House Sitting Ankeny
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 244 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.
“Nancy stayed at our house for two nights and was great with our two cats! One needs liquid medicine administered twice a day and she handled it with no problem. Nancy was very communicative, and sent pics & videos for us to see how well our kitties were doing while we were away. We will feel perfectly comfortable using Nancy again!”
“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+!!! 💖”
“Jessie was awesome with our dogs! We’d book with her again in a heartbeat. We even got a bad storm while we were gone and she went above and beyond and took care of a mess outside that she didn’t need to. We really appreciated all of her help!”
About: I’ve been pet sitting for at least 8 years now. While I am currently a cat owner, I have had a few dogs in the past. My skills include walking, feeding, bathing, and entertaining. I take care of my down the street neighbors dog every couple months or so, and occasionally find opportunities on Facebook. I am currently working a full-time job, however, I am available to take care of your pet outside my work hours and on my days off. I get my schedule a few weeks in advance, so I have plenty of time to work you into my schedule! I would prefer to work in a clients home as I have a skidding cat at home. I plan to make frequent visits to your home, and would be open to spending nights at your home if you feel comfortable. My goal is to make your pet feel as safe and loved as possible while you’re away. I am willing to accommodate however necessary!
“Outstanding caregiver for our young, very active dog while we were out of the country! Plus - without hesitation took on caring for our tortoise! Tuyen even stayed at our house to ensure the dog was super comfortable. She exercises and played with the dog and the tortoise daily. In our home, Tuyen was very- very neat, and considerate to neighbors. Great person, great caregiver! Highly recommend. Thank you Tuyen.”
“Jodie and her girls offered outstanding care for our dog while we were out of the country for two weeks on vacation. She sent pictures and comments every day which showed how well he was doing. It was so nice having him cared for in his home as he gets anxious in other types of care. She is the best. We will continue to book Jodie!”
“Jennifer was amazing! She was timely with her responses, arrived exactly when she said she would, and provided great updates throughout the booking. We booked her last-minute over the Thanksgiving holiday, and it was so reassuring knowing our fur babies were being well cared for. We’re so grateful for her help, thank you so much, Jennifer!”
“Jen was fantastic! This was our first time using Rover and it went so well. It was for a holiday weekend where she already had pups she just needed to let out but she was willing to do both to help us out in a pinch. She made time to come meet Rocco before staying with him and we all liked her right away! She left the house clean which is always nice to come home to. The real stand out was when we got hit with an ELEVEN hour delay. We were supposed to get home around 4pm so told her she could leave around noon, first delay came I asked if she could stay an extra hour, no problem. We continued getting delayed to a point we didn’t think we’d make it home at all so we reached out and she had no problem coming back to stay with him again. We ended up taking off close to midnight local time so I let her know we would be landing around 3am. She woke up to that text and headed out a couple of hours before we arrived to a clean house and happy pup! She was so willing to help us when the unpredictable happened we can’t thank her enough!!”
“Grace was OUTSTANDING! Great communication and allowed us to enjoy our vacation while knowing our house and boys were safe and secure. Loved on our boys the whole time. They are definitely going to miss her!! We will be utilizing her services again and again.”
“Yasmin took amazing care of our sweet girl for 5 days. She was meticulous and adjusted to exactly how we needed Juniper cared for. She sent updates every few hours and made me feel at ease being away.”
“Madison was great with my dog and house. Very responsive. Good communication and did me a favor unrelated to petsitting. Would gladly have her pet sit again. Thanks, Madison!!!”
About: I have been around dogs since I was born and have years of experience. During 2020, my family got a new puppy and I trained him for 4 months until he was about 5 months and then I left for college. I have dog sat for my neighbors a handful of times as of recent and want to offer my services to other people with fur babies of their own :) I also currently have two roommates, each with a dog, and help out whenever they are gone and throughout the day as I work from home. I currently work fully corporate job Monday through Friday. Weekends work the best for my schedule but I am available during the week if the situation permits. I am respectful of your space and the pups space and tend to keep to my area. I always make sure he/she is comfortable throughout my time caring for the pup.
About: I have been a dog owner for as early as I can remember. I grew up with dogs and have always loved taking care of them. I am the proud owner of a Norwegian Elkhound named Luna. Luna gets along well with others and I take her to the dog park frequently. I am a very outdoorsy person and love taking my dog for walks and spending time with her!I live here in Seattle with my boyfriend who is also a very outdoorsy person. We love hiking together as well. I can't wait to meet your pup! Thank you for your consideration😊 I currently work as a Dental Assistant but only 3 days a week. The days alternate weekly so depending on the week I will have different availability. I will however always have Saturdays and Sundays off! I live in a one bedroom apartment in the Udistrict so I mainly walk my dog from my apartment to the park that is two blocks away. Will go multiple time a day.
“Zoe was amazing! We were getting married on NYE 2022 and we had a dog sitter cancel on us a few days before our big night. In a panic we signed up for Rover, found Zoe and she was a life saver. She came over and met with us and Jackson two days before our wedding night. She followed all of our instructions, checked in with us via text when she got to our house on NYE and sent a few pictures during her stay and based on those pictures her and Jackson became best friends. She left the house in perfect condition after her overnight stay, and even left a beautiful wedding card for us. We highly recommend Zoe and we'll definitely be using her again!!!”
“This was our Winnie’s first ever stay with a sitter and I couldn’t have picked a better person! Nejra was absolutely fantastic! She provided photos throughout the day which were great. She was definitely approved by all the animals which was great!!”
About: I currently don't have any pets of my own. In February 2025, my family and I sadly said goodbye to our beloved dog, Buddy, after 17 wonderful years together. I miss him deeply-our walks, cuddles, and the unconditional companionship he brought to my life every day. While Buddy will always hold a special place in my heart, Rover provides a meaningful opportunity for both pet owners and me. I can help families by providing dependable, loving care for their dogs, while also continuing to spend time with the animals I've loved my entire life. Caring for dogs fills a void left by losing Buddy and allows me to do something that brings me genuine joy. I've been caring for dogs since I was six years old. Having had dogs throughout my life and now into my mid-fifties, I understand how important it is to find someone who provides compassionate, loving, and trustworthy care. I know the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog is safe, happy, and well cared for when you're away. I've been surrounded by dogs my entire life, including dachshunds, beagles, german shepards and mixed breeds like Buddy - who was a basset / black lab. Every dog I've had has been treated as a cherished member of the family, receiving endless love, patience, and care - and I would treat your dog the very same way. You'll notice there aren't many photos of me with Buddy - I was usually the one behind the camera capturing all of his adventures and favorite moments. My goal is to make sure your dog feels safe, loved, comfortable, and happy while in my care, giving you complete peace of mind while you're away. I look forward to meeting you and taking care of your fur baby. Thanks for your consideration and the opportunity. Have a wonderful day. Because I work from home full-time, I can fit pet care into my daily schedule. I enjoy taking breaks for walks, outdoor time, playtime, and cuddles, which allows me to give dogs attention throughout the day. My flexible weekday and weekend availability means your dog won't be left alone for long periods and will receive compassionate, attentive care. I live in a pet-friendly apartment community with easy access to sidewalks in quiet neighborhoods and nearby trails, providing plenty of opportunities for dogs to get exercise, explore, and enjoy time outdoors. Because I work from home full-time, I can provide regular potty breaks, walks, playtime, and companionship throughout the day. Your dog's safety, comfort, and happiness are my top priorities. Dogs in my care will always be supervised, walked on a leash, and given a calm, loving environment where they can feel secure and at home. Having cared for dogs my entire life, I understand the trust involved in leaving your pet with someone else, and I am committed to treating every dog as if they were my own—with patience, compassion, and attentive care.
About: I started in the veterinary field at the age of 15 as a kennel technician and cross trained in the clinic as a veterinary assistant. I then went to school for animal/veterinary science and graduated with valuable skills and education. After school I went into zookeeping where i cared for a variety of taxa including but not limited to carnivores and hoofed animals. After leaving the field and changing careers, I became a foster home for Oh My Dog Rescue based in the Des Moines IA area. As a Retail Manager my schedule is not consistent however I guarantee that I will check on your animals a minimum of twice per day unless otherwise agreed upon. I do best house/petsitting for clients who leave detailed instructions and emergency contacts. I bring structure and high quality care to the table in every home I enter.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Ankeny is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Ankeny
Megan was great during our one-week absence. Our cat Kizzy, who usually remains under the bed when strangers are around, bonded with her instantly and they were buddies the whole time. She provided us with updates including pictures. We heartedly recommend her as a cat/house sitter.
Stephanie was so helpful and accommodating while sitting for us! She stayed the whole weekend with our dog who has severe seperation anxiety. It was so nice being able to have a weekend away and not have to worry about our girl. Stephanie sent pictures and updates all day, everyday so we always knew how Neva was doing. Neva takes several medications and Stephanie had no problem giving those on schedule for us. She also went above and beyond while we were away, and did laundry and dishes so we had nothing to worry about when we arrived home. I can't recommend Stephanie enough!
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.
Jennifer was amazing! She was timely with her responses, arrived exactly when she said she would, and provided great updates throughout the booking. We booked her last-minute over the Thanksgiving holiday, and it was so reassuring knowing our fur babies were being well cared for. We’re so grateful for her help, thank you so much, Jennifer!
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 - 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 of House Sitting in Ankeny is $50 per night as of November 2026. Most bookings cost between $31 and $105 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 November 2026, there are 616 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 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 Ankeny. On Rover:
- 91% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 96% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 96% 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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