House Sitting Columbus
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 1,563 pet parents in Columbus have booked house sitting
Columbus, 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.
“Laura did an amazing job watching our 13 year old dog, who requires a number of pills and short walks throughout the day. She is very attentive and communicates consistently throughout her stay, which we very much appreciate. We use Laura often and always have confidence she is taking great care of our home and our dog!!”
“Kun was absolutely amazing staying with our dog while we were out of town for a week. She took excellent care of him and went above and beyond. Kun sent many updates and pictures and also took him on lots of walk. We were able to relax knowing he was in such good hands. Will definitely rebook with Kun again!”
“Stephanie was a wonderful sitter - she was quick to reply to us, even for a last-minute request, and provided us with frequent text/photo updates just how we like it. We came home to a clean apartment and a happy pup. We’d love to have her take care of our dog again!”
“Ashley was such a pleasure to work with. She sent pictures and communicated with me daily, while managing our 2 cats and 2 dogs for the week. Would definitely hire again!”
“Kelly did such a wonderful job watching our dog! He seemed so happy when we got back from our trip. She sent lots of cute pictures and I would definitely recommend her!”
“Erica took really good care of our animals while we were out of town. She sent us pictures and updated us daily. She also did an amazing job on giving our cat his medications. Would recommend and book again.”
“Zach was such a blessing to us. He was so understanding and flexible with our needs and our old doggies and kitties love him. He was attentive and thorough with all our millions of instructions for taking care of our geriatric Great Danes with many health issues. He also took care of some things last minute for us that I had forgotten to do. It was such a relief to find someone we could trust to stay with our boys. Thank you Zach ❤️”
“Miriam did the best job taking care of our dog while we were out of town. Miriam did a great job communicating, sending photos, updates, and left our home in fantastic condition. We have a senior dog with some anxiety, and Miriam was very experienced and understanding, which truly can’t express how much that’s appreciated. Would rebook with Miriam any time and suggest you to do the same!”
“Bishop did a great job with Murphy! He sent us pictures regularly and I swear Murphy was smiling! It was a complicated schedule and Bishop handled it perfectly giving us great peace of mind. We look forward to using him again.”
About: Animals are my entire life, and also my eventual career! Over 10 years ago I started walking my neighbors dogs and fell in love with animal care. Since then, I have gained a ton of experience by working with all sorts of animals in my high school animal labs and farms, working in a small animal vet clinic, volunteering at shelters and ICUs, pet sitting for family friends, knowledge through my animal science courses, and much more. I love all types of animals, and I truly hope to provide the best of service to your family pets! I am currently a college student, but I have a lot of free time throughout the week and the weekends to provide my services. My best availability is from Fri-Sun, however I can still fit quality care throughout most of the week Every time I let your pet go outside, I always make sure to have them on a leash to keep control of them for everyone’s safety. In fenced in areas, I am always outside with them to supervise so they have someone to play with and make sure they are keeping out of trouble. I am very flexible in pet care and will do whatever it takes to cater to their needs
About: I have been taking care of pets all sizes and ages for over 6 years both in and out of the home. I make it my personal mission to love and care for your babies so you’re able to be away knowing they’re being cared for just the same. I am currently in school and working part time which gives me my evenings and weekends free to take care of your pets. I have my own fur babies at home and one of my own so finding time to take care of others pets when they need it not only benefits you, but also me! I have experience with all types of animals and their routines. I am experienced on crate and litter training, active or non active. I am able to keep up and adapt to any animals needs and create the best routine and environment for them.
About: What truly sets me apart from other sitters is my unique blend of lifelong pet ownership, formal training, and the capability to handle pets of all shapes and sizes. I have been surrounded by dogs, cats, and small animals since birth, which has given me an intuitive understanding of animal body language and care. Beyond casual pet ownership, I spent seven years as an active 4-H member, which instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, structure, and professional responsibility when it comes to animal management. At 250 pounds, I possess the physical strength and confidence required to safely handle larger or giant breeds that tend to pull on leashes, an area where many campus sitters struggle. Whether you have a tiny cat requiring gentle, patient drop-in visits, a senior dog needing a calm routine, or a massive breed that needs a firm and confident handler, my extensive 4-H background ensures your pet will be kept safe, structured, and happy. Pet care fits perfectly into my routine because my schedule allows me to offer dedicated, high-quality care exactly when pet parents need it most. From Monday through Friday, I have large blocks of free time between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (except Thursdays), which is the absolute peak window for mid-day dog walks and drop-in visits around the Ohio State University campus and surrounding neighborhoods. For overnight house sitting, I focus entirely on an alternating weekend schedule. Every other weekend, my schedule is completely clear of academic commitments. On these working weekends, my girlfriend visits me from out of town, allowing us to team up and provide constant companionship, regular updates, and double the care for your pet. I actively manage my calendar a month in advance, ensuring that any booking I accept receives my full, structured commitment. Safety, structure, and respect are my top priorities when caring for a pet in a client's home. Because I have seven years of formal training through 4-H and have raised dogs, cats, and small animals my entire life, I know how to establish a calm, trusted bond with a pet while maintaining a secure environment. When house sitting, I strictly adhere to the owner's established routines, feeding schedules, and household rules to minimize any anxiety the pet might feel while their family is away. At 250 pounds, I am highly confident in my physical ability to maintain complete leash control on walks, even with large or giant breeds that tend to pull, ensuring every outdoor trip is safe and controlled. I am also extremely detail-oriented when it comes to home security. I make sure all doors and gates are securely locked, respect the client's privacy and property completely, and never allow unauthorized guests into the home without explicit, upfront permission. Whether I am handling a delicate cat drop-in or a weekend house sitting gig with a massive breed, pet parents can expect transparent communication, regular photo updates, and a safe, clean environment.
“Essence was amazing! We have a fairly difficult dog that struggles with anxiety and that manifests itself in what most would consider to be aggressive behavior. She was amazing at earning his trust and becoming a trusted person in his life. After only a couple of hours he was comfortable with her presence in our home. I cannot stress enough how rare that is for our dog! On the other side of things, she was in constant communication with us and sent many pictures and updates each day. She is clearly passionate about animals and I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone. 10/10 will book again!”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Columbus is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Columbus
Karson was great! She kept me updated the whole time and sent lots of pictures, which made me feel so much better being away from my dogs. Everything was taken care of when I got home, and she even took the trash out before she left, which was so thoughtful. I’d definitely book with her again!
We can't recommend Emma highly enough! It was our first time leaving our kitten, and Emma put us at ease from the meet & greet. She took wonderful care of her throughout and sent updates and photos that let us actually relax and enjoy our trip. We'll absolutely be booking with her again next time we're away.
Christine was amazing! She watched our dog and house while we were on the other side of the country, and provided us with plenty of pictures and updates so we knew everything was going smoothly with our pup. She was always quick to reply and left our house in immaculate condition. Thanks again, Christine! We would definitely have her back.
Lizzy did a great job taking care of my two fur babies this past weekend. I came home to happy pups and they, along with my house, were well cared for! In addition, she was quick to respond to communication. I've already booked her for another longer stay next month. I highly recommend Lizzy for any of your pet sitting needs!
Mallory is absolutely outstanding and I can’t say enough good things about her! She really went above and beyond taking such great care of our pets while we were away; sending pictures and updates daily, asking questions when needed, and giving them endless attention & affection. Absolutely will book her again!!
Ashley is always kind, warm, and communicative throughout her stays with my pup. She is one of my go-to sitters! She takes such good care of my senior dog and makes sure she has all her medications and sticks to her routines. I trust her and can fully relax while I’m away!
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.
Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family
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 - Columbus
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Columbus average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Columbus
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Columbus on Rover is $44 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $27 and $78 per night. 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 1,521 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 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.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in Columbus. On Rover:
- 95% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 98% 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.
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