House Sitting Columbia

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Over 53
pet parents in Columbia have booked house sitting

Columbia, 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: Hailey R.
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Hailey R.
from
$55
per night
4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
8 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Waterloo, IL, 62298

Hailey did a great job with my 2 dogs when we went out of town for the weekend! She is very reliable, kept us informed on how our dogs were doing and sent some great pictures! It's very obvious she's a dog lover through and through and we would definitely use her again!

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Donna W.
Sitter Profile Image: Leroy C.
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Leroy C.
from
$38
per night
20 years of experience
St Louis, MO, 63129

About: I’ve had dogs and cats around me pretty much my entire life, and I’ve always believed they’re part of the family. In our house, Pepper and Lily pretty much run the show! 😊 Pepper is our 8-year-old Maltipoo, and Lily is our 6-year-old American Shorthair cat. They keep us entertained, keep us on schedule, and remind us who is really in charge. I’m retired, which gives me something many pet sitters don’t have as much of — time. I enjoy being around animals and would much rather spend my day with a dog or cat than rush in and out between a dozen other commitments. Over the years, I’ve cared for the pets of friends, relatives, and neighbors. I haven’t done it professionally, but I’ve been a pet owner and animal lover all my life, and I understand how much trust is involved when you leave someone with your pets. A little about how I care for pets Every pet is different. Some want a long walk and lots of play; others are perfectly happy curling up beside you. I’m happy to follow their routine and your instructions — whether that means walks, meals at a particular time, medications, special attention, or caring for an older pet. I offer dog walking, drop-in visits, house sitting, and overnight care in your home. My preference is house sitting because I think most pets are happiest in their own surroundings, with their familiar beds, toys, smells, and routines. I don’t offer boarding at my home because Lily has made it clear that she does not appreciate houseguests of the canine variety! 😄 Your home matters to me, too. This is something I feel strongly about because I’ve used Rover myself. We’ve had Rover sitters care for our pets and stay in our home, so I know what it’s like to hand your keys—and your furry family members—to someone you don’t know. I will treat your home the way I want someone to treat mine: with respect, care, cleanliness, and common sense. I’ll follow your instructions, keep things tidy, and make sure your home is secure while you’re away. Most importantly, I want you to be able to enjoy your trip or time away without worrying about what’s happening at home. I’m not looking to simply “check in” on your pets. I enjoy their company. I’ll talk to them, play with them, take them for walks, give them attention, and let them keep me company. If your pets are happy, I’m happy. That’s really what this is about. ❤️🐾 I’d love to meet you and your pets, learn their routines, and see if we’re a good fit. I’m retired and have a very flexible schedule, including evenings and overnight stays. I enjoy being with pets and can give them plenty of time and attention. I treat your home with the same respect I expect for mine. We’ve used Rover sitters ourselves, so I understand the trust involved. I’ll follow your instructions, keep your home secure and tidy, and give your pets attentive, dependable care.

Sitter Profile Image: Jayne J.
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Jayne J.
from
$63
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews
30 years of experience
Columbia, IL, 62236

About: I'm comfortable with all dog sizes, though am physically limited for some walking (up to 30 minutes per walk), tugging, and lifting. I have plenty of experience giving injections and oral medications. I have a lot of experience training puppies and aided my senior pup who was blind, deaf, and had dementia at the end. I do not mind having to change doggie diapers, either. I also have some experience with hamsters, pigs, birds, snakes, chickens, goats, sheep, horses, etc. I am a stay at home mom to two independent teens and have several pets of my own. I am available most days and times, whether for checking in on your pets, or staying the night so they don't get too lonely. If you have a contained/caged animal (like rodents, snakes, etc) that needs to stay out of your house for a given time, that can be discussed. I am unable to keep loose animals in my home due to my own pets. I can feed the pets on or off of a schedule, give medications when necessary, clean up after them (outdoor and indoor), brush them, give lots of cuddles and play time. I don't mind kennel/crating them or helping to train the animals. I also have experience with Fluent Pet buttons/talking pets.

Sitter Profile Image: Gabrielle A.
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Gabrielle A.
Star Sitter
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
10 repeat clients
19 years of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63109

Words cannot explain how at peace we were with Gabriella being at our house for 2 weeks and taking care of our fur babies! The boys were well loved and taken care of, the house was spotless and the communication was top notch! Don't hesitate for a single second, she is the best one out there!!

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Alex V.
Sitter Profile Image: Mason M.
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Mason M.
from
$40
per night
4.9 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
5 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Belleville, IL, 62223

Mason was wonderful! He came over for a pre-meet and was very polite and was happy to do what we asked. BUT he went above and beyond walking the dogs, playing bubbles. Great communicator. Sent pics and videos. Had a small emergency and he handled it beautifully! So happy we found him!!!!

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janet m.
Sitter Profile Image: Erin G.
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Erin G.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
10 years of experience
Shaw, St. Louis, MO, 63110

Erin was AMAZING. Joan was sad I came home she loved Erin so much. We are so lucky to have found her. Would highly HIGHLY recommend her.

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Mara H.
Sitter Profile Image: Jamie M.
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Jamie M.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
1 repeat client
10 years of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63129

About: I’ve been caring for cats for many years and have experience pet sitting for both cats and dogs for friends and family. While my background is stronger with cats, I’m comfortable handling the day-to-day needs of dogs as well, including feeding schedules, walks, playtime, and maintaining routines. I know how important consistency is for pets, especially when their owners are away, so I make it a priority to carefully follow any instructions regarding feeding, medications, dietary restrictions, routines, or other special care needs. Because I work remotely, I’m also able to spend much more time at home with pets than many sitters can, which means more company, attention, and supervision throughout the day. I currently work remotely on a typical Monday–Friday daytime schedule and am able to work from anywhere within the state, which means I can comfortably set up my work-from-home station while house and pet sitting. This allows me to be much more present and attentive throughout the day compared to sitters who may be away for long periods of time. My work is also fairly flexible, allowing me to adjust meetings and tasks as needed to help accommodate feeding schedules, walks, potty breaks, medications, and other routine care. Weekends are typically very open for me as well, giving me even more flexibility and availability for your pets’ needs. I currently have two cats of my own: Draco, an 11-year-old part Manx, and Loki, a 6-year-old black American Shorthair. I’ve had both of them since they were kittens, and caring for them has given me years of hands-on experience with maintaining routines, monitoring health, and creating a calm, safe environment for pets. Draco previously needed some extra attention with his weight and diet, and through a consistent feeding routine and focused care, he was able to lose over 10 pounds and maintain a much healthier lifestyle. That experience reinforced for me how important consistency, patience, and closely following care instructions can be for pets. Loki is a rescue and can be a little shy at first, so I also understand the importance of giving pets time to adjust, respecting their comfort levels, and helping anxious pets feel safe and secure. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I aim to maintain their normal routines as closely as possible so they feel comfortable, relaxed, and well cared for while their owners are away.

Sitter Profile Image: Lisa C.
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Lisa C.
from
$55
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
2 repeat clients
12 years of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63125

Lisa did everything we needed. Came home to a clean house and happy dogs!

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Roxanne O.
Sitter Profile Image: Latasha A.
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Latasha A.
Star Sitter
from
$37
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
8 repeat clients
20 years of experience
University City, MO, 63130

Latasha was wonderful! She took excellent care of my baby and really went above and beyond. She was so great with my girl and it was so reassuring to leave my dog in her care. Book her now, you won't regret it.

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Dyana W.
Sitter Profile Image: Kellie D.
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Kellie D.
from
$35
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
8 years of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63125

Kellie took excellent care of my house and pups on a three night stay. Dogs were happy and well adjusted upon my return. Would definitely ask Kellie to dog sit again in the future!

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Faye B.
Sitter Profile Image: Evelyn F.
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Evelyn F.
Star Sitter
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
5 repeat clients
1 year of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63101

Evelyn is a super responsible home and pet sitter, our Golden girl Pennie just adores her! We are always able to enjoy our trip knowing our home and Golden girl is in very good hands <3

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Gretta C.
Sitter Profile Image: Molly R.
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Molly R.
from
$35
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
20 years of experience
Forest Park Southeast, St. Louis, MO, 63110

About: **I currently have two dogs of my own, but they stay at my partner's home if I am boarding your dog!** Hi! I’m a PhD student who has called St. Louis home for the past five years, and I’m currently in the final stages of writing my dissertation. The good news for your pets? I work from home, so I have plenty of time for walks, belly rubs, playtime, and keeping your furry friends company while you’re away! I am located in The Grove with access to a dog park at my apartment complex as well as walking distance to both Forest Park & Tower Grove Park for pups that enjoy long walks. One of my dogs loves people and dislikes other dogs, while the other one enjoys dogs and is wary of people so I have experience with a variety of dog personalities and their differing needs. Whether your pet is a professional cuddler, an energetic adventurer, or simply here for the treats, I’d love to spoil them ◡̈ Since I work from home while finishing my PhD dissertation, pet care fits pretty naturally into my daily routine. I have a flexible schedule that allows me to take plenty of breaks throughout the day for walks, playtime, and potty breaks. 🐾 My schedule is much more “read a paper, take a dog for a walk, write a paragraph, give belly rubs” than a traditional 9-to-5. I can easily adapt to the schedule of your pup! I’m happy to build pet care into my day and give your pets plenty of attention rather than leaving them alone for long stretches. Having a furry coworker around is honestly a pretty great dissertation-writing perk! 😂 Your pet’s safety and comfort always come first. Whether I’m caring for your pet in my home or theirs, I take the time to learn their routine, personality, and any special instructions so they can feel comfortable and relaxed. I always keep a close eye on pets during walks and playtime. Since I work from home, I’m able to provide plenty of supervision and companionship throughout the day. I’ll treat your home with the same care and respect I’d want for my own, and I’m happy to send regular updates and photos so you can see what your furry family member is up to. My goal is for you to feel completely comfortable knowing your pet is safe & happy!

Sitter Profile Image: Skye G.
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Skye G.
from
$35
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 reviews
1 repeat client
7 years of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63125

Skye has a friendly attitude and responds quickly to messages. She also kept in touch with pictures and updates every time she was at our home caring for our boys.

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Morgan M.
Sitter Profile Image: Chloe M.
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Chloe M.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
5 repeat clients
28 years of experience
Boulevard Heights, St. Louis, MO, 63116

Chloe took wonderful care of my Frenchie and cat! Her communication was great, she left my house in impeccable shape and my babies were happy and healthy when I got home. Would definitely book her again!

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Anna R.
Sitter Profile Image: Natalie L.
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Natalie L.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 reviews
1 repeat client
4 years of experience
Saint Louis, MO, 63129

Natalie did a great job with Rudy. He loved her, I will definitely book her again! She sent me photos and was great at communicating.

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Rebecca M.
Sitter Profile Image: Emily M.
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Emily M.
from
$30
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews
15 years of experience
Columbia, IL, 62236

Great communication! Provided timely updates and provided great care!

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Matt T.
Sitter Profile Image: Brandy M.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Brandy M.
Star Sitter
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
8 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Waterloo, IL, 62298

Brandy did a great job caring for our dogs. She stayed with them the entire time we were away, which gave us real peace of mind. It was clear they were comfortable and well cared for when we returned. We truly appreciated her reliability and dedication.

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Stephanie L.
Sitter Profile Image: Brooke S.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Brooke S.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
1 review
20 years of experience
Belleville, IL, 62223

Brooke was great! She took great care of our dog while we were away!

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Alex R.
Sitter Profile Image: Zachary A.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Zachary A.
Star Sitter
from
$72
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
3 repeat clients
12 years of experience
St. Louis, MO, 63108

Zachary was great with Phoebe during my 10 day trip and left the house immaculate. Did not send daily pics (which I don't require) but very communicative and responsive. Would definitely hire him again.

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Laura K.
Sitter Profile Image: Lindsey D.
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Lindsey D.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
5 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Imperial, MO, 63052

Lindsey did a great job taking care of our 3 fur babies while we were gone. She kept in contact with us everyday when she was leaving and returning as well as some adorable pictures of them all snuggling together while watching a movie. Lindsey left everything the way she found it and took great care of everything in our home as well. The pups were very happy when we returned home and were not stressed out at all. We will definitely use Lindsey again and highly recommend her.❤️

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Donna M.
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The median cost per night for house sitting in Columbia is $50

Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Columbia

1 / 1
5.0 out of 5 stars

Emma was a great dog sitter for our two labs. We came home, the house was clean and the puppies were calm and tired out. She was a great communicator and sent cute pictures. Thanks Emma!

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Lynn O.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Anna was a great sitter! She stayed with my anxious dog for multiple days and kept me updated with frequent communication. She is so kind and I would definitely trust her to watch my dog again!

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Molly J.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Emma was very kind and thoughtful - she accommodated us last minute. She asked a lot of good questions during meet and greet. She kept us in the loop while we were gone with pictures, questions, and updates. Highly recommend Emma if you are wanting to put your dogs in good hands!

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Molly J.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

This was our 1st experience with a pet sitter and Emma was fantastic! Bella never liked going to the kennel but always had our other dog to keep her company. I couldn't bear to send her there alone after her BFF passed away, so I checked out Rover.com. Emma was highly rated and a perfect sitter for Bella. She sent updates with pictures which made me so relieved and gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend her and will definitely use her again! Thanks so much Emma!

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Galene M.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Anna was great! She watched my pups for a week and they loved her! She was great with communication and so patient!

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Isabelle M.
House Sitting
5.0 out of 5 stars

Anna was great with our 2 dogs! She was incredibly responsive and took great care of them. Highly recommend!

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Christine S.
House Sitting
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Why Choose Rover?

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Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family

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Popular requests for house sitting - Columbia

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Sitters in Columbia average 4
repeat house sitting clients

FAQs for House Sitting - Columbia

Frequently asked questions about Rover

The average cost for House Sitting in Columbia on Rover is $31.08 per night (as of September 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 September 2026, there are 1,483 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Columbia. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia. On Rover:

  • 97% of sitters can help with special care needs
  • 98% 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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