House Sitting Des Moines
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 685 pet parents in Des Moines have booked house sitting
Des Moines, Find top rated house sitting
“Jane took good care of our babies and kept us in the loop with regular photo updates. We also felt very at ease leaving our doggies with Jane. Will definitely recommend.”
“Allison did a great job house sitting and taking care of Dax at the last minute! She sent lots of updates and photos. The house was very clean too! My only issue was the $20 meet n greet fee which I thought would be deducted from the booking once confirmed. Even though her bio says, “to be modified in the final price once a booking is confirmed” I still thought it meant she would take it off the price upon booking, but she adds it no matter whether you book or not. I’ve used Rover for almost 2 years and never had to pay someone to meet. I also pay fees when booking Rover too…. So it’s part of the program. I, too, lose out on my time if someone meets Dax and decides he’s too big or not a good fit for them. I don’t get paid for my time going to job interviews or when I’ve interviewed babysitters…. So just something to consider.”
“Christina was extremely communicative and treated the dogs fantastic! She also left the house in great shape and followed my instruction sheet to the letter, which I truly appreciated. Highly recommend!”
“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!”
“Sophia was great! She stayed with Tiffany while we Al were out of town for the holidays and when we got home Tiffany was so happy and calm. I’m always nervous leaving our senior girl with anyone, but Sophia sent us updates and pictures and made sure everything went smoothly.”
“Katherine did a great job watching all of our animals. She was able to handle multiple days and nights with multiple pets and could handle complex instructions and gave them the best care. Would definately use again”
“Zoe was amazing! We were getting married on NYE 2022 and we had a dog sitter cancel on us a few days before our big night. In a panic we signed up for Rover, found Zoe and she was a life saver. She came over and met with us and Jackson two days before our wedding night. She followed all of our instructions, checked in with us via text when she got to our house on NYE and sent a few pictures during her stay and based on those pictures her and Jackson became best friends. She left the house in perfect condition after her overnight stay, and even left a beautiful wedding card for us. We highly recommend Zoe and we'll definitely be using her again!!!”
About: Hello I have love animals as young as I can remember I would love to take care of your cat or dog I love walking outside I think it's very important that your dog gets lots of exercise they need to be stimulated mentally I would like to cuddle with your dog or cat, Don't hesitate to reach out to me My schedule is very flexible, I work night so I'm pretty much available during the day, I can also change my schedule to meet your 1st baby's needs I live near a trail so I can take your dog for lots of walks And I have a kennel they're more comfortable sleeping than one
“Madison was great with my dog and house. Very responsive. Good communication and did me a favor unrelated to petsitting. Would gladly have her pet sit again. Thanks, Madison!!!”
About: I started in the veterinary field at the age of 15 as a kennel technician and cross trained in the clinic as a veterinary assistant. I then went to school for animal/veterinary science and graduated with valuable skills and education. After school I went into zookeeping where i cared for a variety of taxa including but not limited to carnivores and hoofed animals. After leaving the field and changing careers, I became a foster home for Oh My Dog Rescue based in the Des Moines IA area. As a Retail Manager my schedule is not consistent however I guarantee that I will check on your animals a minimum of twice per day unless otherwise agreed upon. I do best house/petsitting for clients who leave detailed instructions and emergency contacts. I bring structure and high quality care to the table in every home I enter.
“Oh my gosh where do I start? Hallen was the most professional, caring, communication rover I’ve ever had. She left the house spotless, and even helped me troubleshoot internet issues happening at the house while I wasn’t there. She sent so many cute photos which were so nice and really kept me smiling while I was away. I will not be using anyone else except her in the future if I can help it. Hallen, keep being amazing…Rover of the year award should be a thing and you have my vote!”
About: I have grown up with dogs all my life! I do have a pup of my own, but am still sitting for those that are in need and don’t mind another dog in the home! I am also doing dog-walks and pop-ins! I work from home so your pup wont be alone. Weekends are usually open. I love all sizes and can’t help but spoil any one I meet! I have experience with both small and larger dogs. I would love to walk or jog with your pet, even if it is cold outside depending on what they can handle. Feel free to message me with any questions! I work for myself and from home so I am able to adjust my work schedule pretty well. No dogs have needed to be kenneled while working. I have a pup of my own that loves to play with others. If they do not get along, I have a gate at that can keep them separate-although I have not had this issue yet. We have a big crate that can home your pup when we are out of the house.
“I have four dogs that Travis cared for. It was a late request due to a funeral so I really appreciated Travis having a meet and greet, then accepting the job. He did a great job caring for them and our house. He kept them well fed and administered medication for our elderly dog. Very good communication. Thank you Travis.”
About: I have grown up around Large dogs. I've been fortunate to have some of the most loving dogs to raise. It's one of the most rewarding things I have done I my life.Over the years I have done in home dog care. Availablity: week days, weekends I have trained all of the dogs I grew up with and my current dogs. I've had a certified therapy dog and I'm really proud of that accomplishment. I love playing with all pups and would be willing to work on any training aspects of your dogs needs if you would like. I enjoy spending time with dogs by going on long line walks in the woods, finding some water to swim in, or going to see the beautiful area of Grays Lake. I love all dogs of all ages and my back yard even has a ramp for my seniors to gently make it to my yard. Senior dogs have a very special place in my heart. I will have plenty of time to play with your pets. I can spend quite a bit of time with your dog if that is what you would like or I can do quick drop ins. Your dog is important to me. I have a fenced in back yard and two personal dogs who can help keep your fur baby busy if they want to engage. I am always watching the dogs when they are in the yard. Your dog will have access to a safe and clean yard. My yard also offers a ramp for senior dogs. It does have steps at the top and bottom. It offers a safe way for dogs to get into the yard.
About: I’ve cared for pets regularly through graduate school and grew up with animals around my entire life. I’m a current cat owner and regularly care for friends dogs during the day and on weekends. Flexible availability this summer. Currently spending my summer studying so happy to watch your pets and study from your home. I can fit in daily walks and feedings quite easily. Happy to follow your instructions for safe and dependable pet care. I’ve watched pets with backyard access, regular leashed walking, and mobility issues. Glad to meet your pets needs.
“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!”
About: I enjoy going on long walks to grays lake. So I can allow dogs to get their energy out! I have a 3 year old Weimaraner, and also used to have an Australian shepherd. I’m familiar with all different breeds! My parents have 3 dogs and bred a couple times so I have also experienced taking care of a bunch of puppies. I work full time during the week until 4, my dog stays in a kennel when I am not home and spends the evenings going on long walks and also play time at the dog park at my apartment complex. She doesn’t sleep in her kennel she gets cuddles all night! If your pet is trained well and doesn’t need to go in a kennel, I am okay with letting them be out and roam around.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Des Moines is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Des Moines
Bryn was absolutely fantastic! She was so good with our babes and kept them entertained and happy, even through a week of poor weather and adjusting to Daylight Savings. Communication and updates were excellent and we felt so at ease. Will absolutely book 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.
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 November 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 November 2026, there are 612 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.
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 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 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 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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