House Sitting Iowa City
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 228 pet parents in Iowa City have booked house sitting
Iowa City, 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.
“Autumn was a professional and extremely great with our dogs. She stayed at our home for four days with our two small pets. We got constant communication and picture updates. It was a great feeling to know things were under control at home when we were on our vacation. We highly recommend Autumn. :)”
“Meredith did an amazing job with my pets. She was very responsive and kept me updated. She was able to get my shy kitty to come out and be social. Mika my shy kitty normally stays hidden when ppl are over. Both my dogs loved her and got many cuddles. I am very grateful at what an amazing job she did and would def rebook again.”
“Bethany was wonderful with Cooper. I really appreciated the pictures while she was with him. Can’t say enough nice things about her! Thanks so much for taking such good care of my pup.”
“I was so impressed with Sarah. Amazing communication. Izzy normally avoids care givers liked Sarah and the pets were relaxed when we returned and our house was immaculate. So impressed!!”
“We don’t typically like to leave our girls over the 4th of July due to firework anxiety, however our girls really loved the previous visit from Carly so we decided to give it a try and they did SO well! Carly made sure they were comfortable and spent extra time with them when she felt like they needed it! Carly is absolutely our “go to” sitter now!”
“Kate communicated well and often when house sitting with my 2 dogs. She seemed patient and empathetic with my elderly dog. The house looked great when we got home and while away I was happy to see pics texted to me of them going for walks, which they love!”
“This is our second time booking Haley--when she came in our dog was so happy to see Haley again! Haley knew just what to do for our anxious dog. Having Haley dog-sit our older dog makes us feel at ease! We couldn't recommend Haley more highly!”
About: I grew up with dogs and have raised 2 of my own! I currently have an active 4 y.o. boxer & have an affinity for all kinds of dogs :) I love getting to know people & their dogs. I believe dogs are very special. I am willing to do many activities with your dog to give you peace of mind while away! I’m currently unemployed and on Disability for a genetic, chronic illness. I am healthy, willing and able to be with your dog! I am very flexible but do have to work on some local medical appointments. I prefer to watch or care for your dog in your home. My dog can get territorial in my home & do not want to put either dog in that position. I also prefer to work in a home without cigarette smoke in it.
“Sidney is the best! First time I left my dog Zoey with dog sitter and we couldn’t be happier! She is responsible, caring… even cleaned my house before I cam home. My dog, Zoey is worn out from all the trips to dog park, playing, and got her first pup cup icecream! We will definitely be using her again soon!”
“Mikaela was an excellent and conscientious first sitter for our dog Daisy. Mikayla took time to get to know Daisy and her routine, and the two seemed to bond well. Mikayla is a good communicator and kept me informed throughout her stay. I look forward to turning to Mikayla when I next need a sitter.”
About: As both an animal lover and a responsible, dependable person, I take pride in providing exceptional care for every pet I meet. I have experience caring for my own dogs as well as pets belonging to family members, and I understand that every animal has unique needs and personalities. I have a 7-year-old golden retriever who means the world to me, so I know how important it is to trust the person caring for your pet. Spending time with animals genuinely brightens my day, and I believe in the physical and emotional benefits of walks, playtime, and quality one-on-one attention. I’ll treat your dog like they’re my own, making sure they feel safe, loved, and well cared for while you’re away. I don’t see dog sitting as just feeding pets and letting them outside. I love giving dogs enrichment through walks, play, attention, and companionship. I enjoy being active and outside, so your dog won’t just be watched, they’ll be cared for, exercised, and genuinely enjoyed. I am currently a student at the University of Iowa with no job, so I have a very flexible schedule aside from my coursework. I have obligations from 3:30–4:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, but outside of that my focus will be on caring for your pets. My schedule allows me to spend plenty of time at home, provide frequent potty breaks, walks, playtime, and make sure they receive lots of attention and care throughout the day. When caring for pets in their home, my goal is to keep their routine as consistent as possible so they feel comfortable and secure while you’re away. I will follow your instructions for feeding, walks, medications (if needed), potty breaks, playtime, and bedtime routines. I’ll make sure they receive plenty of attention, affection, exercise, and mental stimulation while also respecting their individual personalities and needs. I will keep your home clean, provide regular updates and photos, and treat both your pets and your home with the same care and respect that I would my own.
About: Growing up I always had cats and/or dogs in the house so I've had animal caretaking experience since a very young age. I currently have a very sweet 2y/o XL Bully, a very crazy 9 y/o Pit Bull-Jack Russell Terrier mix, and two adorable kittens. I've stayed up to two weeks in non-family memeber's homes to care for their pets and have never had complaints I am currently unemployed. So I will be able to spend a lot of time with your pets. I'm searching for remote work so hopefully even when I'm employed I will be able to work around your animals' schedule. When I wake up I make sure the animals are fed before feeding myself, I don't let my day start unless their tummies are full. I love snuggling up with animals and making sure they have plenty of playtime.
About: I’ve been pet-sitting for years, mostly with large dogs and a few cats ranging through all ages, though I’m new to using Rover! I love connecting with animals and tend to make friends with every pet I meet. I also have a mini poodle of my own, so I understand how important it is to know your pet is in caring hands. Pet-sitting is something I genuinely enjoy, and I treat every animal like family. I am on summer break home from college. So my days are almost completely free. I work Thursday mornings at a restaurant, but that’s it. My days are already filled with driving from LeClaire all the way to Davenport visiting friends and family or running errands. Fitting in a visit to your pet would be my priority and easily done. My Own dog is yard trained and extremely friendly (she doesn’t bite, she’s yard trained, She doesn’t have accidents in the house, She’s very submissive and friendly to other dogs, and rarely even barks). I spent a lot of my time playing with my dog, taking her on walks and I would do the same for any other animal. besides getting a dog it’s activity in, I also love cuddles and giving pets to the dogs and cats.
“Emily watched our elderly blind dog, Sofie, for over a week in our home and did an outstanding job. She kept Sofie on her schedule and we noticed she was calm and happy upon our return which is unusual for her when we’ve been away. She also took great care of our home. We will definitely have her back and highly recommend her. Thanks Emily!”
About: I grew up with dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, and turtles. I also have worked as a ranch hand with large dogs and cattle for six months in Iowa. The dogs I’ve worked with have ranged from 115-pounds and energetic to 10 pounds and quiet. I’ve been dog-walking and dog-sitting on and off for 15 years and love spending time with and caring for them. I’m currently working part time as a professor so have almost unlimited flexibility when it comes to walks and pet-sitting. During the day I may have a class to teach, but these obligations usually only take about an hour. I have plenty of room in the home with the ability to section off smaller rooms and live near a large park where animals with lots of energy can join me for long walks.
“Josie was absolutely amazing! She stayed in our home for several days to take care of Simba and Blondi, and we truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, Josie was friendly, professional, reliable, and incredibly thoughtful. She immediately made us feel comfortable, and it was clear how much she genuinely cares about animals. Throughout our trip, she kept us updated with regular messages, photos, and videos, which gave us complete peace of mind knowing our dogs were happy, safe, and in such caring hands. It was obvious that Simba and Blondi were receiving lots of love, attention, exercise, and affection. Josie took the time to get to know their personalities and routines, and she treated them with the same care and patience as if they were her own pets. When we came home, they were relaxed, happy, and clearly very comfortable with her. Josie also took wonderful care of our home. Everything was spotless, organized, and exactly as we had left it. It was such a relief to come home knowing both our dogs and our house had been so well looked after. We especially appreciated her excellent communication, dependability, kindness, and attention to detail. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of, and we always felt confident that Simba and Blondi were in the best possible hands. We wholeheartedly recommend Josie to anyone looking for a trustworthy, responsible, compassionate, and dedicated pet sitter. She exceeded all of our expectations, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found her. We will absolutely be booking with her again in the future. Thank you so much, Josie!”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Iowa City is $40
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Iowa City
We are extremely grateful for Bethany’s care and attention to every detail. We had amazing communication from day one and we feel fortunate to have had her taking care of our dog. Our dog is reactive to other dogs and she absolutely won her heart and was able to work with her to reduce her reactiveness over the week that she came to our home and sit her. Bethany was curious to ask questions and completely respected our boundaries with keeping our dog separated from other dogs and children. You did an absolutely amazing work and we are very thankful for your care. Would recommend 100% Bethany to everyone that has anxious and reactive dogs and is not sure of who to take care of their pets.
So lucky to have found Petri! I needed a rush sitter, as my plans changed last minute. This was my first time having someone come to my home to pet sit and what a great experience! Timely, good communication,picture updates and my girls warmed up to petri right away. I would 100% recommend and definitely will be requesting again in the future.
This review comes from a mom that rarely has to leave her "babies", but could not pass up an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime family vacation. We found Auden...and for a reason...she is not only an amazing dog mom, but a fantastic dog sitter! Auden spent two weeks with our dogs in our home. She went above and beyond when it came to to taking care of our dogs, in addition, our home. The highlight for all of us was our dogs making a new friend, Yen, which is Auden's dog. All three dogs are dachshunds and get along wonderfully! Made our hearts happy! We have many plans coming up in the near future and will be contacting Auden again. Thanks to Auden for giving us peace of mind and for making our pups happy.
I could tell when meeting with Irene at my home before the booking that she loved dogs just from how she sat on the floor to meet and play with my girls, Coco and Bella. She showed love and care for them and they were drawn to her which they don’t always do for new people. Irene kept me informed how they did each day and sent me pics of her cuddling with my girls, and they looked happy. I feel it went very well and I hope to have her sit again. Also she left my home spotless!
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?
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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
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Popular requests for house sitting - Iowa City
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Iowa City average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Iowa City
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for House Sitting in Iowa City on Rover is $41.07 per night (as of August 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 August 2026, there are 333 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Iowa City. 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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City 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 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!
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 Iowa City. On Rover:
- 100% 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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