House Sitting Colchester

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

End
Search

Over 14
pet parents in Colchester have booked house sitting

Colchester, 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.

1 / 1
Sitter Profile Image: ZaNai S.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
ZaNai S.
Star Sitter
from
$68
per night
4.7 out of 5 stars
• 16 reviews
8 repeat clients
2 years of experience
Lorton, VA, 22079

“We had a wonderful experience with our dog sitter. She was incredibly responsive and communicative throughout our time away, which gave us real peace of mind. We loved receiving daily photos and updates, and it was clear our dogs were well cared for and comfortable. She also left our home clean and tidy, which we really appreciated. We’re very grateful for her care and would happily book with her again.”

Profile image
Meg B.
Sitter Profile Image: Telma D.
Verified Background Check
Telma D.
from
$65
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 14 reviews
4 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Lorton, VA, 22079

“Telma took care of my sweet Hank and treated him as if he was her own. She provided updates and photos and even put hit sweatshirt on him when it was cold out. He had a blast on his walks and she was very quick to Respond and provide updates on Hank. She did a great job and I would strongly recommend her to family and friends. Thank you, Telma!”

Profile image
Mary D.
Sitter Profile Image: Luke D.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Luke D.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 3 reviews
1 repeat client
9 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22191

About: Hello, I’ve been taking care of my dog as well as my family’s and friend’s pets since I was 5, and I love all kinds of animals. I have just recently gotten out of the military and I will be having a lot of free time soon so I figured it would be the best time to take care of pets since they require a lot of attention. I will make sure your pet is properly walked and fed and played with for proper exercise daily, as well as applying any medicine needed.

Sitter Profile Image: Maria Rosario M.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Maria Rosario M.
from
$40
per night
10 years of experience
Lorton, VA, 22079

About: I have over 10 years of experience working closely with dogs, specializing in rescue work and fostering. Over the years, I have volunteered extensively with rescue organizations, which has given me deep knowledge of dog behavior, socialization, and the patience required to handle dogs from all backgrounds. One of my greatest passions is fostering. I regularly take care of vulnerable 40-day-old puppies in my own home, bottle-feeding them, providing early socialization, and nursing them to health until they find their forever families. Because of this intensive background, I am highly experienced in: • Caring for very young puppies and senior dogs with fragile needs. • Recognizing early signs of illness or stress in animals. • Administering strict feeding and medication schedules. • Providing structured, safe, and loving environments for anxious or nervous dogs. I work from home as an online yoga teacher, instructing classes for only 3 hours every day. Because my work is entirely online and takes up a small part of my day, I am at home dynamic and available nearly 24/7. Your dog will have my near-constant supervision, companionship, and attention. I can easily step away to give potty breaks, feed them on time, or play in between my short teaching sessions. If your dog needs someone who is around all day to keep them company and secure, my schedule is a perfect fit! Your dog’s safety and peace of mind are my top priorities. I treat every pet with the same level of care, respect, and responsibility as I do with the rescue puppies I foster. My home is a calm, peaceful, and fully puppy-proofed environment. I have a secure, fully fenced small yard (concrete/patio surface, no grass), which provides a perfectly safe outdoor space for your dog to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and take quick potty breaks without any risk of escaping. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy, clean, and filled with positive energy. Since I practice and teach yoga here, it is a very serene environment that helps anxious or nervous dogs feel instantly relaxed. You can trust that your furry family member will be safe, supervised, and deeply cared for every single minute of their stay.

Sitter Profile Image: Mary P.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Mary P.
from
$42
per night
4.9 out of 5 stars
• 37 reviews
16 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22193

“Zamiya was absolutely outstanding, very communicative and took wonderful care of my fur baby. I will definitely book with her again!!! I never had to wonder how my baby was doing because she kept me updated with pics and videos which I loved because I didn't have to reach out to see how he was doing. I already knew!!”

Profile image
Kinginga R.
Sitter Profile Image: Catherine K.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Catherine K.
from
$35
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 4 reviews
1 repeat client
16 years of experience
Manassas, VA, 20112

“Five stars is not enough for the incredible care our two fur babies received from Catherine K.! From start to finish, Catherine was exceptionally professional and made the entire experience completely stress-free. Her communication was outstanding, providing us with regular updates and wonderful photos that kept our minds at total ease while we were away. It was clear from the moment she took over that our cats were in safe, highly capable, and loving hands. Catherine went above and beyond to maintain their daily routines and allowed them their space to become comfortable with her. If you want absolute peace of mind and a sitter who treats your pets like family, look no further than Catherine K. We will absolutely be booking her again!”

Profile image
Natasha B.
Sitter Profile Image: Katherine & Marc K.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Katherine & Marc K.
from
$110
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 28 reviews
12 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Lorton, VA, 22079

“I highly recommend Katherine! This was our first time using her services, and she definitely met our expectations. She was extremely communicative, followed our specific care instructions to the letter, and took wonderful care of our cat and dog. In her home visit beforehand, she asked specific questions that showed she was listening and cared about corrective care. When we returned, not only were our animals happy to see us, but they seemed completely at ease - as if we’d never left. The house was just as we left it, and she even took care of thoughtful little details, like refilling the water pitcher we use for their bowls. You really can’t ask for more when trusting someone with your pets.”

Profile image
Stephanie L.
Sitter Profile Image: Lily G.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Lily G.
from
$55
per night
6 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22191

About: I have been around and taken care of cats since my mom and I rescued 3 kittens from side of the road. When we picked them up and took them to the vet they were only 2 weeks old. We had to quickly learn how to take care of them to make sure they survived. From nursing them to stimulating them so that then could go to the bathroom , to waking up every hour to make sure they were okay and warm. They are now 6 years old! Those are now my mom's babies, I ended up getting my own 2 babies 2 years later from a shelter. One of my boys has Cerebellar Hypoplasia (it's mild) which means he's a little wobbly and off balance. With his condition it has made me much more patient, caring and understanding to any animals with any disabilities or impairments I work full-time during the week, but I have flexibility in my schedule and plenty of time to give your cats the attention and care they deserve. I’m available for evening visits during the week and have more flexibility on weekends. I’ll always make sure we discuss your pets routine and needs beforehand so I can provide consistent, reliable care while you’re away. I provide care exclusively in my client’s home, where pets are often most comfortable in their familiar environment. I carefully follow all feeding, medication, litter box, and care instructions provided by the owner. I’m very respectful of each petsp personality and boundaries and never force interaction. I make sure doors and windows are secure, litter areas are kept clean, fresh food and water are available, and I’ll provide plenty of attention, playtime, or quiet companionship depending on what your pet prefers. I’ll also keep you updated so you can feel comfortable knowing your baby is safe and well cared for while you’re away.

Sitter Profile Image: Michelle K.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Michelle K.
from
$62
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 9 reviews
1 repeat client
25 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22192

About: I’ve have experience with large medium and small dogs! I currently have a Shih Tzu mix who is super friendly, of course she lives upstairs, but she does like to say hi to friendly dogs. She is 16 years old and still runs, jumps, plays with toys, gets excited about treats, and it’s pretty much the runner of the household lol. I am a favorite human for most of my friends’ dogs and for some reason tend to bring out their playful nature like no one else can. I have yet to figure this out why- maybe because I’m a Play Therapist? My neighborhood has an awesome cul de sac and is the perfect neighborhood for long walks. All my neighbors are friendly and love pets! My neighborhood is also very safe and quiet so it’s truly a cottage of peace! Please read about my downstairs studio- Coco’s Cottage and make sure your pet is suitable! I work full time, but I’m self employed and can work around my own schedule. I sometimes don’t leave the house until 11 am! Feel free to ask me more! Please make sure to read about Coco’s Cottage below as this is where your pets will be boarded! My pet cottage- Coco’s Cottage- is just for your baby/babies! It’s my downstairs studio, above ground with sliding glass doors that open up to my fenced in backyard and deck! It’s a pretty decent space to run and jump and get some exercise in. Coco’s Cottage is not used by my pets, it’s a sanctuary where pets can come and chill on the couch, the bed, I put on tv or music sometimes to give the space a homey feel for them! I pass between the downstairs and upstairs constantly, making sure all needs and wants are met!

Sitter Profile Image: Emily V.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Emily V.
from
$40
per night
9 years of experience
Lorton, VA, 22079

About: I've done dog sitting for 9 years now and have experience with house sitting along with walking pets and doing a first meet before the scheduled date. I am also in nursing school. I currently am in nursing school (last year) since I am about to graduate I do have flexibility that is updated on my rover calendar frequently. I will schedule a time to meet your pet and see what routine is best for your pet and what their needs are in your home to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Sitter Profile Image: Leah C.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Leah C.
Star Sitter
from
$100
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 38 reviews
15 repeat clients
1 year of experience
Alexandria, VA, 22315

“I cannot recommend Leah enough! My dog, Sisa, is reactive, and I’m always nervous about how she’ll handle walks with someone new. [Sitter's Name] navigated her reactivity with total confidence and skill, keeping her safe and calm throughout the week. More importantly, she was incredibly sweet and loving toward Sisa, sending me the best photo updates of her looking happy and relaxed. It provided such immense peace of mind while I was away. Truly a rare find!”

Profile image
Milena Z.
Sitter Profile Image: Audrey N.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Audrey N.
from
$31
per night
1 repeat client
6 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22193

About: I’ve mostly taken care of small creatures on my lifetime. I used to own parakeets and currently I own a leopard gecko whom I absolutely adore! I always wanted to own cats and/or dogs growing up but I’ve never been allowed to do that because my mom is irrationally afraid of both. I used to own a kitten but we had to give it away because my mom thought she could handle it but she was just too scared of it. I’ve taken care of other people’s cats and dogs before and I get along well with all animals! Since I’m unemployed, I am free anytime other than Saturday and Sunday mornings. Saturday I have classes from 10 am to 12 pm and Sundays I have church from 9 am to 11 am. I unfortunately do not CURRENTLY have anything that is specifically catered to dogs or cats in my house or yard, as I do not own either at the moment. I can certainly do my absolute best to cater to your animal’s needs, however!

Sitter Profile Image: Michelle L.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Michelle L.
Star Sitter
from
$75
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 26 reviews
10 repeat clients
24 years of experience
Annandale, VA, 22003

“Michelle and I got along right from the start. She house sat for a few days and consistently communicated well. The pups and house were great to come home to!”

Profile image
Sam S.
Sitter Profile Image: Pimsiri K.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Pimsiri K.
from
$31
per night
7 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22192

About: As a former senior dog owner, I understand the patience, love, and attention our furry companions deserve at every stage of life. I'm experienced caring for multiple dogs! I am comfortable with pets that require medications, mobility assistance, special diets, or extra attention. Whether your dog is an energetic puppy or a sweet senior, I'll provide personalized care, regular updates, and plenty of love so you can enjoy peace of mind while you're away. As a United States Air Force member, I work Monday–Friday with consistent hours, leaving evenings and weekends free to board, walk, and love your pets! I provide personalized care by following each pet's routine, ensuring exercise, playtime, feeding, medication if needed, and plenty of love, attention, companionship, and comfort.

Sitter Profile Image: Barbara-Jeanne D.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Barbara-Jeanne D.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 19 reviews
2 repeat clients
30 years of experience
Alexandria, VA, 22306

“Thank you so much for taking such great care of my babies! I am so grateful for your attention to detail, thorough communication and picture updates! Highly recommend Jeannie and will rebook ❤️”

Profile image
Madison W.
Sitter Profile Image: Veronica R.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Veronica R.
from
$80
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 93 reviews
34 repeat clients
30 years of experience
Alexandria, VA, 22310

“Veronica took great care of our pups and home while we were away! She provided regular updates and pictures to let us know how everyone was doing. And she very graciously tidied up the house before she left. Our pups can be a handful, especially our puppy Leo who is very energetic and mouthy. But Veronica took it all in stride and was very patient with them. We returned to three very happy pups! We will definitely be booking with Veronica again!”

Profile image
Jonathan B.
Sitter Profile Image: Alexis K.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Alexis K.
from
$60
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 2 reviews
1 repeat client
8 years of experience
Montclair, VA, 22025

“I plan on using her again!”

Profile image
Dernisha S.
Sitter Profile Image: Samantha B.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Samantha B.
from
$90
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 7 reviews
1 repeat client
7 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22191

About: I've provided loving pet care for 7 years and have experience with dogs, cats, and exotic pets. I have a fenced yard, air-purified home, and separate spaces to comfortably accommodate your pets. I'm experienced with medications (including oral and subcutaneous), basic obedience, enrichment, crate training, and caring for pets with special needs. I also have experience with reptiles, rabbits, rodents, birds, aquatic pets, and insects. Your pet's safety, comfort, and well-being are always my top priorities. I work from home, so my schedule is extremely flexible. Drop ins, house sitting, boarding and 15 minute walks can be scheduled at nearly any time. ● I provide daily updates and photos on your pet. ● 3+ references are provided upon request. ● Home details: Large fenced yard, Coway air purifiers throughout the house, neutered 36 lb English bulldog and neutered male tabby. Both of them are notoriously chill, and I am more than willing to do a meet and greet prior to boarding. ● I DO NOT smoke or use incense, oils, etc.

Sitter Profile Image: Shannon V.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Shannon V.
from
$60
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 16 reviews
10 repeat clients
4 years of experience
Woodbridge, VA, 22193

“Shannon did amazing with my pup Mia! She sent tons of pictures so I didn’t have to miss her too much, and gave her lots of exercise since she’s a high energy doggo! Super pleased, I’ll definitely book her again.”

Profile image
Kelly L.
Sitter Profile Image: Michaela C.
Verified Background Check
Michaela C.
Star Sitter
from
$75
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 33 reviews
11 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Alexandria, VA, 22314

“Michaela was great! The dogs were well cared for and the house was in great condition! One of our dogs is very high energy and strong, and we trusted Michaela to handle her. We will happily ask her to care for our pups again!”

Profile image
Steph H.
1 / 1
View more

The median cost per night for house sitting in Colchester is $52

Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Colchester

1 / 1
5.0 out of 5 stars

Kyle was amazing! He really took the time to get to know our animals and took such good care of them! I felt completely confident and relaxed leaving them with him and I don’t typically feel that way leaving my pets with someone. He understood how much they mean to us and I feel like he treated them like they were his own. I would 100% recommend Kyle to housesit, walk your dogs, or anything else pet-related! Thank you so much Kyle!!🤗

Profile image
Kristin B.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Wish i could leave 10 stars! Deborah is a gem/ i knew i could depend on her to take care of my dogs as if they were her own. One is elderly and requires special care, which she received. Deborah even had to deal with a bout of diarrhea. I received updates and pictures daily. I will definitely hire her again, and recommend her without hesitation!

Profile image
Nancy B.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

ZaNai took good care of our pup: She kept him safe, happy and well-cared for. She left the house clean, and even made us a casserole before she left! She’s a trustworthy and wonderful sitter for your pet!I’m

Profile image
Jeanne R.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Hannah managed to coax our three shy cats out of their hiding places and eventually even got kisses from the boy cat. She kept us informed of her progress along the way to feline acceptance with emails, photos and new toys from them. As a house sitter, Hannah dealt with Verizon FiOS when our wifi went down by troubleshooting and meeting with the technician who was able to fix the problem. And she left the house cleaner than we left it! We (both humans and felines) look forward to calling on Hannah for our next vacation.

Profile image
Christine B.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Andrea was amazing with my two German shepherds and cat! She took my younger pup on long walks with her dog every day and they had a great time hanging out. She handled their care expertly and I am so grateful! My cat has asthma and she also did a great job administering her medication as needed. Andrea is kind, professional, and trustworthy and I will absolutely book with her again!! Thanks again, Andrea!

Profile image
Zoe M.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Raquel is always great with our dog. And she caught a plumbing problem before it flooded the house while we were gone. So grateful!

Profile image
Michelle A.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Tamara took great care.of Otto. She sent photos and updates every day. I recommend her if you are in the Lorton area.

Profile image
Bridget Y.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Noelle is a great communicator and sent plenty of pup pics which I enjoyed and appreciated. She is clearly an animal lover. I had peace of mind knowing she was there with my senior dog. She gave him his medication and kept a close eye on him. Thank you Noelle!

Profile image
Sarah Y.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Miska was absolutely wonderful! From the initial message, to the meet and greet, and then the actual dog sitting part. She was very responsive to my messages and she was flexible in setting up the "meet and greet" with me and Max. When we met for the first time she was very personable and Max leaned into her for side scratches almost immediately. Miska asked pertinent questions and took notes during our meeting and tour of the apartment. She spent time loving on Max as I showed her where all of his medications and treats were located. While I was gone she let me know when she arrived and gave a me quick rundown of what her and Max were doing and she sent pictures daily. Miska treated my home like it was hers and everything was left in a neat and clean manner, even going as gar as doing dishes and taking out trash. Most importantly Max was a happy boy when I returned. I will most definitely be using Miska again in the future.

Profile image
Joe W.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent dog and house sitter. Pets were calm and well cared for while we were away. Erin communicated with us several times a day and kept us updated on their daily activities. She has a great deal of experience working with pets and catered to their individual needs.

Profile image
Nancy M.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Eyowyn was great! She sent multiple photo updates and took great care of Dixie. She was responsive and made sure to take the time to do a meet in greet giving me piece of mind and letting Dixie get comfortable with her. The house was left clean and as if she hadn’t been here. She’s the best!

Profile image
Sami R.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Brittney was so sweet and gentle with our senior dog. Very communicative and sent pics which I appreciate so much. She left our house just as we left it. Would definitely hire again!

Profile image
Misty C.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Telma took care of my sweet Hank and treated him as if he was her own. She provided updates and photos and even put hit sweatshirt on him when it was cold out. He had a blast on his walks and she was very quick to Respond and provide updates on Hank. She did a great job and I would strongly recommend her to family and friends. Thank you, Telma!

Profile image
Mary D.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with Maya as a sitter for my puppy Nela. She showed up on time, was reliable, and communicated clearly throughout the day. She followed all feeding instructions exactly and went above and beyond by giving Nela plenty of playtime and sending me updates. Highly recommend!

Profile image
Christina H.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Paige was amazing with our dogs! She sent us tons of pictures and was in communication with us the entire time she was with our pups. Paige could definitely tell how nervous I was to leave my pups with someone new and she helped ease my fears through this whole process. She was a respectful house guest and left our home neat and tidy. My pups love her and so do we. Will be booking all my future Rovers with her!!

Profile image
Sonia B.
House Sitting
1 / 1
Find pet care near you

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 - Colchester

Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.

Sitters in Colchester average 4
repeat house sitting clients

FAQs for House Sitting - Colchester

Frequently asked questions about Rover

The average cost of House Sitting in Colchester is $39 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $29 and $72 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 9,410 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Colchester. 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 Colchester 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 Colchester 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 Colchester 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 Colchester. On Rover:

  • 86% of sitters can help with special care needs
  • 91% 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

Download on the App Store BadgeGet it on Google Play Badge