Dog Sitting Iowa City
Book a Iowa City dog sitter to watch your dog in your sitter’s home or yours.
Over 328 pet parents in Iowa City have booked dog sitting
Iowa City, 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.
“Sarah responded quickly, was punctual for all check-ins, and took great care of our pets. Will definitely keep her at the top of our list next time we need pet sitting!”
About: I have such a connection to dogs. I feel as if they feel comfortable and loved around me and I love providing a nurturing environment I am a part-time worker with a decent amount of availability on my hands, as I am a student at UIowa with a flexible class schedule. I have a dog back in my hometown, his name is Murphy! He is a black miniature schnauzer! A safe environment for a dog is one where the owners/caretakers are attentive and loving at all times!
“Sarah is reliable and trustworthy. Truly, she has been a saving grace so many times for us. I’m glad she’s apart of my families “village”. She had our highest level of recommendation.”
“Haley is a conscientious and kind pet sitter! It gave us great peace of mind to have Haley look in our cats. She She sent lots of updates and photos and was very communicative. And we know our little ones were in great hands!”
About: Since the age of 10 I have been taking care of three cats in total at my parents house! This includes cleaning out the litter box, feeding, and playing/engaging with them all while in a loving and caring environment. Additionally, I have catsat for my neighbors adorable kitty for weeks at a time. My daily visits to her house consisted of me cleaning the litter box and feeding and playing with the kitty. Although my experience with dogs is more limited, I have a true affinity for any and all animals and I feel, along with my work ethic and adeptness, these many years of taking care of cats will translate over to the dog world! I am a full time college student with pockets of free time during most days of the week, primarily in the late afternoon and evening time, and on the weekends throughout the day. I care for pets in a clients home by providing a loving and caring environment for the animal, as well as matching the energy of the pet so their needs care be met. This could include playing with the pet or going on walks when their energy levels are high, or relaxing and enjoying each others company by just chilling on the couch. Additionally, when the animal signals that they need to relieve themselves I am quick to pick up on this and will provide the animal the opportunity to do this, cleaning up after them when they are finished.
“Recently moved to the city for work and found Sammie as a temporary (3 month) pet sitter. She is always great with my boy. From all the updates and photos, I can see how comfortable and relaxed he is with her. I’d highly recommend Sammie to anyone looking for great pet care!”
About: I’ve owned, cared-for, and petsitted a diverse range of animals my whole life! I’m most familiar in practice with dog, rodent, and bird care. I am an animal lover through-and-through and I promise that I’ll care for your adopted children like they’re my own! In case your pet has issues with a build of person, I’m male-presenting, white, and 6’4” with a gay voice. If your pet needs socialization with any of those demographics, I will happily and patiently provide it! Feel free to reach out with any questions! I am a Masters student at the University of Iowa training to become a secondary school science teacher. I am completely free Fridays and weekends with limited availability thoughout the rest of the week. I would love to come to your home and keep your pets company throughout the day. I offer walks, feedings, stop-in petsitting, and more. I am gentle, patient, caring, and am not easily spooked by behavioral issues. I will care for your baby like they’re my own and do my utmost to establish a positive and trusting relationship with both you and your pet.
“I needed help giving allergy shots to my wiggly dog and am not able to do them myself. Luckily I found Christian through this site! His experience was priceless! He was responsive, kind, helpful, and took time to show me how I can make shot giving with my dog the best possible experience. He was quick and my dog liked him after and tried following him out the door! That never happened at the vet or when others helped! Very accommodating. I can’t thank him enough for his help!”
“We really appreciated that Carly came to meet our pets before her first visit, we felt better knowing that the dogs already knew her. What a relief to have a reliable pet sitter!”
About: Hi! I’m Lauryn, a University of Iowa student who has been surrounded by dogs my entire life. Growing up with multiple dogs taught me how important patience, consistency, and love are when caring for pets. I understand that every dog has a different personality and routine. Whether your pup loves long walks, playtime, or simply needs someone to stop by for potty breaks and company, I’ll make sure they feel comfortable and cared for. I’ll always treat your pet like they’re my own. During every visit, I’ll send photo updates so you can feel confident knowing your dog is happy and safe while you’re away. I pride myself on being dependable, communicative, and flexible with scheduling. I look forward to meeting you and your best friend! I’m currently a student so I do have classes everyday but I am able to take care of pups in between them! I am able to care for your pet on week days. I will oblige to whatever fits your dogs needs! Whether that be going for walks, staying in your yard for a potty break, or just stopping in to give them some love!
About: I’m a certified animal lover with a fur baby of my own (Henry, 9lb of quiet sweetness) that I’ve been caring for over 10 years. I’m an MFA candidate at the Writers’ Workshop, which allows me to study from home most of the week. If I am busy on a specific day during your booking, I will let you know ahead of time so you can approve or deny the amount of hours I will be gone for that day (which usually ranges from 1-3h workshops). I have experience as a dog owner, but have also spent many of my years dog and cat sitting for my friends and family. I raised and trained my parents puppy, a Bichon Frise Shih Tzu mix who needed lots of care to control his barking and playful nature, now 6 years old and so loving. I’m experience with a range of ages and needs, including puppies and elder animals with special care needs. I love dogs, as you can tell, and have all the time in the world to watch and play with them! I prefer dogs and cats have been handled and are used to being cared for, with no history of lashing out or biting. Whether you need me to cuddle, feed, brush, walk, or play with your pup, I'm your gal. Note: while I take a combo of meds for my dander allergy and have a high tolerance, I ask that any animals/homes with animals with high shedding be appropriately groomed and cleaned before sitting. If I stay in your home, a vacuuming or light cleaning does wonders. If your fur baby is boarded in my home, a bath or deshedding session beforehand is much appreciated. I work from home, so pet care can be a day round activity for me. If I am sitting in your home or doing check ins, I can stay or come by as frequently as needed, given availability based on any events or sessions I have previously booked. I will always communicate with pet parents about the needs for their specific fur baby. I understand all needs are unique, so aside from common sense (walks, feedings, playing), I’ll make sure to tailor their care as needed.
About: I’ve always loved animals, and caring for them has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember! For the past 4 years, I’ve worked hands-on with all kinds of animals at an animal sanctuary, giving me experience with animals of different ages, personalities, and needs. I’ve had dogs my entire life and have experience raising and training puppies, as well as dog sitting for family, friends, and others. I’m comfortable caring for multiple dogs at once, including puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with special needs. I also have experience giving medications and making sure pets receive the extra care and attention they need. One of my most memorable experiences was caring for a baby goat in my home for 6 weeks! I bottle-fed her, cared for her around the clock, and made sure she was happy, healthy, and comfortable. Experiences like this have taught me how much patience, responsibility, and attention to detail goes into caring for animals. What sets me apart is that I genuinely treat every animal like they’re my own. I’m patient, attentive, and comfortable handling everything from energetic puppies to senior pets who need a little extra TLC. Whether your pet needs playtime, exercise, training, medication, or simply someone to keep them company while you’re away, I’ll make sure they feel safe, loved, and cared for. I work part-time, which allows me to have plenty of flexibility in my schedule for pet care! I’m available after 3 PM on weekdays for walks and drop-in visits, and I’m available for boarding on weekends. I’m happy to work with your pet’s routine and provide consistent, attentive care while you’re away! For boarding in my home, your pet will have access to a fully fenced-in backyard and a safe, comfortable environment. I also live in a walkable area, so I can provide nice, long walks when the weather permits. I’m happy to accommodate your dog’s individual needs and routines, including crate use, feeding schedules, medications, or other care instructions. I treat every pet and home with the same care and respect I would want for my own, and I’m respectful of your belongings and your space during drop-in visits.
About: I’ve taken care of dogs of every kind since I was 20. Family and friends have relied on me to feed and take care of their pets. I have 2 dogs.I can dispense medicine if needed. I have a large backyard. I prefer to do a meet & greet to make sure everyone gets along. I have experience in senior care. I have lots of time to spend with my dogs, taking them on walking and playing with them, giving them lots of attention. I enjoy spending time with animals. I have a fenced in yard. I have 2 fur dogs as well to keep your dogs company. I also can crate your dog as well.
“Danny was amazing with our 4 year old reactive Aussie. She listened to all of our instructions during our meeting and made sure that not only we were comfortable but our pup was too. We got tons of pictures and a message after each visit. She was flexible and worked with our last minute needs.”
About: I’ve taken care of many friends animals. I love sending photos of your animal to you and giving details about the day and their personalities . I tend to love spending time with them and get distracted into the pet trance! I work full time from 8:30 to 4:30ish everyday. Weekends are basically open if needed. I wake up early and go to bed early. Love a schedule with clear details to help my day go smooth! I cannot have animals in my own space sadly. I am happy to bring them in walks or hangout in your space. Your space is sacred and very respected by me.
The median cost per visit for dog sitting in Iowa City is $17
Dog parents share their Rover experiences - Iowa City
Ashley was awesome. She was communicative, punctual and easy to work with. She kept me informed of any incidents that I needed to know. She asked questions and made helpful suggestions. She also helped me navigate the Rover app, as I am new to it. The timing of visits on the last day was a little up in the air and she was flexible and worked with me on a late change. My dogs were happy when I got home, which tells me they were comfortable with her. I’ll use her again and recommend her if you’re looking for a good sitter.
Bella was an absolute star in caring for our Frenchie and we will absolutely book her again! She was perfectly punctual every day with great communication. She followed all our directions to a T and took adorable photos. You should definitely use her as she will give your fur baby the best care!
I am very very happy with my experience with Asha. I had a wonderful week long trip planned, but was worried about leaving my dogs at home. Not only did the photos with each drop in assure me that my dogs were doing great - Asha’s reports showed me that she understood my dogs and that they were in good hands. This is important because one of my dogs is very slow to trust people and has caused problems with other sitters (like refusing to come inside at all while I was gone). Asha provided great care and her updates helped me relax and enjoy my trip so much more.
This is the second time we've had Chastity watch our 3 dogs. This was for a couple drop in visits and just like the first time she went above and beyond! Our three pups were well cared for and we knew while we were away that everything would be fine with her in charge. So grateful for her services!
Madalyn was amazing with our dog Miley! She was able to watch her on super short notice and gave us updates with pictures each time which we really appreciated. She even asked to take her on a walk just because which was so nice and I know Miley loved it! Thank you so much!
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 dogs like family
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer dog sitting
2. Meet In Person
Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
3. Book & Pay
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Popular requests for dog sitting - Iowa City
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering dog sitting.Sitters in Iowa City average 7 repeat dog sitting clients
FAQs for Dog Sitting - Iowa City
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of Dog Sitting in Iowa City on Rover is $18 per visit as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $14 and $28 per visit. 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 557 sitters on Rover offering Dog Sitting across Iowa City. 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 Iowa City 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 Rover's Trust & Safety page .
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.
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 .
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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City. On Rover:
- 95% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 96% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 98% 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 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.
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