House Sitting Columbus
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 1,555 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!!”
“Caleb was amazing with my anxious dog. He's the perfect balance of chill and attentive. I really appreciated the detail and frequency of his updates and was able to fully enjoy my trip in between knowing Wilbur was in good hands. There was a leak under my kitchen sink and Caleb not only went above and beyond to clean up but even diagnosed the issue for me. My house was spotless when I got back. 10/10 experience with Caleb.”
“Emma watched Sadie while we were away for a day. She was communicative when needed, did everything we asked of her, and even stayed a little while extra to comfort Sadie when Sadie was afraid of fireworks going off outside. Sadie was cared for and in good spirits when we returned. We would happily book Emma again!”
About: I have lived with 2 golden retrievers since I was born, one male and one female. Both were large dogs and full of energy. I have also looked after neighbor's dogs of all breeds and sizes. I am currently in grad school for physical therapy at Ohio State! I have extra time in the afternoons/evenings and on the weekends, and am looking forward to meeting some new furry friends! I am active in my daily life, and love long walks with dogs who need it! I am super attentive to your pet's needs. I have a golden retriever at home, so I know what type of attention they need and am more than happy to give it!
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
“Camryn provided exceptional all-day dog sitting for my 25 lb dog, Maverick. During his second stay with her, Maverick immediately recognized Camryn and showered her with kisses. Her home is dog-friendly and equipped with everything needed for a safe and enjoyable stay. Camryn's understanding of dog behavior was impressive. She anticipated Maverick's needs, providing the right amount of exercise, mental stimulation, and downtime. Regular updates and photos reassured me that Maverick was having a fantastic time under her attentive care. Maverick was content and relaxed when I picked him up, a clear sign of the bond formed with Camryn. I highly recommend her reliable and loving dog sitting services. Camryn is the perfect choice for a fulfilling day of attention and fun for your furry friend!”
“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!”
“Michael did an excellent job watching my dog Charlie while I was on a business trip. He catered to my dog's needs and stayed on his medication schedule and routine, which is everything. I definitely will be using Michael as a repeat sitter again and again. He's a great guy and loves animals and it show.”
“We are so happy we found Cece!! We have a large crew of fur kids that require a lot of attention and some special needs. She is amazing with them all! We can’t wait to have her back.”
“Sandra did a great job caring for my animals. I loved receiving pictures of them. Sandra even washed the bedding and towels she used during the stay, which was very kind and unexpected.”
“Rebecca did an amazing job with our very reactive pup! Our dog is very sweet with humans but is very reactive towards other dogs, making walking her understandably challenging. Rebecca watched her for a week and had no issues during this time. Would definitely recommend!”
“Penny took amazing care of my Nala. Sent pictures every day, which made me feel so much better about leaving her while I went away. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect person to take care of my fur baby. I would recommend Penny for anyone who’s looking for a pet sitter.”
About: Since I was 9, I have been the trusted neighborhood dog walker and sitter, because of my deep understanding and love for the individual animal. I meet the pet where they are. Owners say I have a calming presence for their anxious pets, or fun, outdoorsy, playful energy for the more high energy pet. I see the animal for who they are. I work as a substitute teacher so I can pick my schedules, and work around any kind of pet-sitting task. The animals come first, so I will plan my schedule around them. I am big on dog safety, so that means for me, making sure the fence is locked and shut, and no dangerous obstacles (food, fallen unsafe debris) in the yard. House stays locked when I am not in it, even when it is a walk around the block. I keep clients homes clean as well, making sure there is not mess from their pet, as well as myself.
“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.”
“Alyssa did such a great job watching our dogs! Great communication and we received a lot of updates and pictures! This was our first time using rover and we felt so much better knowing our dogs were under such great care!”
“Shelly did a good job with my dog Zorro and was flexible with the start/end times as I sorted out my travel. I would recommend her to others that need house/dog sitting.”
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.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Columbus is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Columbus
Mary did such an amazing job taking care of our two 9-year-old dogs and one 11-month-old puppy while we were out of town for four days (house sitting). She asked questions to clarify their food, medication, and potty schedules as well as sent many updates to offer us peace of mind. I appreciate her handling an issue when our puppy had an accident in the house overnight as well! We came home to a very clean house and extremely happy pups. Would highly recommend Mary to anyone looking for the perfect person to take care of their animals while out of town!
Our dogs absolutely loved Gabrielle, and seemed to take to her right away. It’s always hard to leave your pets/home in the care of someone else, but Gabrielle may have honestly given our pets more attention and playtime than we can give while we’re home! We received photo updates of sleeping/happy dogs and would recommend Gabrielle to anyone. Thank you so much!
I can’t recommend her enough! She took such amazing care of Bingo while I was away for the weekend, and I couldn’t have asked for a better sitter. She kept me consistently updated, which gave me so much peace of mind while I was away, and it was clear that Bingo was in great hands and getting lots of love and attention. She also left my house incredibly clean, neat, and tidy, which I really appreciated. She went above and beyond in every way, and it’s obvious how much she genuinely cares about the pets she looks after. Finding someone you can fully trust with your dog and your home is priceless, and I’m so grateful to have found her. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, caring, and thoughtful sitter. She’s the best, and I’ll definitely be booking her again!
Victoria was great with Scout! She kept us updated, communicated well, and sent pictures while we were away, which we really appreciated. It was nice knowing Scout was being well cared for and in good hands. We’d definitely recommend Victoria to anyone looking for a reliable and caring pet sitter!
This was our first time leaving our dog with someone and Ashley was great. She made Roxie feel so comfortable and loved while we were out of town. She sent pictures and updates as requested and was a great house guest as well! Would definitely rebook with her in the future!
Caleb was amazing with my anxious dog. He's the perfect balance of chill and attentive. I really appreciated the detail and frequency of his updates and was able to fully enjoy my trip in between knowing Wilbur was in good hands. There was a leak under my kitchen sink and Caleb not only went above and beyond to clean up but even diagnosed the issue for me. My house was spotless when I got back. 10/10 experience with Caleb.
Jennifer was great, very communicative and was able to squeeze us in relatively last minute. She came for a visit and was both professional and easy to talk with. Throughout her time she gave us regular updates on our two cats that helps keep us present on our trip. We would definitely recommend her!
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 - 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 is $44 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $28 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 1,498 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.
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 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 , 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 Columbus. On Rover:
- 91% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 96% 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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