Pet Sitting Columbia

Book a pet sitter to stop by your home a few times a day to feed and play with your pet.

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Over 735
pet parents in Columbia have booked pet sitting

Columbia, Find top rated pet sitting

Prices are estimates per visit. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.

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Sitter Profile Image: Sara W.
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Sara W.
Star Sitter
from
$18
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 67 reviews
34 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21042

“Thank you Sara for covering last minute request! She is brave to handle my big dog that can be intimidating sometimes. But she won him over. Will use again!”

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David D.
Sitter Profile Image: Jennifer M.
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Jennifer M.
Star Sitter
from
$25
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 38 reviews
21 repeat clients
35 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21042

“Jen is an amazing pet sitter! I cannot say enough about how well she cared for our two cats while we were out of town. I have one cat with special medical issues who requires both oral and injected meds, and Jen handled her complicated situation with the utmost care! She is incredible in her communication and always sent me detailed updates and pictures from her visits. On top of being highly qualified, she has such an evident love for animals. She snuggled my cats on every visit and even got my shy kitty to become her friend. Do not hesitate to call Jen if you want the best care for your family pets! We (and Izzy and Oscar) are already looking forward to her next visits!”

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Elizabeth C.
Sitter Profile Image: Stephani A.
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Stephani A.
from
$22
per visit
4.8 out of 5 stars
• 32 reviews
10 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21045

“Stephanie is AMAZING! I am so glad I found her. I was in search of a new cat sitter and found Stephanie. She recently watched my two kitties and did a phenomenal job. She was always on time, followed all instructions left, communicated with me during her visits, and sent tons of fun pictures. It’s clear that Stephanie loves what she does and has a true passion for taking good care of one’s pets. I will definitely be using her moving forward! She’s great!!!!”

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Diana K.
Sitter Profile Image: Shannon M.
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Shannon M.
from
$25
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 25 reviews
5 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21044

About: I’ve taken care of dogs and cats for the last 15 years. I have experience with diabetic dogs and senior pets. I also have experience giving shots and medications. I coach part-time in the afternoon/early evening and have a very flexible schedule. I can pet sit on weekdays and weekends and am available for short notice drop-ins and walks. I’m a guest in your pet’s home. My job is to make them feel comfortable, secure, and cared for. I’m patient and will prioritize building a trusting relationship with your pet.

Sitter Profile Image: Keira T.
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Keira T.
Star Sitter
from
$25
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 86 reviews
30 repeat clients
9 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21043

“This is the third time we’ve booked with Keira and she’s taken wonderful care of our cats every time! This visit one of our cats got sick right before we left and required medication, which Keira took on without a problem! The other one already requires multiple meds due to a genetic condition so taking on this additional challenge was greatly appreciated. She always goes above and beyond and we will definitely continue asking her to watch our kitties in the future.”

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Jennifer T.
Sitter Profile Image: Ana C.
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Ana C.
from
$28
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 31 reviews
12 repeat clients
30 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21044

“Ana was amazing in caring for my pug while I was out of town for a few days. I tend to get easily anxious when I leave my dog, but Ana was SO communicative both in her scheduled updates and whenever I needed to ask her something in between. She actually gave my dog true attention including play and interaction, well beyond simply showing up to feed and walk. Thank you so much, Ana!”

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Katie D.
Sitter Profile Image: Andrew P.
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Andrew P.
from
$15
per visit
6 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21042

About: With 6 years of experience caring for animals of all shapes and sizes, I understand that every pet has unique needs. I've worked with my own rescue dog to improve her socialization and behavior through patience and consistent training. I'm comfortable with both large and small breeds, as well as reptiles, fish, and other companions. My goal is to provide reliable, attentive care while keeping your pets happy, safe, and comfortable! Currently going to school full time so my entire day is free and scheduled around my classes. I like to spend a lot of my free time with the companions. It is the daily routine and necessary as a caretaker. I wake up and feed and potty breaks. Mid day before I go to the gym, go for a walk and playtime. Repeat when I return from the gym. And then at night time feed again and last bathroom break. Make sure they are always fed, watered, and have been exercised so that they are occupied and able to relax in comfort, peace, and security

Sitter Profile Image: Abby & Chris B.
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Abby & Chris B.
from
$20
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 30 reviews
8 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Ilchester, MD, 21043

“Abby did a great job with our dogs. Our little guy is fickle about people and he warmed right up to her. Reliable and friendly, we will definitely be using her again.”

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Heather M.
Sitter Profile Image: Susan W.
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Susan W.
Star Sitter
from
$22
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 48 reviews
10 repeat clients
17 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21043

“Susan stopped by twice a day while we were gone for a short trip. She was awesome with our chihuahua, Roswell.”

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Tam D.
Sitter Profile Image: Monica F.
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Monica F.
from
$15
per visit
10 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21045

About: I’ve grown up with dogs since I was a child and my parents gifted me my very own dog when I was in elementary school. Jessie was my sole responsibility in terms of feeding, walking, and taking care of her. When I left my parents’ place I ended up adopting a cat who is now my family. My partner and I just adopted another cat this past year and are loving the two-cat life. I’ve also cared for my partner’s gecko in the past. I love animals and am so excited to care for yours! I work full-time but work from home Mondays and Fridays. I am always available in the evenings and mornings but anytime on Mondays and Fridays. I am careful with making sure animals warm up to me properly and receive the space they need. I have handled reactive animals before and it is something I am familiar with.

Sitter Profile Image: Jessica K.
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Jessica K.
Star Sitter
from
$30
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 1,009 reviews
294 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21045

“Jessica took great care of my cat and was so flexible and accommodating when I had last minute plans to leave town. I was a little worried about hiring a Rover without doing a meet and greet first, but Jessica FaceTimed with me and made me feel really comfortable. And she did an awesome job with my cat, gave him his medication with no problems and sent cute pictures. Definitely will be hiring again!”

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Reese M.
Sitter Profile Image: Laurie & James M.
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Laurie & James M.
Star Sitter
from
$22
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 123 reviews
35 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Elkridge, MD, 21075

“Jim and laurie always go above and beyond every day!! My active rambunctious dogs love them, and they're considerate of my house and children. They are both punctual, reliable, and just plain good people!”

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Ian N.
Sitter Profile Image: Antoinette C.
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Antoinette C.
from
$17
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 20 reviews
5 repeat clients
12 years of experience
Catonsville, MD, 21228

“Antoinette provided drop in visit for our elderly (13 yrs) dog and was really great! She was a great communicator (kept us up to date and shared pics) and we got back to a happy and content dog. We hope we can have her sit for us again in the future!”

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Thoko & Matt P.
Sitter Profile Image: Xin H.
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Xin H.
from
$22
per visit
4.7 out of 5 stars
• 15 reviews
4 repeat clients
14 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21042

“Xin is an amazing cat and rabbit sitter! She went above and beyond to take care of our special needs rabbit, who requires medication, bladder expression, and daily cleanup. She sent us lots of updates so that we weren't worried during our trip.”

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Beth A.
Sitter Profile Image: Jasmine I.
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Jasmine I.
from
$30
per visit
4.9 out of 5 stars
• 146 reviews
57 repeat clients
12 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21044

“My babies (2 dogs, 1 cat) were taken well care of while we were away on vacation. I was notified each visit with photos and updates and felt at ease leaving them in Jasmine’s hands! Thank you so much for making our vacation even better and on such short notice!”

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Brandi M.
Sitter Profile Image: Harrison B.
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Harrison B.
from
$17
per visit
4.7 out of 5 stars
• 16 reviews
9 repeat clients
12 years of experience
Catonsville, MD, 21228

“Harrison was great with Luna! He went above and beyond - will be using again!”

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Tara S.
Sitter Profile Image: Amanda L.
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Amanda L.
Star Sitter
from
$15
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 17 reviews
4 repeat clients
25 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21044

“I do not have the easiest cats. One is super shy and the other just tolerates people. Amanda did a great job with them! She patiently coaxed my shy one out and even got my standoffish one to play. She sent video snippets that showed they were happy and well taken care of. Thank you, Amanda!!”

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Ellen K.
Sitter Profile Image: Jodi M.
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Jodi M.
Star Sitter
from
$22
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 40 reviews
12 repeat clients
45 years of experience
Laurel, MD, 20723

“Our cats are always happy when Jodi comes to visit. She cleans up their messes and loves them as her own. We are grateful for Jodi's care and consideration!”

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Ashlie W.
Sitter Profile Image: Deena S.
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Deena S.
from
$20
per visit
4.8 out of 5 stars
• 13 reviews
3 repeat clients
30 years of experience
Columbia, MD, 21045

“Deena was great with Sherly and quick to respond to any questions while we were away. Thanks so much for taking care of him!”

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Nadia R.
Sitter Profile Image: Meisixue Y.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Meisixue Y.
from
$14
per visit
3 years of experience
Ellicott City, MD, 21042

About: As a dog mom to Freia and Howdy, I know how much trust it takes to leave your pet with someone new. Caring for my own two dogs has taught me to pay attention to each dog’s personality, respect their boundaries, and make room for both playtime and quiet time. I’ll take the time to learn your pet’s routine, favorite activities, and little quirks so I can help them feel comfortable while you’re away. You can expect thoughtful care, plenty of affection, and photo updates—because I know I’d want those, too! Pet care is already part of my daily routine with my two dogs, Freia and Howdy, from meals and potty breaks to walks, playtime, and cuddles. I plan bookings around my availability so I can give each pet the time and attention they need. Let me know your pet’s usual schedule, and we can discuss how to keep their routine consistent during their time with me. I take time to learn your pet’s routine, temperament, dietary needs, and any special care instructions. In my home, introductions to my two dogs, Freia and Howdy, will be gradual and supervised, with separate spaces for meals and rest. In your home, I’ll follow your care instructions, respect your space, and check that doors and gates are secure before leaving. On walks, I’ll use a leash and avoid unfamiliar dogs or situations that could make your pet uncomfortable. I’ll keep you updated with photos and messages and make sure I have your emergency contact and vet information.

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The median cost per visit for pet sitting in Columbia is $20

Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Columbia

1 / 1
5.0 out of 5 stars

Even tho I accidentally booked a visit versus a walk, Angie took our pup for a walk because she’s is intuitive and the best!

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Pamela R.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Christina helped us with our longest stretch away from our kitties. We felt so comfortable traveling knowing they were receiving dedicated time and attention from Christina! She is very communicative and detail oriented. Highly recommend, even by our spicy kitty!

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Kelsey N.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Sara took great care of our 2 cats during an extended vacation! I loved seeing their pictures everyday, especially the ones of her giving them love!

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Jennifer F.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Jessica did a wonderful job taking care of my two cats. My shy cat even came out after only a couple of days to be pet, which is not something she does with just anyone! Jessica also provided me advice on lockboxes, which was needed in my specific building to enable easy access. She is much appreciated and I hope to rebook with her in the future!

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Jacob D.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Krysta is the best! Handled my pup with such care. I needed her to dog walk for me twice in one day and each time my pup Asher got so much love! This was my first time using Rover and I would highly recommend Krysta!

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Michelle A.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Ana was amazing in caring for my pug while I was out of town for a few days. I tend to get easily anxious when I leave my dog, but Ana was SO communicative both in her scheduled updates and whenever I needed to ask her something in between. She actually gave my dog true attention including play and interaction, well beyond simply showing up to feed and walk. Thank you so much, Ana!

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Katie D.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Jaeda was wonderful with my cat, Binx! She was very communicative and caring. I will definitely book with her again!

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Natalie P.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Elizabeth was super helpful when we had a last minute request for cat sitting! We appreciate her being able to help us out on such short notice :)

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Elise L.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Lingli was wonderful with the cats and on time everyday. Sent lots of pictures. Thank you so much! I will book again.

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Kathy L.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Zachary took excellent care of our cats. The cats started to recognize him and be more playful and confident with Zachary.

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Alejandra C.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Katherine did a great job with my dog Ollie this week! Definitely plan to continue to book drop in visits for long work days.

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Toni S.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Sherwin wasn’t feeling his best on this trio and Alaina did an amazing job of taking care of him. Thank you!!

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James R.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Kayla did great watching out dog! She was very communicative, responsive, and responsible! I highly recommend her!

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Mike H.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Emma was fantastic! She was very responsive, patient, and attentive throughout a weeklong trip, and went above and beyond with my shy cat. I really appreciated her communication and the care she provided.

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Austin K.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Jasmine was excellent! She cared for Smokie with daily visits for nine days and was so attentive and caring. She has a gentle, calm presence, and Smokie warmed up to her quickly and really enjoyed her visits. Along with feeding Smokie and cleaning her litter box, Jasmine spent time petting, playing with, and brushing her. She was also very responsive and replied quickly whenever I sent her a message. It gave us such peace of mind knowing Smokie was in good hands. I would definitely book Jasmine again and highly recommend her!

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Cassandra H.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Alexandra was responsive, attentive, and took good care of my kitties. Would book her again in the future!

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Rachel L.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Denssy was great! Second time with her and she made it very easy and comforting knowing she was looking in on Polly. Would absolutely recommend! Thanks Denssy!

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Grace C.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Abby and Chris were great. They were punctual and gave us great photos and videos of our dog while we were away. Kiyoko loved her time with them.

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Bennett R.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Mikaela is terrific! They were responsive, prompt, flexible, and took wonderful care of my dog. It's obvious they care *so* much about the wellbeing of the animals they meet.

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Brendan S.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Amanda was the most amazing cat sitter we have had. She was always there as planned for our girls, sent lots of photos and videos. Our girls were so happy to see her each visit. Highly recommend and will definitely be booking again. Thank you so much!!

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Holly B.
Drop-In Visits
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Book with peace of mind

  • Screened pet sitters have passed a third-party background check and show verified reviews from other pet parents, like you.
  • Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 reimbursement for eligible vet care. Learn more
  • 24/7 support from the Rover team–here to help if you ever need someone to talk to.

Why Choose Rover?

  • Cashless payments

    Book and pay through Rover’s secured platform—no cash or checks required.

  • Reservation protection

    It doesn’t happen often, but if your sitter has to cancel, we’ll work with you to find a new sitter.

  • World-class support

    We’re friendly, knowledgable, and total pet fanatics. You can get in touch with us anytime.

How to book pet sitting

  1. 1. Search

    Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer pet 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 pet sitting - Columbia

Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering pet sitting.

Sitters in Columbia average 7
repeat pet sitting clients

FAQs for Pet Sitting - Columbia

Frequently asked questions about Rover

The average cost of Pet Sitting in Columbia is $26 per visit as of November 2026. Most bookings cost between $17 and $37 per visit. 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 November 2026, there are 14,659 sitters on Rover offering Pet Sitting across Columbia. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.

You and your sitter can agree on a care schedule that fits your pet’s routine and the sitter’s availability. Pet Sitting can be booked as a one-time or recurring drop-in visit. If you need overnight care or dog walks, you may also be able to book House Sitting or Dog Walking through Rover with the same sitter, provided they offer those services.

Before booking, confirm:

  • the timing, length, and frequency of visits;
  • the care instructions the sitter should follow;
  • which parts of your pet’s usual routine should be prioritized;
  • how often you would like to receive messages, photos, or other updates.

Not every sitter offers the same services, availability, or booking options. Review their profile and discuss the care you need through Rover before booking each service.

If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.

The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.

Many pet parents provide a spare key or arrange a lockbox. You can also exchange keys during the Meet & Greet and show your walker how to use digital fobs or personalized codes. It helps to arrange access to your home, from spare keys to concierge introductions, before pet care begins.

If you live in an apartment or condo, don’t forget to discuss details like buzzer access, codes, or elevator etiquette. These details can help a pet sitter feel more comfortable going in and out of your building.

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.

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.

Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in Columbia. On Rover:

  • 85% of sitters can help with special care needs
  • 90% can help with giving oral medications or injections
  • 93% 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.

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.

sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, 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.

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