House Sitting Iowa City
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 243 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. :)”
“Bethany has become our go to! Our pup loves her, whenever we come home after having her stay- he seems happy & comfortable! We trust her and never have to worry while we are out of town!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
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.
“I used this app because I needed a last minute dog sitter because I was able to go to the Iowa game. Friendly, professional, and went above and beyond to drop my pooch off back to me after the game. Five stars!”
“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 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!”
“Amber was amazing with our dogs during her stay. She was very patient with our older dog, and sent lots of photos to keep us up to date. We will definitely be re-booking with her in the future.”
About: I’ve been taking care of dogs and cats since I was 11. My first dog was a shi tzu so I’m ready to work with pets at any care level. I currently work a full time job but most of my weekends are free for house sitting. And I can fit walks into Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. I always make sure to ask questions about your pets schedule and care routine. I also make sure the pet is comfortable around me before we work together.
About: I’ve taken care of dogs and cats for as long as I can remember. I have always had a passion to look after and care for all animals, big and small. I am the one my family and friends trust to come to when they have questions about there pet as I have spent countless hours learning about animals in my spare time as it is a hobby of mine. I’ve trained both large and small dogs. To easily trained to the stubborn pup. Nothing is more satisfying then a happy doggo or kitty. I am also a certified dog groomer and have experience grooming all sizes of dogs. I’ve had experience with special needs pets who require special attention such as medication, shots, and mobility/food accommodations. Currently work near by and come and go from my house of rain throughout the day. There is a park near by that I walk my dog to and play with and I know yours will love it too! I have a yard, large enough for play a good game of fetch. I also have an outdoor large dog kennel. All dogs are supervised and leashed at all times when outside. I have a big dog who loves new playmates. There is a spare room where your pet can have there own space, create and bedding. I can’t help but train a few tricks to those dogs who enjoy new things. I’m very flexible if there is any special accommodations needed.
“5 stars for Julia! She took incredible care of my cat and was super reliable. I came home to a happy pet and a clean house. She is professional, thoughtful, and left absolutely no mess. I highly recommend her!”
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.
“I needed someone to come over to my home to take care of my border collie, Lucy. Sarah responded fast and was flexible with what I needed and wanted. She sent me amazing pictures to let me know Lucy was well taken care of! I will for sure contact Sarah in the future for my dog sitting needs! Thank you so very much for the help, Sarah! Have an amazing day. Stay safe and healthy!”
About: I live on a farm back home & have over a decade of animal care of all kinds! I have many farm cats and two dogs at home, as well as two cats that live with me! I have experience with dogs and cats of all ages and sizes & would love to spend time with your best friend! I would especially love to hang out with dogs as I don’t want to get my own until I can give them a fenced in yard:) My boyfriend Gabe also helps out with the pet care! I am pretty free all summer & I can give as much or as little attention as your pet requires! I’m available to do random walks throughout the day or stay full time at your residence to give 24/7 care to your pet. I would like to follow your routine as much as possible, so honestly whatever you do with your pet I will copy! It’s important to keep their routines from changing frequently!
About: I’ve interacted with all types of animals and shadowed at veterinary clinics since I was a child. In the past few years, I’ve startedi helping pet sit for friends and family for periods ranging from a couple of days to a few weeks. I work 8:30-5 M-F, but have an hour lunch everyday. I have availability and reliable transportation before and after work hours as well. I make sure to follow owner preferences and safety precautions. This can mean making sure a dog stays away from other animals during walks, or making sure there is no trash around the house that the pet could easily get into.
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
It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform
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 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 339 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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