had anyone watch him and our dog is a little shy and nervous. They did great with him. They spent the night with my dogs and sent videos and photos multiple times a day. Anthony even took our garbage out to the curb on garbage day and we never would have even asked him to do that! Fantastic experience. Definitely, will hire them again!”
“Jessie did a WONDERFUL job taking care of our pets and home. She was so thoughtful and calm which was important for one of our dogs who is a super nervous pup. Jessie was compassionate and patient with our dogs and we are grateful she was able to house/pet sit. We highly recommend Jessie for your pet/house sitting needs”
“Stephanie was phenomenal! She provided lots of love for our pups (and our home) for a long weekend. She checked in often, gave the pups lots of walks, and provided enrichment activities.”
About: I’ve grown up around animals my whole life and currently have four cats that I’ve cared for for the past four years. Growing up, my family always had dogs ranging from small to large breeds, so I’m comfortable with all sizes and personalities. I’ve also helped care for family members’ dogs over the years, including feeding, walks, playtime, and making sure they feel comfortable while their owners are away. I’m reliable, patient, and truly enjoy being around animals. I always try to make pets feel safe, loved, and cared for just like they would at home. Pet care fits easily into my daily routine because I’m already used to caring for animals every day with my own pets. I’m a teacher, so during the summers I have a very flexible schedule and plenty of availability to help with walks, drop-ins, feedings, or overnight care. I enjoy spending time with animals, so pet care is something I genuinely look forward to being part of my routine. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I always try to keep their routine as normal and comfortable as possible. I make sure pets are fed on schedule, have fresh water, get plenty of attention and playtime, and go on walks or potty breaks as needed. I also make sure they feel safe and comfortable while their owners are away. I’m respectful of each client’s home and always keep things clean, organized, and well cared for.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Ankeny is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Ankeny
Meg took such good care of my dog while we were away for a week and I wouldn’t hesitate to book again in the future! Ranger came down with a GI illness right before we were due to leave but Meg took it in stride and accommodated the meds and food changes prescribed by his vet, on top of his already higher need for structured routine. I especially appreciated the daily pupdates and clear communication, and I felt like my best friend was in safe and capable hands. I would definitely recommend Meg, especially for pups who need extra quality time and attention to detail!
Jessie did a WONDERFUL job taking care of our pets and home. She was so thoughtful and calm which was important for one of our dogs who is a super nervous pup. Jessie was compassionate and patient with our dogs and we are grateful she was able to house/pet sit. We highly recommend Jessie for your pet/house sitting needs
Pamela took wonderful care of our dog, Ozzy, while we were away for the weekend. From the start, she was communicative, reliable, and clearly cared about making sure he was comfortable and well cared for. We received updates and photos throughout his stay, which gave us great peace of mind while we were traveling. We would absolutely trust her to watch Ozzy again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dependable and caring pet sitter. Thank you, Pamela, for taking such great care of our boy!
Emily was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we connected, she was professional, communicative, and genuinely caring. She treated my pet like family and went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of while I was away. The updates, photos, and attention to detail gave me complete peace of mind. It was obvious that my pet was happy, comfortable, and receiving plenty of love and attention. Coming home to a well-cared-for, relaxed pet made all the difference. If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, responsible, and truly passionate about animals, I cannot recommend Emily highly enough. I would gladly book with her again and encourage anyone considering her services to do the same.
Allison was absolutely amazing for my dogs, Willie and Clementine! She sent pictures, texts, and let me know how they were doing every day. I had a lot of anxiety leaving them with a sitter, but she went above and beyond for them! I am excited for her to come back and watch them again soon!
We were so happy we could get Tia again on short notice. My dogs love Tia. She left my house very clean, as usual. She gives a good amount of updates & pictures, too. I have no stress when I am away because I know the pets & house will be taken care of excellently.
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.
Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family
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 - Ankeny
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Ankeny average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Ankeny
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for House Sitting in Ankeny on Rover is $49.95 per night (as of September 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of House Sitting easy. As long as your dates and pet profiles are correct, the price you see before you book is the same price you pay for House Sitting. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of September 2026, there are 622 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Ankeny. 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 Ankeny 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 Ankeny 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 Ankeny 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 short introductory meeting between you, your pet, and a sitter. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your sitter 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. Most pet parents and sitters on Rover welcome Meet & Greets because the process can give confidence and peace of mind for service experiences, especially for longer stays or first-time bookings.
Sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their calendar availability.
Cancelling before a booking begins and before the sitter's cutoff time qualifies you for a full refund. Same-day cancellations for walks, day care, and drop-ins follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for dog boarding and house sitting, you will receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for the remaining days when you cancel the same day a booking should begin.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means our support team works with you to find a replacement sitter.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in Ankeny. On Rover:
- 91% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 100% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 91% 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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