House Sitting Ankeny
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 240 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 took great care of our older dog in our home this past weekend. On the house sitting side, she was a perfect house guest. We would definitely use her again in the future, and i would recommend her to anyone in need of pet sitting.”
“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!!!!”
“We loved having Megan stay with our three kitties. She sent texts, pics, and videos every day, and I could tell our boys were well cared for. We have a senior cat who needs meds daily, and she kept a daily record of his meds. I enjoyed meeting Megan, highly recommend her, and wouldn't hesitate to reach out to have her stay with our kitties next time we take a trip.”
“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: 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.
“Adrianne watched my high maintenance Kit for a long weekend and he absolutely loved her! We received updates and photos often. I can tell he was very loved when we were gone and it was so nice not worrying about him all weekend! Will have Adrianna stay with Kit again!!”
About: I've taken care of dogs of all sizes, cats and numerous other household companions. I have roughly 14 years of pet care experience which includes personal, professional and volunteer experience. I have experience with puppies and geriatric dogs. I have taken courses in pet first aid and advanced pet handling and am currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Animal Care & Behavior. I'm currently working a flexible job while going to school, so I have plenty of time to love and take care of your fur babies. I have open availability most days and am more than happy to work out a one-time, temporary, or long-term schedule with you. At this time, I can only provide care in client's homes. I will follow all instructions given regarding scheduling, care, and safety with your pets in your home.
“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.”
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 now have a 2 year old Chocolate Lab, who I've trained myself. 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: I’ve always grown up around lots of pets, all my friends and family have dogs and cats, I adore them all! I am very comfortable around all animals, and have had many growing up even down to turtles and ducks :) I don’t currently have any of my own due to apartment living, but I do well with active dogs, cuddles from all pets, as well as young pets who need more attention. I currently work retail with working almost no evenings, so I am free for check ins and walks most afternoons and evenings. As for stays and house-sitting, I can make my schedule more flexible, just ask! I cater to each pet as they need, and to keep them as happy and comfortable as possible when caring for them! I follow instructions easily and am confident in crating as needed and knowing when they get antsy and need more activity!
“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.”
About: Hi! I’ve been around animals my entire life and have years of hands-on experience caring for both dogs and cats. I am a pet owner myself and am very wary and selective of who I choose to watch my 'son', and I hope to be that person for you! I’ve provided pet sitting for a variety of breeds and personalities, including drop-in visits and overnight stays. I’m dependable, attentive, and always focused on making pets feel comfortable and safe while you’re away. I’ve been fortunate to have many repeat clients and referrals, which I think speaks to the level of care I provide. Whether your pet needs feeding, walks, playtime, or just some extra companionship, I’m happy to help and treat them like my own! My schedule is pretty light currently so I am able to work on shorter notice or whenever needed. Weekdays and weekends also work as well! I am very careful and respectful of others homes and property. Keeping your pets safe and happy is my number one priority. I like to make sure that everything is taken care of efficiently so there will be no extra work for you!
“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.”
“WOW! Missy was amazing. She took my puppy on several long walks. She even cleaned my apartment for me. Also had great communication. Definitely would ask her to sit again for me! :)”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Ankeny is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Ankeny
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
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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 August 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 August 2026, there are 607 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:
- 89% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 98% 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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