Dog Sitting Des Moines

Book a Des Moines dog sitter to watch your dog in your sitter’s home or yours.

End
Search

Over 196
pet parents in Des Moines have booked dog sitting

Des Moines, Find top rated dog sitting

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

1 / 1
Sitter Profile Image: Kimberly P.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Kimberly P.
from
$25
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 11 reviews
2 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Kent, WA, 98032

“Great service on short notice. My kitty seemed very happy to have Kimberly there!”

Profile image
Andrew H.
Sitter Profile Image: Steve B.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Steve B.
from
$17
per visit
4.8 out of 5 stars
• 7 reviews
3 repeat clients
25 years of experience
Kent, WA, 98032

About: I love working with little kids as much as I do pets. I’m a lovable, friendly and energetic human to your pets. I know you think of them as family as much as I do, so I can assure you I will take great care of them. During the summer I am off work and have lots of time available for your furry friends. I remember one summer going to grab a coffee and taking my dog to the dog park and spending a few hours there. I love the outdoors and nature so they we’ll see lots of that! I’m pretty flexible with the care for your pets. In the clients home you’re dog(s) will spend time with me in the yard or on the house playing or just laying around the house keeping each other company. Depending on the level of service your pet needs each situation is different and we can discuss.

Sitter Profile Image: Ravanpreet N.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Ravanpreet N.
from
$30
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 6 reviews
4 repeat clients
10 years of experience
SeaTac, WA, 98188

About: I’ve been caring for pets since I was 17, and over the years I’ve worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, and personalities. From daily walks to overnight sitting, I’m used to being a consistent and reliable presence in a pet’s routine. I’m also comfortable giving medications and supporting both young and senior dogs with different needs. I especially love working with puppies! That’s really where my heart is. I use positive reinforcement, routine, and clear (but gentle) boundary setting, and I take the time to understand each pup’s personality so I can adapt to them, not the other way around. I want pets to feel happy in their environment, not just managed, and my ultimate goal is for everyone involved, pets and humans, to feel supported in the way they need to thrive. My background is in social work, which really shapes how I show up with animals too: patient, attentive, and tuned into emotional and behavioral needs. In my free time, I love reading across every genre and learning about astrology, so I bring a calm, curious, and intuitive energy into the care I provide. I work independently and by contract, so I have a very flexible schedule. I’m usually available for in-home pet sitting with as little as two days’ notice. Having WiFi in your home makes it easy for me to take care of a few light work commitments during the week (Mon–Thurs), while still being fully present and attentive with your pet. When caring for pets in my home or in a client’s home, I focus on creating an environment that feels as close to their normal routine as possible. I take time to learn each pet’s habits, preferences, and personality so I can adapt my care to what makes them feel most comfortable and secure. I prioritize consistency with feeding schedules, walks, playtime, and rest, and I use positive reinforcement and gentle boundaries, especially with puppies and high-energy dogs. I pay close attention to behavior and energy levels, and I adjust throughout the day to meet their needs — whether that means extra play, quiet companionship, or more structured activity. I also believe communication and preparation are key. I ask that all emergency contacts, vet information, and care instructions are shared ahead of time, and I strongly prefer a meet and greet before booking. This helps ensure I’m a good fit for your pet’s specific needs and that everyone feels comfortable and confident moving forward. Overall, my goal is for pets to feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. I want their time with me to feel calm, familiar, and loving, so both pets and their humans can feel at ease

Sitter Profile Image: Ali T.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Ali T.
Star Sitter
from
$30
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 29 reviews
4 repeat clients
9 years of experience
Renton, WA, 98057

“This was my first time using Rover and having Ali take care of my cat while I was out of state was great! Ali was communicative and great with my cat! I would highly recommend hiring Ali 💯😊”

Profile image
Rigo U.
Sitter Profile Image: Terrence H.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Terrence H.
from
$70
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 26 reviews
7 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Kent, WA, 98032

“Very attentive and very sweet to Jessica . He’s respectful to the property . Hope to book again .”

Profile image
Gabriel D.
Sitter Profile Image: Tia F.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Tia F.
from
$17
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 3 reviews
1 repeat client
5 years of experience
Tukwila, WA, 98188

About: I've taken care of my own dogs since I was around 14, and I dogsit a family friends big dogs. Having stubborn dogs has led me to have alot of patience and quick with reflexes. Gaining experience with bigger dogs that can be seen as aggressive or scary has helped me learn to be more calm and careful. Per care for me helps me also exercise too! I love going on walks with my dogs and it gives them proper outside time, instead of just putting them out back. I will ensure that I can be on alert for bathroom during the night, ensuring that they feel safe with me as well. Gaining trust is # 1.

Sitter Profile Image: Janeth G.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Janeth G.
from
$25
per visit
4 years of experience
Tukwila, WA, 98188

About: Hello, I’m Jan! As the dog mom of two precious high energy dogs , I believe that a tired dog is a happy dog! ( & happy owner ) i would love to give your pup the perfect mix of exercise, mental stimulation, and affection while you are busy or away. If your dog is a high energy pup who loves a long walk & a game of fetch or a senior dog who prefers a gentle sniff and walk to explore the neighborhood, I am available to tailor every outing to their unique pace and personality. I am a NICU nurse who works long shifts and completely understands the trouble of leaving your dog alone for a while and would love to help others with that burden & dog parent guilt :-) I have a predictable work schedule up to 6 weeks in advance which makes it easy to work around other people’s schedule! I enjoy spending time outside ( even in the rainy season ) so I’m available pretty much all day on my days off from work! I personally have reactive dogs so safety is always my absolute priority. During walks I keep the dog on a secure, standard leash (no retractables for safety) and maintain full situational awareness of our surroundings. I never allow strange dogs to approach. For house visits, I double check that all doors and gates are securely locked when entering and leaving, and I always ensure your pet has fresh water and a safe space to relax before I depart. As a NICU nurse I am able to stay calm and act immediately In the rare event of an emergency My first step is to secure the pet to prevent further risk or injury. You will immediately be contacted as well as your preferred veterinarian. If it is a time sensitive issue, I will contact Rover's 24/7 Trust & Safety Support team for immediate backup and vet guidance while keeping you updated every step of the way.

Sitter Profile Image: Morgan Y.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Morgan Y.
Star Sitter
from
$35
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 14 reviews
5 repeat clients
17 years of experience
KENT, WA, 98031

“Morgan did a great job filling in last minute for us! We will definitely consider her again for future dates. She was communicative and thorough throughout her time here. Kaya definitely appreciated the company.”

Profile image
Steven H.
Sitter Profile Image: Martin L.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Martin L.
from
$17
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 1 review
1 repeat client
5 years of experience
Burien, WA, 98166

About: Hi! My name’s Martini or Rouge, I just moved back to the Seattle area after years in Georgia, and am in search of part time work. I have experience pet sitting for cats and dogs, as well as experience with pet ownership, including reptiles such as beardies and geckos. I love pets of all shapes and sizes, and have an easygoing temperament that pets tend to get along with as well. I currently have open availability, as I just moved back to the Seattle area and have not yet started other means of employment here, meaning my schedule is fully open for pet care! I give pets love and attention, take them on walks if needed, feed them, and ensure that they have gone potty and any messes made have been cleaned.

Sitter Profile Image: Ashley C.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Ashley C.
from
$75
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 35 reviews
16 repeat clients
24 years of experience
Burien, WA, 98166

“Ashley did a great job taking care of our cats!”

Profile image
Molly R.
Sitter Profile Image: Ilse M.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Ilse M.
from
$30
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 8 reviews
17 years of experience
Auburn, WA, 98001

About: Update: We have adopted 7/7/26 a Shih-tzu 10lb. I raised both a Shih Tzu-Poodle mix and a Tibetan Terrier from puppies into their senior years. They were truly part of our family, and after losing them, I’m not emotionally ready to adopt again. (My daughter got a dog now-7/7/2026) Pet sitting feels like the perfect win-win your pets will be showered with love, attention, and care, while also bringing that special furry companionship back into our home. I’m experienced in daily pet care, including brushing and coat maintenance. Since both of our dogs had coats that matted easily, daily brushing and regular grooming were essential, and I personally maintained and trimmed their coats myself. In addition to caring for my own dogs, I’ve pet sat for friends and family during vacations, often caring for their pets for weeks at a time. I also worked as a nanny for several years, where I regularly cared for a German Shepherd who became one of my favorites. We took daily walks to the park, and I helped maintain his coat, especially during shedding season. My love for animals began growing up on a farm surrounded by dogs, cats, and frequent litters of puppies and kittens. Being able to witness and help care for animals from such a young age gave me a deep appreciation for them and taught me patience, attentiveness, and compassion. I understand how important it is to trust someone with your pets, and I will always care for them as if they were part of my own family. My schedule is very flexible, I work from home in the evenings, the timing is perfect for winding down, they can relax in my office while I work or in our living room or room. In my home: Safety is my top priority. I have a large, fully fenced backyard, that connect directly to our lower living area allowing for secure and easy access for potty breaks. For variety i can take them around our neighborhood for walks and can utilize a large park at a nearby school for additional play time. Pet not good on walks, NO PROBLEM: Having owned a Tibetan Terrier who was incredibly loving with family and children, but reactive to other dogs on walks I deeply understand that every dog is different. If a pet is anxious or not good on walks, we can stay withing our private back yard. In the clients home: I follow the owners established routines and instructions to keep the pet safe and comfortable in their familiar environment, including tailored neighborhood walks.

Sitter Profile Image: Sukie K.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Sukie K.
from
$20
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 3 reviews
1 repeat client
4 years of experience
Federal Way, WA, 98023

About: I’ve taken care of dogs for family and friends. I like to go on walks and love to take my dog to the park! I’m available 8am-6:30pm daily I’m currently a full time student and have classes online this quarter. So I’m home all day and can work with your schedule I can take your dog to the park or provide a quick walk outside whenever needed and babysit on weekdays and weekends if needed. Let me know!

Sitter Profile Image: Rebecca R.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Rebecca R.
from
$35
per visit
1 repeat client
4 years of experience
Kent, WA, 98030

About: Hiya! I’m a lifelong animal lover with 3+ years of professional animal-care experience, including working with RASKC, volunteering with RASKC, dog walking, and pet sitting. I’ve cared for animals of all shapes, sizes, ages, and personalities, and I’m especially comfortable with senior pets, special-needs animals, allergies, disabilities, large breed dogs,fearful/avoidant dogs and pets who need medications, I can safely administer oral, topical, and injectable medications and am happy to follow your pet’s usual care routine. My favorite part of pet sitting is getting to know each animal as an individual. Whether your dog needs a long walk and a good game of fetch, your cat wants someone to patiently earn their trust, or your senior pet would rather spend the afternoon getting cozy cuddles, I’m happy to meet them where they’re at. When I stay in your home, I focus on keeping your pets’ routines as normal as possible so they can stay comfortable in their own space while you’re away. I provide lots of playtime, enrichment, attention, and cuddles! I’m also available for daytime walks and drop-in visits for pets who need some extra exercise, companionship, a potty break, medication, or just someone to tell them how wonderful they are while you’re at work. 😉 I’ll send you regular photos and videos so you can see what your pets are up to and know they’re happy, comfortable, and well cared for. I can care for up to 5 dogs in a home, although I prefer up to 3 so everyone gets plenty of individual attention. I’m also happy to care for any number of cats and have experience with all kinds of feline personalities—from total cuddle bugs to shy kitties and the wonderfully spicy ones. Your pets are family. My goal is for them to feel safe, loved, entertained, and completely spoiled while you’re away! I am available for pet setting full time so I do not have any restrictions on when I am available for stopping by the house for visits or walks while also being able to stay in your home the the majority of my stay while taking care of your animals. I am generally able to assist with same day requests as long as I have met you and your animals first and discussed their needs and your expectations. I bring something a little different to pet sitting: professional shelter experience combined with a lifetime of loving animals. Working with animals professionally has taught me how to read body language, recognize when something is “off,” safely handle a wide range of personalities, and stay calm when the unexpected happens. I’m comfortable caring for pets who need a little extra patience or specialized attention, including seniors, animals with disabilities or allergies, and pets requiring oral, topical, or injectable medications. But experience isn’t the only thing I bring. I genuinely love spending time with animals. I want your pets to have fun, feel secure, and get plenty of attention while you’re away. I’m observant, dependable, communicative, and happy to follow your pet’s normal routine as closely as possible. And I’ll keep you connected with photos and videos throughout your pet’s stay, because I know you'll want to see those adorable faces while you’re away! I want you to not have to worry and enjoy your time away from home as much as possible! Most importantly, I care for your pets the way I’d want someone to care for mine.If I am staying at your home while watching the animals I may have some daytime plans, errands or other clients to visit for a small amount of time please discuss your pets needs with me while booking to ensure there are no gaps in their care due to existing schedule conflicts. Otherwise I will just be at your home with your animals so they get my dedicated attention and I am able to calm any nerves and offer lots of cuddles, play time, enrichment, and exercise. What to expect when I meet you and your animals: When I meet with you,especially about doggos, I will want to understand what verbiage you use for things like "sit" and "lay" so I can use the same terms. It Is also important to me to know what types of training you are working on with your animals, if any, so I can work on the same things with them and continue their training with consistency. I will also work with you to get an understanding of their feeding process and routines so they get their meals exactly correct and at the exact right time.I will do the same with medication details, leashing/haltering and walking paths if any, bathroom schedules and night time schedules.It is very important to me that I am aware of your cats or dog's triggers, if any, so I can better tailor my care to them and proactively keep their environment as comfortable as possible. There is nothing I cannot handle as long as I am educated about the animals needs.

Sitter Profile Image: Carrianne W.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Carrianne W.
Star Sitter
from
$30
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 115 reviews
43 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Seattle, WA, 98168

“Carrianne was great! She was really quick to respond and easy to coordinate care with. I appreciated the daily reports and pictures! I highly recommend her!”

Profile image
Alena D.
Sitter Profile Image: Nathaly F.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Nathaly F.
from
$30
per visit
4.8 out of 5 stars
• 21 reviews
8 repeat clients
17 years of experience
Federal Way, WA, 98003

“Great experience with Nathaly! She was sweet and caring to our dogs while we were gone and sent pictures which always makes it easier when we have to leave them for the weekend. Will definitely be reaching out to her again when we need her.”

Profile image
Natalie G.
Sitter Profile Image: Angelica D.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Angelica D.
from
$20
per visit
15 years of experience
Federal Way, WA, 98023

About: I am an Animal Science graduate and have been taking care of pets of all breeds and sizes since I was little. I have watched friends and family’s pets for many years. I am back home in Seattle from college and will be looking for a part time job. My schedule will be pretty free to do any services morning, evenings, or weekends! I have a fenced backyard and one miniature poodle and one cat at home. There is a doggy door and plenty of toys to share.

Sitter Profile Image: Megan L.
Verified Background Check
Megan L.
from
$19
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 20 reviews
8 repeat clients
8 years of experience
Renton, WA, 98055

“My first using Megan for a puppy drop in visit and I’ll be booking her again.”

Profile image
Val E.
Sitter Profile Image: Jillian M.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Jillian M.
from
$18
per visit
4.9 out of 5 stars
• 19 reviews
4 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Auburn, WA, 98001

“Jillian was great! I needed someone to watch my dog last minute for the weekend and she came through he loved her and I will definitely call her again!”

Profile image
Jennifer P.
Sitter Profile Image: Violeta R.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Violeta R.
from
$20
per visit
8 years of experience
Renton, WA, 98055

About: I have pet sitted for many of my friends and family. I love to play and give affectionate to our canine friends. I can give dogs their needed medication and bathe them if necessary. I am available Saturday evenings. My free days are usually Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. My schedule can be flexible depending on your times needed to watch your pets. I have a fenced dog park in my complex. I am able to crate dogs if necessary. I will adhere to any instructions you may have when I come to your home to check in on your animals.

Sitter Profile Image: Kylah E.
Verified Enhanced Background Check
Kylah E.
from
$25
per visit
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 6 reviews
1 repeat client
20 years of experience
Federal Way, WA, 98003

About: I love all types of animals and have always had at least one pet in my life. I particularly enjoy spending time with dogs -- I had an Australian Shepherd mix for 11 years and we went on many hikes, long walks, dog park adventures, etc. I recently lost her to old age, and would like to spend my newly freed up time getting to hang out with all of the Rover community's dogs! No dog is too big or too small. I'm comfortable with all sizes and breeds. I am available to walk dogs on weekdays in the mornings before 8:00, on my lunch breaks between 12:00 & 1:00, and anytime after 4:30 p.m or at any time on the weekends. I can also do in-home visits during those hours. In-home stays can be worked out as well depending on your location. I've been an animal lover for as long as I can remember! I grew up with cats, hamsters, and an Australian Shepherd who became my best friend. She was so attached to me that when I left for college, she came along! We spent countless hours hiking, exploring, and going on long walks together, and I was lucky enough to have her in my life until she passed away at 14. I also rescued a kitten during college who was my companion for the next 16+ years. Between the two of them, I have plenty of firsthand experience caring for pets through all stages of life, including their senior years. Both required regular oral medications as they got older, so I'm comfortable administering medications and following established care routines. I also have previous experience as a Rover sitter, providing drop-in visits and house sitting for clients, and I'm excited to be getting back into it! Although I don't currently have pets of my own, animals are still a big part of my life. I frequently care for my parents' two small dogs, and my boyfriend has a cat who gets plenty of love and attention from me. My love for animals goes well beyond cats and dogs, too! I've cared for a variety of pets over the years, including traveling out of state to spend a week caring for someone's chameleon. I especially love reptiles and am happy to discuss care for less traditional pets! Whether your dog needs a long, energetic walk, your senior pet prefers a slower pace, or your cat just wants some company and affection, I'm happy to adapt to their individual personality and routine. My goal is to make sure your pets feel comfortable, safe, and loved while you're away! I know how important it is to feel confident that your pets are in good hands while you're away! I treat every pet and home with the same care and respect I'd want for my own. I do my best to maintain your pet's normal routine, whether that means following specific feeding instructions, administering oral medications, providing fresh water, or making sure they get plenty of exercise and attention. I'm happy to accommodate individual preferences and will always follow your instructions closely. Safety is a top priority during walks and visits. I always keep dogs leashed unless they're in a secure, owner-approved area, and I'm mindful of their behavior, surroundings, and comfort level. I avoid unfamiliar dogs, crowded areas, and situations that could cause unnecessary stress, unless we've specifically discussed your pet's needs and preferences. I'll also make sure all doors, gates, and locks are secure before leaving your home. Communication is important to me, too! I'm happy to provide updates and photos so you can relax knowing your pets are safe, comfortable, and well cared for.

1 / 1
View more

The median cost per visit for dog sitting in Des Moines is $25

Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Des Moines

1 / 1
5.0 out of 5 stars

Cannot heap enough praise on John! He’s communicative, excellent with our German Shepherd, Atlas, provides lots of great photos, and is always timely.

Profile image
Evan B.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Taylor was great to work with. She agree to watch our dogs on a short notice and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Profile image
Johnny P.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Will always try to book with Shelli. My dog loves her and she takes great care of him. I don't worry about what's happening back home when I know Shelli is taking care of my sog.

Profile image
Phebe R.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Jaskirat was so great! He replied right away to me. He went and played with my dog, fed him and gave him a nice block. Honestly, the best service I’ve had on rover!! Thank you and hope you can play with Enzo sometime in the future again!!

Profile image
Rebecca B.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

We love having Kimee watch our puppy, she’s very informative and takes great care of him during the week!

Profile image
Maiya B.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

We cannot recommend Mary highly enough! She has been helping us for quite some time, and she has been nothing short of amazing. Not only is she incredibly loving and caring with our puppy, Luna, but she is also extremely reliable, communicative, and trustworthy. We always have peace of mind knowing Luna is in such good hands. Mary consistently keeps us updated, genuinely cares about Luna's well-being, and goes above and beyond every time. We are so grateful to have found her and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional pet care.

Profile image
Patricia A.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Life savors when I was sick! I think Mav would go home with you! He loves his ball time. And you have absolutely no problem handling my 135lb teen age boy. Would recommend these 2 to everyone.

Profile image
Linda L.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Gino was fantastic—very communicative, always on time, and sent great photos and updates during each visit. Highly recommend!

Profile image
Scott F.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Tiana was so great! On time, to the minute, friendly and very responsible. I will definitely use her services again. Thank you Tiana!

Profile image
Teresa S.
Drop-In Visits
5.0 out of 5 stars

Michelle is so wonderful with our pets, she is so patient with them and they loved having her here! She communicated with me during her visit and sent lots of cute pictures!

Profile image
Kristine C.
Drop-In Visits
1 / 1
Find pet care near you

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 dog sitting

  1. 1. Search

    Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer dog 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 dog sitting - Des Moines

Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering dog sitting.

Sitters in Des Moines average 8
repeat dog sitting clients

FAQs for Dog Sitting - Des Moines

Frequently asked questions about Rover

The average cost of Dog Sitting in Des Moines is $28 per visit as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $16 and $42 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 October 2026, there are 11,990 sitters on Rover offering Dog Sitting across Des Moines. 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.

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!

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 .

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.

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 .

While Rover doesn’t offer traditional subscription services, some sitters offer recurring bookings for services like home visits and dog walking. Recurring services come with their own perks, such as flexibility to modify services (up to five weeks in advance), automatic billing, Rover Card updates, and same-day cancellations.

To find sitters in Des Moines with recurring or weekly availability, select "Repeat Weekly" and which days you’d like them to care for your pet.

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

  • 87% of sitters can help with special care needs
  • 91% can help with giving oral medications or injections
  • 94% 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.

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.

Connect anywhere with the Rover app

Download on the App Store BadgeGet it on Google Play Badge