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: Iva M.
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Iva M.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 3 reviews
6 years of experience
Baxter, IA, 50028

“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.
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: Hailey B.
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Hailey B.
Star Sitter
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 33 reviews
10 repeat clients
13 years of experience
Ames, IA, 50010

“Hailey was outstanding! She took care of our large group of dogs for a weekend. We appreciated the picture updates and knew they were in good hands while she was there.”

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Kasi P.
Sitter Profile Image: Allison G.
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Allison G.
Star Sitter
from
$58
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 145 reviews
41 repeat clients
42 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50309

“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!”

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Noelle Y.
Sitter Profile Image: Grace B.
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Grace B.
from
$27
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 7 reviews
1 repeat client
Ames, IA, 50014

“Grace was awesome for our weekend pet care and housesitting. She took great care of our dog and two cats. She checked in with us every day, and sent us pictures of our pets!”

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Sarah Joseph N.
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: Chloe C.
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Chloe C.
from
$80
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 14 reviews
4 repeat clients
8 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50023

“Chloe was the BEST I could’ve ever found to watch after our big friendly giant, Dutton in our home!! She had incredible communication and was so kind throughout the whole process. This was our first time using rover and we had to book somewhat last minute- I’m SO glad we chose Chloe!!! She took the best care of our giant boy and kept us updated with texts and photos the whole time. We’ll be booking her again without a doubt 😍”

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Olivia S.
Sitter Profile Image: Zahra M.
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Zahra M.
from
$15
per night
1 repeat client
5 years of experience
Ames, IA, 50014

About: I am a veterinary student at ISU with experience pet sitting, caring for shelter animals, and clinical care. I am comfortable caring for pets with special diets and administration of oral medicine. I have experience with puppies and senior dogs, and I have flexibility in caring for pets of varying activity levels. I can't wait to meet your fur baby! I have school on weekdays, but I'm available for walks during the lunch hours from 11am - 1pm. I'm also available after 5pm Monday - Friday and have full availability on weekends. Your pet's comfort is my number one concern so I have no problem coming to you or taking your pet to their favorite park. I'm comfortable walking larger dogs that pull the leash and explore or older dogs with limited mobility. My dog has a vestibular issue, so I'm experienced lifting pets to help them up and down stairs and getting into cars. I'm also experienced giving oral medication, clipping/shaving nails, and bathing.

Sitter Profile Image: Jennifer G.
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Jennifer G.
from
$45
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 4 reviews
1 repeat client
10 years of experience
Grimes, IA, 50111

“Jennifer took great care of our pup, Rocky! She spent quality time with him, made sure to only take him on walks in safe temperatures, and he was happy and tired when we got home!”

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Hannah M.
Sitter Profile Image: Pamela Sue M.
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Pamela Sue M.
from
$26
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 2 reviews
50 years of experience
Johnston, IA, 50131

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.

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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!!

Profile image
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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