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

Balsam, Find top rated house sitting
Prices are estimates per night for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.
“Jennifer was incredible. Ninja is an anxious cat who needs lots of attention, and she went above and beyond in making sure he felt safe and content. Communication was excellent, with lots of adorable photo updates. We came home to a happy cat, clean home and a sweet note! We highly recommend Jennifer!”

“Peter did an excellent job taking care of my dog. He is a large high energy Shepard-husky mix which can be difficult to manage. We would definitely hire Peter again and recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable sitter for their pets.”
“Aarthi was a fantastic help to us house and pet sitting our elder dog and energetic cat while we were on vacation. It was important to us that our pets could stay in an environment they’re use to, especially our 14 yr old dog who is starting to slow down. Aarthi was flexible to meet ahead of time, see the house and understand their routines. She has a warm and friendly personality, and her affection for animals was evident from the moment we met her. She kept us informed as to how they were doing and sent a few pics too. We will definitely have her back!”

About: I’ve loved animals, especially dogs, for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by dogs and have been caring for them since I was a child, so being around them has always been a natural and important part of my life. I love playing with them, going for walks, giving them plenty of affection, and simply spending time together. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person, and I genuinely enjoy making pets feel happy, comfortable, and loved. As a PhD student at Ontario Tech University, I have a flexible schedule that allows me to fit dog walking and pet care into my routine. I’m looking to earn some extra income doing something I genuinely love and have always enjoyed doing for free. I can usually arrange walks and visits around my classes, research, and other academic commitments. My wife is also a pet sitter, so our house always has a pet to make our days happier :) I’ll care for every pet with patience, attention, and plenty of affection, while respecting their routine, personality, and specific needs. My goal is to make every walk or visit safe, fun, and enjoyable.
About: People often say I grew up in a zoo because we had so many pets. Dogs, cats, ferrets, bunnies, hermit crabs...you name it. Unfortunately due to my often unpredictable work schedule I no longer have time to properly maintain a small zoo but I still crave pet playtime time and would love to care for yours when I can. Our home is small but we make up for it with our sizeable yard and live near farmland which makes for good walks. We have a 1 year old daughter who loves animals as well. Cats are her favorite but once she gets used to new dogs she's a huge fan of them too. We can’t wait to meet some of your wonderful furbabies! I am currently working part time and as such have some free time on my hands which I am looking to fill with activities that will get me out of the house and keep me active. It is possible I might have to work during your pet's stay but I am open to discussing that with any prospective clients to ensure I will be a good fit. I have a large outdoor yard and our home is surrounded by farmland which makes for some good long walks. Pets under my care are welcome to roam freely unless crating requested (crates must be provided by client). Mealtimes, walks, and potty breaks provided in accordance with client's request and/or my availability.
About: I've had cats for over 12 years and taken care of friends and families dogs on multiple occasions including walks, pet sitting, and house sitting while they were away. My skills include training, and senior care. I work part-time and have very flexible hours so I can make most situations work. I currently have 2 cats and my partners dogs who I take care of on occasion. I ensure I have care needs from owners and rules/steps involved to ensure the pet gets the correct care needed and requested from the owner.
About: I’ve had pets my entire life and truly love animals. Being a pet owner myself, I understand how important it is to make sure pets feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I’m familiar with the daily care, attention, exercise, and affection that pets need. I treat every pet as if they were my own and would love the opportunity to give your furry family member the same love and care! I am soon to be unemployed as my seasonal job is almost done, so I will have plenty of time to take care of your pets. I am available almost everyday with short notice and would love the chance to get to know your pet! At my home I have trained my dogs to stay on property as we do not have fences, they like the freedom and listen very well. I do have a lot of experience with pets on leashes as I once did live in town where I had to use the leash for walks and getting around.
“Becky did a good job with my cat. She showed her lots of love and affection and played with her daily. She communicated every day with updates, pics and video calls. She showed up on time and was flexible and patient with some unforseen travel disruptions. I felt comfortable having her in my home and would have her back. Thanks Becky!”

About: I have six years of experience owning and caring for a cat, which has helped me understand how important patience, consistency, and attention are when looking after animals. I genuinely love pets and want every animal in my care to feel safe, comfortable, and happy. I am happy to follow your pet's usual routine, including feeding, providing fresh water, cleaning litter boxes, playtime, walks, and companionship, depending on the service you book. I understand that every pet has a different personality and will respect their individual needs and boundaries. I will carefully follow your instructions and keep you updated with messages and photos so you can feel confident while you are away. Your pet's comfort, safety, and happiness will always be a priority. Pet care is my main priority and daily focus, giving me complete flexibility to dedicate full time and attention to your pet. My schedule allows me to easily accommodate routine feeding, outdoor playtime, regular walks, and house sitting. Because my daily routine is open and adaptable, I am able to stay fully present, stick strictly to your pet's regular habits, and provide frequent updates throughout the day. Safety and peace of mind are my top priorities. When house sitting or doing drop-in visits, I maintain a secure, clean environment by strictly following all home and entry security instructions. I double-check that doors, gates, and windows are locked before and after every outdoor break. I ensure all toxic items, foods, and household hazards are kept safely out of reach, and I keep dogs securely leashed during all walks and outdoor activities. I respect your home as if it were my own and keep you continuously updated with daily photo check-ins.
“Alex was amazing with our Luna! We felt so comfortable and confident leaving Luna with Alex and they had such a good time together! She took such good care of Luna, we couldn’t be more thankful!”

About: I have cared for dogs since I was a young child and have experience with walking breeds of all sizes - Chihuahuas to Great Danes! Whether you dog is a cuddly and just needs some love and attention, a good round of tug-of-war, or a quick jog to burn off some energy I would be happy to provide the same high level of care for your pup as I do for my own dog, Stella. I am free early mornings on some weekdays and most week nights. I have more flexibility with weekends to suit your needs! Want to get in early to practice that presentation at work? Need to suddenly visit family? Or do you just need a break or a date night? I have got you covered! You don't need to stress about your dog(s) on top of everything else life is throwing at you! You can provide me with as detailed instructions as you would like. Details and following instructions are my forte and I promise your dog(s) will be looked after exactly as you please! And if I have any questions about anything I will always follow-up before your booking to confirm details.
About: Hi! I’m a huge dog lover who genuinely can’t get enough of spending time with dogs. 🐶❤️ I’ve been caring for and watching dogs for many years, and I love getting to know each dog’s unique personality whether they’re energetic and always ready for an adventure or happiest curled up beside you getting some extra love. I know how hard it can be to leave your pup behind, so when they’re in my care, I’ll make sure they feel safe, happy, and loved while you’re away. I also love sending lots of photo updates along the way, because I know you’re probably missing your pup and want to see what they’re up to! Whether your dog needs a fun walk, a drop-in visit, or someone to keep them company while you’re away, I’d be so happy to give them all the attention, care, and cuddles they deserve. 🐾 I have lots of flexibility and free time throughout the week, which means I can give your pup plenty of attention, love, and one-on-one time! I’m happy to work around your schedule and can often accommodate daytime walks, drop-ins, and longer stays. I treat every pup like they’re my own! 🐾 I take the time to learn their routine, personality, and individual needs so they can feel comfortable and happy while you’re away. I’ll make sure they get plenty of attention, playtime, walks, and cuddles, while sticking to their usual feeding and care schedule. I’m also happy to send regular photo updates so you can see your pup having fun and know they’re in good hands!
“We chose travel dates based on Solana’s schedule because we trust her so much! We went away for an entire month while she house-sat for us and took care of our two cats. Every day while we were away we’d look forward to her updates. When we came back, the house was tidy, and our boys (cats) were totally calm and happy. We couldn’t ask for more!”

About: I worked at a pet store with various types of dogs for 4+ years. I have experience in dog grooming and extensive knowledge on dog products. I have petsat small and big dogs including dogs with severe anxiety, senior dogs, reactive dogs and more. I am currently a college student who does all my studying at home. Your pet will get to spend time with me and my pets. I have a fenced backyard with a friendly dog and cat. My cat is shy and will most likely do her own thing while my dog will be the best play and nap buddy!
“Our dog Willow has anxiety issues and had never been looked after by a non-family member before. Jan was so great with her and Willow took to her right away. Jan kept us in the loop with pictures and updates on how Willow was doing and that helped alleviate our anxiety about leaving her. Willow had a great time at Jan's house and we will definitely use her again in the future. Highly recommend!!!”

About: Since a young age, I have been exposed to dogs as my mother was a vet technician (now retired) in the Durham Region community. Since then, I have developed a love for dogs and I am always looking for an opportunity to spend time with dogs. From 2006 to present, I have been lucky enough to look after four dogs of my own that were really truly a member of the family and enjoyed looking after them. As a dog sitter, I am available to dog sit for those exciting vacations that you hope to take or simply walk your dog during those busy days at home or at work! For my availability, contact me for more information! I look forward to hearing from you soon! I am currently working part time in the retail industry while in university full time, so my schedule may be different from time to time. My availability can be discussed to fit your pet’s needs! At my client’s home, I will always be there for your pet! When we aren’t taking a walk outside, I like to sit and relax with your pet with a book or watching television. If your pet wants to go outside, we will do that, play fetch or just spend time outside and enjoy the weather!
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Balsam
Ginny was absolutely amazing! She house sat for us and took such great care of our Golden Retriever Buddy while we were away. It gave us so much peace of mind knowing he was in such loving hands. She kept us updated almost every day with photos and videos, which meant the world to us and made being away so much easier. You can truly tell how much she cares—not just about the pets, but about the whole experience. We also came home to a spotless house, which was such a nice touch. Everything was exactly as we left it (if not better!). I would highly recommend Ginny to anyone looking for someone trustworthy, caring, and attentive. We would absolutely have her back again without hesitation!

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 - Balsam
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.FAQs for House Sitting - Balsam
Frequently asked questions about Rover
Rover is the largest marketplace for local pet care. Whether you're looking for pet sitters, dog walkers, or house sitters who specialize in pet sitting, you can narrow your search by entering your postal code to find sitters within walking distance in your neighbourhood.
It’s helpful to think of house sitting as a "home base" service. Most sitters in Balsam 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.
<b>Tip:</b> 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!
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.
- Garbage & recycling: Taking garbage bins 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 Balsam walking routes, the location of your favourite pet store, and any specific quirks about your home’s security or appliances.
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 Balsam 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!
You can find what you need to review a sitter on their profile before booking with them. Each sitters’s profile on Rover shows verified reviews, a background check, and ratings to give a glimpse of how their previous visits went. You can also use the Meet & Greet to walk through your home, identifying which areas, like your bedroom, are off-limits or not. Requesting details of your home security through the app can also be a good way to have your sitter keep you updated about your home.
If you have security cameras or doorbells, Rover asks that you disclose them to sitters before you book.
Every sitter on Rover is required to pass a background check before listing their services. This process confirms their identity and indicates they do not have any disqualifying offences.
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.
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.
Payment is handled securely through Rover. For a one-time booking, your payment method is charged at the time of checkout when you submit your booking request. This charge will include fees payable to Rover. Your booking is confirmed once the sitter accepts it.
If the request is not accepted, the pending charge is released in 1-7 days. How long it takes to disappear from your account depends on your payment provider.
For eligible recurring weekly services, you are charged for the first week when you book and then each Monday for the upcoming week. You’ll see the full price before you confirm. Always pay through Rover so your booking remains eligible for the Rover Guarantee and support.
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.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience administering medication or managing dietary requirements. You can also find pet sitters who accept only one pet at a time, which is ideal for anxious puppies 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 request a Meet & Greet to walk your sitter through your expectations.





