House Sitting Baxter

Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.

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Over 2
pet parents in Baxter have booked house sitting

Baxter, 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.

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Sitter Profile Image: Amy D.
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Amy D.
Star Sitter
from
$45
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 32 reviews
7 repeat clients
35 years of experience
State Center, IA, 50247

“Amy was absolutely a perfect fit for us and our dog! He was loved and spoiled just like his parents would do❤️ Daily updates and pictures. Couldn’t have asked for a better caretaker. Will absolutely use her again”

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Natalie B.
Sitter Profile Image: Roswell L.
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Roswell L.
Star Sitter
from
$26
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 19 reviews
3 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Newton, IA, 50208

“Roswell did an excellent job handling my 4 chaos queens! All 4 dogs have a different personality and some quirks but she appeared to handle them seemlessly and they were super relaxed and happy upon my return. Would give 10 stars if I could and will definitely reach out again the next time I need dog sitting 🙂”

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Erin B.
Sitter Profile Image: Adrianne H.
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Adrianne H.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 13 reviews
5 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50021

“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!”

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Abby H.
Sitter Profile Image: Justus R.
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Justus R.
from
$60
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 17 reviews
2 repeat clients
12 years of experience
Carlisle, IA, 50047

“Justus did an AMAZING job of watching my 1year old German Shepherd, Violet! She was there for 3 days and she sent tons of photos and updates so I didn't have to worry. She played with her a lot, left my house spotless and was respectful of everything there. I know Violet will love having her back next time I have to go out of town with her. Lastly, if she can handle my puppy and her energy for 3 days.. she can handle anything!”

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Skip D.
Sitter Profile Image: Maria S.
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Maria S.
from
$50
per night
3 years of experience
Union Park, Des Moines, IA, 50316

About: I am very versatile. Adaptable. I have always tended to lean toward older dogs and have had older dogs up to age of 18. I have an absolute love of all animals. I work 2 days a week Wed and Friday. Friday is an 8 hour day in Ankeny. I am available after 445 on Fridays. I love all living creatures but I am allergic to cats. I have owned dogs, my last one passed away last year. I am a nurse and am very comfortable giving meds, injections and recognizing illness in dogs. I have done all of these things with past pets and dog sits. It would have to be in clients home. My current living situation does not allow for sitting in my home. I am well traveled and adapt well to many situations. I grew up in Des Moines and am very familiar with the area and surrounding areas.

Sitter Profile Image: Abbie D.
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Abbie D.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 3 reviews
10 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50021

“👍”

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Carol M.
Sitter Profile Image: Katie U.
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Katie U.
from
$95
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 15 reviews
9 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50021

About: I've had cats my entire life, and my husband and I currently have two amazing but SUPER high energy little kitties named Eli and Finn. We are very obsessed, and they're spoiled! I have grown up in a very close, tight-knit family with LOTS of dogs and cats, and I've pet-sat more times than I can count. I LOVE animals and they tend to like me as well. I have experience with feeding, medicine, walking, vet visits, picking up animals from pet hotels, etc. I pet sit, house sit, and babysit for a lot of my family and friends, have been a nanny to my godson who has medical complications, and am well-trusted. My husband and I are going through fertility treatments, and the profit from my pet-sitting business will be supporting us in building our family! We would deeply appreciate your support while your pets receive great care in exchange! I'm in ministry school to become a hospital/hospice chaplain, a worship leader, and an entrepreneur, so my schedule is very flexible! I look forward to meeting your schedule needs. I am not able to keep pets at my home. I am able to go to the house site and take care of your fur babies, however, and spend time at your place to give your darlings some affection, give medicine, or whatever else you need done!

Sitter Profile Image: Rachael W.
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Rachael W.
Star Sitter
from
$200
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 48 reviews
20 repeat clients
4 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50320

“Rachael was great with my puppy! She picked her up for a stay at her house and sent me frequent updates with lots of great pictures. My puppy had the best time and I was very assured that she was well cared for!”

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Paulina M.
Sitter Profile Image: Cheyenne P.
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Cheyenne P.
from
$20
per night
23 years of experience
Ames, IA, 50014

About: I have been taking care of dogs my entire life. I have experience with all ages of dogs from puppies to senior dogs. I am one of the first people my friends call when they need someone to check on their fur baby! I work from home and am off at 4pm every weekday and take an hour lunch from 11am-12pm so anytime I am not working, I can care for your pet. I will offer care to pets outside of my home as to not upset the daily routine of my cats. I am flexible depending on the client's needs. I always create a safe and loving space for the fur babies that I care for whether it be for a walk, a quick visit, or for house sitting.

Sitter Profile Image: Amanda S.
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Amanda S.
from
$26
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 21 reviews
5 repeat clients
25 years of experience
Ogden, IA, 50212

About: I live in ogden iowa but can travel to the des moines area to pick up pets! This is what I do for a living, so I will always be home with your pets! I live on an acreage with a large fenced in back yard. I was born and raised a farm girl! Have 25+ years of experience with all types of animals including livestock, dogs, cats and small animals!!! Animal lover to all big and little! Im an energetic person who will give your pet all the loving and play time they need!! I do not take pets who are not house broke or unnutured male dogs. I'm a full-time college student getting my degree online in psychology. I'm home all the time and love to cuddle with fur babies. I'm a home body so don't travel or go places very often. I have a fenced in yard. I give dogs lots of walks and play time. I also have a very large finished basement that is wide open for playing in when the weather is bad.

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The median cost per night for house sitting in Baxter is $40

Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Baxter

1 / 1
5.0 out of 5 stars

Ivy was a superb sitter and a very sweet girl! She was quick to respond right from the time I requested her, sent me pictures and updates of my pup daily. She took such good care of my little Lacie girl and left my house so nice and clean! I will most definitely ask her back the next time I need a sitter!

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Kathy S.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Ivy is the absolute BEST you could ever hire from Rover!! She was so quick to respond, great at communicating with us through her stay with our baby, and was just overall an absolute joy to work with. She even took Dutton to meet some horses and have a pup cup- he loved hanging out with her while we were on vacay. We can’t wait to have her babysit again and I truly can’t recommend her enough!!

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Olivia S.
House Sitting
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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. 1. Search

    Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer house sitting.
  2. 2. Meet In Person

    Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit.
  3. 3. Book & Pay

    It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform.

Popular requests for house sitting - Baxter

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Sitters in Baxter average 4
repeat house sitting clients

FAQs for House Sitting - Baxter

Frequently asked questions about Rover

The average cost of House Sitting in Baxter is $56 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $56 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 406 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Baxter. 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 Baxter 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 Baxter 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 Baxter 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 , 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 .

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 .

sitters on Rover set their own , 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 Baxter. On Rover:

  • 92% 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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