House Sitting Des Moines
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 259 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.
“Lots of updates and check ins made us less worried about our dogs while we were away. Brit and Megan are super responsive, responsible, and loving to our dogs. Would not hesitate to book again!”
“Tiana is one of the best pet sitters I have ever worked with. She is kind, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. Leaving my dog with Tiana is like leaving my dog with family. She is the best!”
“Kathi had an extended stay at our place while we were out of the country. She was professional, courteous, and provide pictures of our dogs each day. She was dependable and took care of our dogs nicely in our absence”
“John is the best! he takes great care of our elderly french bulldog who requires eye drops and meds twice a day and he gives our very special cat all the attention and love. He provides regular updates a photos and communicates well during his stay. Our home is always spotless when we return. Highly recommend!”
“Joley was an amazing house sitter! She sent us updates every day along with pictures and videos. It was our first time leaving the pets in over 2 years and she made us feel very comfortable. It was like leaving them with family. I would highly recommend her for anything, dog walking, house sitting, you name it!”
“Kaitlyn took care of our three kitties for an extended vacation, including pilling, cleaning, reporting on minor concerns, taking care of the house, and cleaning everything up for our return. She updated us very consistently and with pictures, which was super helpful and reassuring as this was our first trip away from them for more than 8 hours due to one of them requiring a medication every 8 hours. In addition to doing a great job, she is a delight to talk to and all of her communication from start to finish has been professional and prompt. We highly recommend Kaitlyn!”
“Brandy was so lovely!! Kellan took to her right away (and he’s picky). She was very communicative leading in to our trip and while we were traveling. All the photos allowed us to enjoy our trip knowing Kellan was having a great time with Brandy at home. When we got back I swear Kellan’s coat looked better than when we left! (He’s a VERY fluffy Pyrenees) she obviously gave him plenty of love and care while we were away. We will definitely be booking with Brandy again the next time we travel.”
“Stuart did an amazing job! Gizmo was well cared for and when he got into something on the street Stuart immediately called my vet to make sure he didn’t need to come in, then promptly checked in with me. Also left my apartment very clean!”
About: I’ve spent more than 20 years caring for animals, and being around pets has always been a natural part of my life. I’ve owned dogs for most of my life, and when I didn’t have one of my own, I was the person friends, family, and neighbors relied on to care for theirs. My experience includes caring for both large and small dog breeds, each with their own personalities, energy levels, and needs. I’ve also cared for rabbits and horses and spent several summers on a farm, giving me hands-on experience with a variety of animals and teaching me the importance of patience, consistency, and responsible care. In addition, my brother is a professional dog trainer, which has given me valuable insight into dog behavior, communication, and positive handling techniques. While I’m not a certified trainer, I’ve learned practical skills that help me understand dogs and create a calm, safe environment for them. I offer boarding, drop-in visits, dog walking, and house sitting. Whether your pet loves long walks, playtime, belly rubs, or simply sticking to their daily routine, I’ll make sure they receive personalized care, plenty of attention, and lots of love while you’re away. I understand that leaving your pet with someone else takes trust. My goal is to treat every animal like they’re part of my own family, so you can feel confident knowing they’re in caring, dependable hands. Pet care fits easily into my routine, and I genuinely enjoy making time for it. I’m currently pretty flexible, and starting in September, I’ll mainly be available afternoons, evenings, and weekends. My schedule can vary from time to time, but I’ll always keep my availability updated and make sure every pet gets the time, attention, and care they need. I try to make every pet feel as comfortable as possible by sticking to the routine they’re used to. Every dog is different, so I always ask about their schedule, personality, and any special instructions before I start caring for them. If I’m working that day, I always make sure we get a good walk in before I leave. It’s a great way for them to use the bathroom, burn off some energy, and start the day on a positive note. I usually aim for at least a 30-minute walk. When I get home, we head back outside for another potty break and walk. Depending on your dog’s age, energy level, and what they enjoy, our walk might be 30 minutes or it could turn into a longer walk around the neighborhood. Before bed, I always take them out one last time so they’re comfortable for the night. I follow whatever feeding schedule you already have in place, whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening. I know pets thrive on routine, so I do my best to keep things as normal as possible while you’re away. Most importantly, I treat every pet like they’re my own. They’ll get plenty of attention, playtime, affection, fresh water, and lots of love. My goal is for your pet to feel safe, happy, and cared for—and for you to feel completely at ease knowing they’re in good hands.
“Julie took great care of our crew (2 dogs and 2 cats) over night while we were out of town. She kept us updated with great pics and everyone was happy when we returned home. The house was spotless! We appreciated her care and attention to all.”
“Alexis is the best ever! She is extremely responsible, communicative , and reliable. I feel that she cared for my Romi as if she were her own! I left for the weekend knowing my dog would have the best of care. 100% happy with this experience.”
“We were so happy Alex was available to watch Maisie again for us on our recent family trip. She kept us updated and Maisie absolutely loves spending time with her. We traveled stress free knowing our pup was well cared for during our trip 🙂”
About: I’ve been a dedicated dog owner for over 5 years, caring for my own pup through every stage from energetic puppyhood to a trained, happy adult dog! I handle daily walks, feeding routines, and can give plenty of playtime. I can also handle medications if needed. I try my best to understand dog behavior, body language, and what it takes to keep pets safe, relaxed, and comfortable. I treat every pup with the same love and consistency I give my own, and I try to take care of their individual needs. I currently work from home, which gives me a little flexibility in my schedule during the week as well as where I am able to work from. I am also available on the weekends for pet sitting or an overnight sit. I can travel to your home to watch your pet from the place they feel most comfortable. I can focus on keeping their routine as familiar as possible, so it makes the time away from you a little easier! I will make sure each pet gets lots of love, and reassurance so they feel safe while you’re away.
About: I've been caring for animals for most of my life. Growing up, helping care for my family's pets—including dogs, birds, and fish—was one of my regular responsibilities. I also cared for several neighborhood dogs, sometimes looking after multiple dogs at once. I've had experience with dogs of all sizes, from Great Danes to the Chihuahua-Pug-Beagle mix I currently help care for at home. Because of this, I'm comfortable adapting to different personalities, energy levels, and care routines. I understand how important consistency is for dogs, and I'm committed to following each pet's normal routine as closely as possible, whether that's feeding schedules, walks, playtime, medication, or simply providing companionship. I know every dog is different, and I strive to make them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while you're away. My schedule varies from week to week, so I update my availability regularly to ensure it's accurate. I'm consistently available on weekends and often have weekday availability as well, especially during school breaks and lighter weeks. If you have specific dates in mind, feel free to reach out—I do my best to accommodate requests whenever possible. When I commit to caring for your pet, you can count on me to be dependable, communicative, and fully present. I'll always be upfront about my availability so you can plan with confidence. I believe pets are happiest when their routine stays as consistent as possible. Whether I'm caring for your pet in my home or yours, I'll take the time to learn their normal schedule for meals, walks, potty breaks, playtime, medications (if needed), and bedtime so they can feel comfortable while you're away. I enjoy spending quality time with the pets I care for, whether that means going on walks, playing fetch, giving belly rubs, or simply keeping them company. I'll make sure they have fresh water, plenty of exercise and enrichment, and lots of attention based on their individual personality and needs. I also know how important peace of mind is for pet owners, so I'm happy to provide regular updates and photos while you're away. My goal is for you to feel confident that your pet is safe, well cared for, and having a positive experience until you return.
“Eileen was a great sitter for my sweet Rossie. She was always very punctual in her visits and sent me photos and videos of Rossie's activities. Also, she was always open to my concerns and needs. She will surely be my first and best option for the care of my baby dog. And she speaks Spanish! Thank you very much :)”
“We LOVE how much Shalindra loves our dogs, and they love her! She keeps us thoroughly updated and sends plenty of pictures and videos so we know they’re doing well. She is someone who you know just adores spending time with dogs, which helps us know she’s enjoying her time with our pups, even if one of our dogs is insane haha. Highly recommend Shalindra if you want someone to truly enjoy hanging out with your pups and update you along the way.”
“Ali was great! Dogs seemed to like her and were in good spirits wheb we got home. Ali was very responsive whenever we checked in. Will definitely keep her in mind for the future!”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Des Moines is $65
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Des Moines
She stayed at our house with 2 dogs and 1 cat. All the animals seemed happy when we got home. Even my newer rescue who has a tendency to be nervous. She also stayed over night and slept in the bed with my dogs which is their happy place. I was really worried about leaving them for 4 days, but all went well and I had peace of mind knowing they could stay in their own environment.
Lilli was incredible with our pet Nana. Lilli took outstanding care of Nana while out and was in constant communication with us if she had any questions. Lilli would send us pictures of Nana from their walks (our favorite part) and always make sure we knew what was going on while we were out. I would recommend Lilli to anyone looking for a pet sitter.
I had a wonderful experience with Laura! She was incredibly kind and responsive throughout the entire time I was away. I especially appreciated how she kept me updated with lots of photos of my dogs, which gave me such peace of mind while I was gone. She provided excellent care, and I could tell my pups were happy and well-looked-after. I would highly recommend her services and will definitely be booking with her again!
Book with peace of mind
- Screened pet sitters have passed a third-party background check and show verified reviews from other pet parents, like you.
- Every booking is backed by the Rover Guarantee, which includes up to $25,000 reimbursement for eligible vet care. Learn more
- 24/7 support from the Rover team–here to help if you ever need someone to talk to.
Why Choose Rover?
Cashless payments
Book and pay through Rover’s secured platform—no cash or checks required.
Reservation protection
It doesn’t happen often, but if your sitter has to cancel, we’ll work with you to find a new sitter.
World-class support
We’re friendly, knowledgable, and total pet fanatics. You can get in touch with us anytime.
Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer house sitting
2. Meet In Person
Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
3. Book & Pay
It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform
Popular requests for house sitting - Des Moines
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Des Moines average 5 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Des Moines
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for House Sitting in Des Moines on Rover is $65.56 per night (as of September 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of House Sitting easy. As long as your dates and pet profiles are correct, the price you see before you book is the same price you pay for House Sitting. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of September 2026, there are 8,154 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 short introductory meeting between you, your pet, and a sitter. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your sitter 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. Most pet parents and sitters on Rover welcome Meet & Greets because the process can give confidence and peace of mind for service experiences, especially for longer stays or first-time bookings.
Sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their calendar availability.
Cancelling before a booking begins and before the sitter's cutoff time qualifies you for a full refund. Same-day cancellations for walks, day care, and drop-ins follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for dog boarding and house sitting, you will receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for the remaining days when you cancel the same day a booking should begin.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means our support team works 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:
- 93% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 95% 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.
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