House Sitting Ankeny
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 232 pet parents in Ankeny have booked house sitting
Ankeny, Find top rated house sitting
“Kendra was fabulous. Visited 2 weeks prior to meet Saul and look at the home/location. Quick to respond to texts and sent photos often. Home was just as I left it and came home to a happy Saul. Thank you!”
“I left my dog for the first time ever and I was nervous. Nancy put me at ease sending me videos and reassuring me the dog was fine. Nancy was really good with my dog and allowed me to really enjoy my trip. She is dependable and reliable. I highly recommend her.”
“Kennedy did an amazing job! She sent us numerous photos of our dogs throughout the house sitting process and gave detailed noted on how the dogs were doing. I really appreciated her communication and consistency”
“Lexi has stayed with our dog twice now for week long vacations. She does a great job at communicating with updates. She also went above and beyond to treat our pup to her own special vacation treats like pup cups and walks in various different places. We will definitely book with 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.”
About: I provide dependable, attentive care and treat every pet like they’re my own. I’m comfortable caring for dogs and cats with different personalities, energy levels, and routines, and I understand how important consistency and patience are while owners are away. I can help with feeding schedules, walks, playtime, medication reminders, litter box care, and giving pets plenty of attention and companionship. I’m especially focused on making pets feel safe, comfortable, and stress-free in their home environment, while also keeping owners updated with photos and communication throughout the stay. Pet care fits naturally into my routine because I have a flexible schedule and genuinely enjoy spending time with animals. I’m able to plan my days around walks, feeding schedules, playtime, and check-ins to make sure pets get consistent attention and care. I’m also reliable with communication and updates, so owners can feel comfortable knowing their pets are being well cared for while they’re away. I focus on creating a safe, comfortable, and low-stress environment for every pet in my care. In a client’s home, I follow their pet’s normal routine as closely as possible, including feeding schedules, walks, playtime, medications if needed, and any household rules or instructions. I make sure pets always have fresh water, a clean space, and plenty of attention and supervision. I’m respectful of clients’ homes, keep communication open with regular updates and photos, and prioritize making pets feel secure and cared for while their owners are away.
About: I have had animals in my home since I was a child. I got my own puppy about 10 years ago and trained him to be a guard dog during my time as a missionary in west Africa. I love animals and treat them like family. I currently work remotely from home, so I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule when I’m not traveling. I am very attentive to the animals in my care! I currently don’t live in a home that allows pets, but I have had a lot of experience taking care of people’s pets and homes while they have been away.
“Nadine watched Bodhi for me while we were out of state, she was amazing! I got daily updates and pictures and was not worried about him at all while we were gone. She took such great care of him!”
“Chloe stayed at my apartment with my fearful rescue while I was at work for two days. They got along famously and she was quite adept at reading him! The regular updates soothed my worry about leaving him. I returned to a joyous dog both times- could not have asked for anyone better.”
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.
About: Back in middle school and high school I up I used to watch and walk family friends dogs. I have experience in giving medication to animals. I’m moving back in with my parents for a few months. I don’t have a part time job or anything so I have a lot of free time on my hands. I provide care for dogs in the client’s home, including feeding, fresh water, exercise, companionship, and following any specific care instructions. I also offer dog walking to help keep pets active, happy, and on their regular routine.
“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 have volunteered at several animal rescues, walking dogs, helping with adoption events, etc. I also have completed Healing Touch for Animals and animal acupressure courses. I am currently working part-time, but I am available to take care of your pets on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Soon I will be available 7 days a week. I provide love and attention, regular walks, playtime, fresh water, food, treats, administering medications, and whatever your pets need to ensure their health, safety and happiness!
“I’ve used Jodie multiple times now and could not be happier. Having a senior dog with medical issues makes it difficult to find the right person and Jodie and her girls are fantastic with him as well as my cat (and guinea pigs)! I can travel and feel confident my fur babies are being well cared for!”
“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!”
“This was our first time using Rover and it was a great experience! Allison took great care of our house and our dog. She was responsive (sent lots of cute photos of our dog), followed the care instructions we left, and left our home in great shape! We are so happy that we found someone trustworthy to watch our dog. We look forward to having Allison stay with our dog in the future. We definitely recommend booking with Allison!”
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.
Longest trip away from our fur babies that we’ve done, Colleen took perfect care of them! She did everything we asked and the dogs were very happy doggies. You can tell Colleen is a pro, if she has availability she’s definitely who I’d book with. Thanks for taking great care of our fur babies!
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.
Travis watched our puppers over the Xmas holiday. He did so last minute and was great about adapting to changes (and a bit of a chaotic house) as Xmas plans shifted to include funeral plans. Our pups were happy and healthy looking when we returned and Travis was very responsive to communications while we were gone. Thanks again for everything, Travis!
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.
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 near you
Select a filter and find qualifying Ankeny sitters!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 July 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 July 2026, there are 647 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:
- 92% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 98% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 94% 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.
Connect anywhere with the Rover app
