Pet Sitting Indianola

FAQs for Pet Sitting - Indianola

Frequently asked questions about Rover

How many sitters are available in Indianola?

Rover is the largest marketplace for local pet care. Whether you're looking for pet sitters, dog walkers, or house sitters who specialize in pet sitting, you can narrow your search by entering your ZIP code to find sitters within walking distance in your neighborhood.

What can I arrange with my Indianola pet sitter?

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.

Will my sitters send photos and updates while they care for my pet?

If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.

The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.

How will a sitter access my home?

Many pet parents provide a spare key or arrange a lockbox. You can also exchange keys during the Meet & Greet and show your walker how to use digital fobs or personalized codes. It helps to arrange access to your home, from spare keys to concierge introductions, before pet care begins.

If you live in an apartment or condo, don’t forget to discuss details like buzzer access, codes, or elevator etiquette. These details can help a pet sitter feel more comfortable going in and out of your building.

Do sitters in Indianola pass a background check?

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.

What is the Rover Guarantee and what does it cover?

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.

Can I find a sitter for my senior pet, puppy, kitten, or pet with medical needs?

Yes, you can find sitters who have experience administering medication or managing dietary requirements. You can also find pet sitters who accept only one pet at a time, which is ideal for anxious puppies 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 request a Meet & Greet to walk your sitter through your expectations.

What is a Meet & Greet?

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.

What is Rover's cancellation and refund policy for Pet Sitting in Indianola?

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.