House Sitting Des Moines
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 650 pet parents in Des Moines have booked house sitting
Des Moines, 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.
“Jane was a wonderful house guest. She treated our dogs like it was a Disney vacation. Sent loads of photos and kept us updated all weekend. She even took this call last minute. We were very thankful to keep our dogs in their home and not boarded. I would recommend Jane and will definitely be booking with her again!”
“Christina was great! Communicated very well and kept us updated on the pets! Returned to a clean house with happy dogs! Will use her again in the future!”
“Jessica was absolutely fantastic while caring for our dog, Bella, during our trip to New York City. From the moment we met her, it was obvious how much she genuinely loves animals, and that care and compassion showed throughout Bella's entire stay. We received updates that gave us peace of mind, and it was clear Bella was happy, comfortable, and well cared for. What really impressed us was the extra level of care Jessica provided around our home. Not only did she leave everything spotless, but I honestly think the house was cleaner than when we left. She even started the laundry for the bedsheets she used before leaving—something we never expected and certainly didn't ask her to do. Those thoughtful touches speak volumes about her character and professionalism. We would not hesitate to book Jessica again and highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone trustworthy, responsible, and genuinely caring to look after their pets. Bella was in excellent hands!”
“Meghan was amazing with our boy. Followed instructions very well and made our baby so happy! Worked with us on a missed connecting flight, I appreciate her so much! Will be booking again next time we travel!”
“I booked Angie to stay overnight for 9 days with my 3 chihuahuas mix for my travel to Europe. She was very responsible and communicative with me. Also, my dog felt very comfortable with her since the first time! I would recommend her!”
“Yasmin was very studious with my puppies. She was not afraid to communicate with me. She did a great job letting me know the dogs were being taken care of. highly recommend her.”
About: I am very versatile. Adaptable. I have always tended to lean toward older dogs and have had older dogs up to age of 18. I have an absolute love of all animals. I work 2 days a week Wed and Friday. Friday is an 8 hour day in Ankeny. I am available after 445 on Fridays. I love all living creatures but I am allergic to cats. I have owned dogs, my last one passed away last year. I am a nurse and am very comfortable giving meds, injections and recognizing illness in dogs. I have done all of these things with past pets and dog sits. It would have to be in clients home. My current living situation does not allow for sitting in my home. I am well traveled and adapt well to many situations. I grew up in Des Moines and am very familiar with the area and surrounding areas.
“Zaira was wonderful with my pups! She stopped by earlier in the day to meet the pups and get the lay of the land and I really appreciated that. She was very professional and courteous and cared for my pups in a very loving way. Making them relaxed and comfortable. Zaira has great communication skills and kept my piece of mind with pictures and kept me informed while I was away. I would re-book with her without hesitation.”
“Jocelyn took such good care of our fur babies and we got so many pics and updates throughout the weekend. We will definitely entrust her with our fur babies again. Would recommend her to anyone looking!”
“Kayla did amazing taking care of our house and pups! Her pics and updates gave us peace of mind leaving the dogs at home during our trip. We definitely would have her watch them again.”
About: I have been dog and cat-sitting for others for a long time. I'm willing to be patient with pets because I have a reactive dog that requires lots of training and patience. The most important thing for caring for a pet is to make them feel loved and comfortable, and that's what I can bring to them! I work full-time, so I am only available on the weekends. I love spending time with animals, so why not fill my extra time taking care of them! I have two dogs that don't get along well with other pets very well, so I will strictly care for clients pets in their home. I am a neat person, and I'm good at following instructions. I'm willing to care for pets in any way necessary. Pets often feel most comfortable when they have a routine with their owners and I am willing to conform to that routine as much as I can.
“Sam was awesome. She stayed in our home and took care of our very needy 14 year old puggle for 8 days. Sam also got thrown a few curve balls by our dog during the stay and she handled them all like the pro she is! Highly recommend. Felt lucky and extremely grateful to have her take care our dog and our home. Great communication!”
About: I’ve worked with dogs since an early age. I love and care for them deeply. They are extensions of myself and are the reason I come home everyday. I’m a full time worker but that wont stop me from taking care of your animals needs. I am available most days. I can be flexible. My job is to satisfy the needs of you the customer. I work tirelessly to ensure your pets happiness. This is what matters the most.
About: Most of my pet-sitting experience has come through word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients who trust me with their homes and pets. I have experience caring for senior dogs, administering medications as directed, and working with larger breeds that may need extra patience and attention. I have also cared for anxious pets and understand the importance of maintaining routines and creating a calm environment while their owners are away. I pride myself on being dependable, communicative, and providing regular updates and photos so pet owners can enjoy peace of mind. I work full-time weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, which allows me to provide pet care before work, during my lunch break, and throughout the evening. I can accommodate morning potty breaks, midday visits, after-work care, feeding schedules, walks, medication administration, and overnight stays as needed. I understand that every pet has unique needs, and I work to maintain their routine and environment as closely as possible while their family is away. I have experience caring for senior dogs, administering medications as directed, and providing patient care for larger dogs and pets with anxiety. In a client's home, I respect the property as if it were my own and follow all instructions carefully regarding feeding, exercise, medications, and household routines. I provide regular updates and photos so owners can feel confident that their pets are safe, comfortable, and well cared for. My goal is to create a calm experience for both pets and their owners.
“We’ve had Angie watch our pets for about a year, and we always have a positive experience. We have a couple of special of needs animals, and we recently added an 8 week puppy to the mix. Angie took it all in stride, and it’s comforting knowing we can rely on Angie when we’re away from home.”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Des Moines is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Des Moines
Stacey was awesome! Took great care of 2 needy golden retrievers with care and kindness. Kept me up to date and informed of anything that could be out of the ordinary with the pups. I will definitely ask her to puppy sit again! Thanks so much Stacey! Love, Cece and Steve
We were gone for an extended stay and came back to happy pups! Allison was so good with communicating and sending pics that it helped us relax and know they were being well taken care of!! Loved that if she had any questions she asked- She understood their personalities and we had some laughs along the way! Home was well taken care of when we got back! Will definitely be using Allison again!
Since this was our first time using Kendra, we began with a meet-and-greet. Her interaction with Lucy felt genuine, and Lucy quickly warmed up to her, which made us confident in our choice. Kendra communicated well, letting us know when she arrived, when she let Lucy out, and providing updates throughout her stay. Her care for dogs is clear, and we highly recommend her. We look forward to asking her to watch Lucy again. I give her an excellent grade.
Daniel stayed in our home with our two medium/large dogs for a full week and they all did great! He sent pics daily, kept us up to date with activities around the house, and even took out the trash and pulled the trash and recyle bins to the street! The house was clean and the furballs were well fed and happy! Highly recommend Daniel if you're looking for overnight pet care!
Jane stayed at our home with our Cavapoo five days. At first, our pet was a little skeptical of Jane, but she worked very hard to win him over. They became good friends before she left. Great communication. Lots of photos. Neighborhood walks. Very caring. And responsible. We would have no hesitation having Jane in our home with our pet in the future. Hopefully, she feels the same.
Mellissa is a true animal lover. She also deeply cares for her clients, going over and above. She keeps you in the loop sending many photos of the kiddos. She keeps you informed of any question she has. She was very clean and definitely left our house in great condition when she left. We will be using Mellissa in the future for our pet sitting.
Shelbi was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we connected, she was professional, communicative, and genuinely caring. She treated my pet like family and went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of while I was away. The updates, photos, and attention to detail gave me complete peace of mind. It was obvious that my pet was happy, comfortable, and receiving plenty of love and attention. Coming home to a well-cared-for, relaxed pet made all the difference. If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, responsible, and truly passionate about animals, I cannot recommend Shelbi highly enough. I would gladly book with her again and encourage anyone considering her services to do the same. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shaylen was so amazing. It was our first time booking through an in-home pet sitter and we couldn’t have asked for someone better. She sent us daily updates on the pets, took the time to get to know them before we actually left them in her care, and our house and pets were in great hands. Thank you Shay!
Jordyn was fantastic! She was very communicative before, during, and after the sitting, so I was never left wondering what was going on. She and my babies totally connected and it left me feeling very confident to leave without worrying. She's very personable and I trusted her immediately. She will be my go to whenever she's available. Thank you Jordyn!
Claudia was excellent! She stayed with our crazy pups for a week and they loved her. We have two 50+ lb pit mixes. She sent lots of updates with pictures and videos. Great communication. Everything went smoothly and I’d highly recommend booking with her! We’ll definitely be back for future travels.
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 - Des Moines
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Des Moines average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Des Moines
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Des Moines is $44 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $29 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 608 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines. On Rover:
- 91% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 96% 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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