House Sitting Columbia
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 330 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.
“Antoinette was AMAZING with my dog Rocky while I was on vacation and I highly recommend her. I found her thru Rover. She came to my house before I left to meet Rocky and to go over everything. My dog has skin allergies which he takes medication for so she gave him meds overnight. Rocky was a little upset the first day she watched him and didn’t want to eat. I had never left him before. She contacted me immediately and we came up with a plan and it worked. She sent me lots of pictures throughout the day of Rocky which I appreciated. I will use her again in the future.”
“Kate was sweet, kind, understanding, and responsive. She dealt with a very difficult case of separation anxiety with our newly adopted dog and went above and beyond to make sure he was comfortable. Very responsible and made me feel so good knowing that my animals were getting the care they need. Plus, she just seems to LOVE the animals. I can't recommend her highly enough.”
“Keira is so fantastic! My dog is still a little bit nervous because Keira is new, but she really takes it in stride and seems to magically make my dog more comfortable. Keira is so patient, kind, and gracious, highly recommended if your pup tends to be the nervous kind.”
“Annah was AMAZING!! She took great care of our 2 dogs and sent us the best pictures ever. We could tell she truly cared for our boys and made sure we were always updated on the day! We couldn’t have asked for a better dog sitter”
“My dog is very excitable and can be difficult to handle but Yeji was very understanding and helped to calm him. I think he has a new human friend and now I will feel better leaving him.”
“An absolutely great person and dog sitter. He took amazing care of my 3 dog pack while away including one with epilepsy. I would highly recommend him to walk or sit your pack. Hes also very communicative and responsive which helps when far from the pack.”
About: I do not own a dog personally, however I have had experience caring for dogs. I have dogsitted for as long as I can remember, feeding, walking dogs and genuinely caring for them. I love all dogs alike and at the end of the day I just want to see your dog happy. I am very active, patient and gentle with pets and understand a dog/cats needs from experience and teachings from pet trainer friends and friends that own pets. I am meticulous and detailed when it comes to care, especially understanding that when dogsitting I am dealing with another persons pet, but most importantly an animal that deserves care and respect. I would love to walk or play with your dog, and have committed the time to this work despite also working from home in another profession. Services will include -Meet and Greet. -Only one dog at a time guaranteed. -Convenient/flexible drop off and pick up times. -Excercise/walks at least 3-4+ times a day or whatever is preferred by the owner. -Sanitized rooms, vacuumed daily, and house will never be shared with other pets. -Around the clock attention for overnight boarding, I am able to be work from home every day when I have a dog in my care. I work from home in Ellicott city with time dedicated to care for pets. I am pretty flexible and willing to go out of my way for pet care work. I live in a very walkable and safe neighborhood community in Ellicott City. While not gated, it is a closed community and offers numerous paths for dog walkers, including a dog park nearby as well. There is a shared backyard where I have seen dogs play and ample space in my townhome. I have had cats/ dogs in my home in the past with no problem.
“William was great! He stayed overnight with our dogs during a holiday trip. He met our dogs prior to his stay, and they immediately connected with him. William provided pictures and updates throughout his stay, and was extremely professional! Thank you, William!”
“Taresse was absolutely wonderful in every way caring for our dog and 2 cats and our home while we were away on vacation! She is incredibly conscientious, responsive, flexible, kind, caring, thoughtful and responsible. She sent us wonderful photos so we could see our happy pets and always responded immediately when I would reach out with a text. It is very clear she cares deeply for animals and provides them with a lot of loving attention. She went above and beyond to clean up, disinfect and organize our basement specifically to make a nicer environment for one of our cats that has a chronic illness. She is an absolutely lovely and very trustworthy person and we were able to have great peace of mind while away on vacation.”
“Jessica was responsible, showed up on time, and sent pictures of our kitty while we were away. We will definitely use her again, and feel comfortable knowing be was in good hands😀”
“Corinne was great with my three cats. Two of them are very affectionate and need a lot of love. The third is really shy. Cornnie spent a lot of time with the needy ones and had calm energy for the shy one. My shy cat actually ended up headbutting her by the end of the week and he has never done that with a sitter before! We will be booking with Cornnie again.”
About: I'm attentive and dedicate my time and focus to making sure every dog in my care feels safe, loved, and completely at home. Whether your pup thrives on belly rubs and couch snuggles, needs an energetic playmate, or just loves to lounge and do their own thing, I'll meet them exactly where they are. I take the time to learn each dog's personality, preferences, and quirks so I can give them the experience that feels right for them. I treat every dog like my own because to me, that's the only way to do it. My goal is while you're off enjoying your trip, your dog should be having just as great a time as you are! I have a dog, so adding another pup or more, just means more fun! When I have your dog, I revolve my schedule around having them in my care. We go on walks throughout the day a day, with plenty of potty breaks in between. I accommodate how much we walk based off of your dog. I spend most of my day walking, playing, or snuggling with the dogs. I have a mini golden doodle who is really good at co-existing with others, she’s friendly but getting to the age that she doesn’t always want to play. She will howl when we initially meet lol. She will keep your pup company too! I have a fenced balcony for the dogs to bird/squirrel watch if they desire. I can accommodate your dogs to make them as comfortable as possible while you are away. Also I have a dog camera to monitor when (if) I'm not home.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Columbia is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Columbia
Ana was wonderful with our pets. This was our first time using a sitter service, so we were a little nervous, but she put us at ease right away. She sent photos throughout which made it easy to relax knowing everyone was happy and well cared for. We'd gladly book her again and recommend her to anyone looking for a dependable, caring sitter!
Yolanda is AMAZING! There aren’t enough positive adjectives to describe her and her work ethic. First of all, my dog Chloe absolutely loved her! But more than that, Yolanda basically trained Chloe to eat when the food is put down and to not pee on her pee pads! We were really nervous leaving Chloe for the first time with someone she didn’t know, but all that worry went out the window once Yolanda got to our house. We could finally relax on vacation and enjoy ourselves. We will definitely ask Yolanda to dog sit again and again in the future! She is a rare gem of a person and pet lover and I’m so glad we had her take care of our precious Chloe!!
Madison was amazing with our girls. She treated them just like I would, and she sent daily updates and pictures, knowing how much I missed them. They were so much happier when we got home than when they were boarded. They LOVED having Madison stay with them. I would highly recommend her, and we will definitely call on her again !
Jessica spent a week taking care of our dying 80 lb dog that has to be hoisted with a harness to walk while we were at our son’s wedding. She was beyond amazing! She went to heroic lengths to keep him alive and comfortable until we could get home. She was so communicative and willing to do anything we asked. She gave us constant updates and reassurance. I can’t say enough about how wonderful she has been with our beloved Riley. She is absolutely the best person you could find to take care of your animals.
John watched my two dogs and two cats for 10 days. He did a fabulous job of holding down the fort and making sure everyone was happy and healthy. Even my cats, who are often very shy and slow to warm up to strangers, seemed happy with him. He is kind and pays close attention to instructions. Highly recommend him for walks or house sitting!
Came home to a tidy house and two very cuddly pets. Our dog is pretty high needs in terms of attention, and our cat is terrified of new people. We got plenty of pics and updates over the 10 days we were out, and by the end of their time together the cat was actually coming out to spend time with her and the dog, which normally would take him months of meeting a person. Cannot recommend enough, and would absolutely book again.
Absolutely great! My dogs are very scared when left alone over the 4th of July and they felt very secure with her there. Our cat is also a very needy boy who constantly demands whatever he wants and she handled it perfectly. She also gave a ton of pictures and gave a lot of updates. I would definitely book again!
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 - Columbia
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Columbia average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Columbia
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Columbia is $56 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $37 and $78 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 9,391 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.
<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!
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 , 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 Columbia. On Rover:
- 86% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 91% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 95% 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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