Pet Sitting Iowa City
Book a pet sitter to stop by your home a few times a day to feed and play with your pet.
Over 788 pet parents in Iowa City have booked pet sitting
Iowa City, Find top rated pet sitting
Prices are estimates per visit. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
“Really enjoying our doggy’s mew friend so far! Right off the bat they were very open to him, and they and be difficult with introductions. He has been punctual and reliable at our meet and greet and drop in visit. Nelson definitely has a way with animals and even Chino trusted him enough to ask for a belly rub, who is very cautious of new people. Looking forward to using him for house sitting when we travel in a few weeks!!”
About: I have two cats who I love more than anything! My family has always had dogs since I was a kid, and I can’t wait to have one of my own someday :) Until then, I’d love to hang out with yours! I’ve been pet-sitting since I was in college, and I have experience caring for chinchillas, freshwater/saltwater fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Some pets need a little extra attention, and depending on the day, I might be able to stick around for a while if you don’t mind me working on my laptop at your kitchen table! Always happy to take a high-energy dog on a quick run or let them sniff the backyard to their heart’s content. I understand how important it is to feel like your loved ones are in good hands, and I’m passionate about showing your pets the care and kindness they deserve when you’re away! I have a hybrid work schedule and, depending on the day, can stay with your pets for a little while if they need some extra attention and you don’t have a problem with me working remote at your place. I can generally stop in once a day, but if you need something more involved (caring for pets while you’re on vacation, etc.), I’m happy to talk and see if we can work something out. I am very familiar with what foods, plants, and household items are dangerous for cats and dogs, and I will always be looking out for their safety at home and on the go. I’ll follow your pet’s weird little rituals, talk to them like a friend, and give them whatever kind of attention they need.
“Anna is a professional, a great communicator and clearly knows what she’s doing. She has a great attitude, good judgment, and is someone you can trust. I wouldn’t hesitate to book her again.”
About: I have worked as a Supervisor at Wags Pet Resort and Hotel in Ankeny, IA for 5 years in October! I have worked with all different personalities, types, ages, sizes, and behavior of dogs. I have gained a lot of knowledge about dogs and the best ways to work with them based on their personalities and behaviors! I have experience with administering medication, baths, and caring for injuries. I would love to set up a meet and greet and understand your dog and your expectations of my visits! I am currently a Direct Support Professional and Personal Care Assistant in Iowa city! I also volunteer at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital! I have pretty open availability on the weekends and randomly throughout the weekdays! I will be as flexible as possible and willing to work with your schedule! I have a dog of my own so I understand what it takes to care for an animal inside a home. I would let your pet out multiple times during the day and stay outside and play with them to help wear their energy out. I think it is important for your pet to be outside and running around or just getting attention depending on their behavior and moods! Due to my experience I am able to see what a dog needs and wants based on their actions and I am willing to spend time with them multiple times throughout the day!
“Des was so fabulous! On short notice she made time for a meet and greet before the booking and was so thorough in her reports, all the pictures of my fur babies made the trip away enjoyable and relaxing. She clearly has a true love for animals and a great understanding of care, with utmost attention to health and safety. She was timely with her visits and clearly put in the effort playing with my energetic cat and allowing my more surly cat to warm up to her. If I have more petsitting needs she will be my first choice!”
“Meredith did an outstanding job minding our two cats and she was more than willing to assist with getting mail, light watering of plants/garden, and emptying our dehumidifier while we were on vacation for almost two weeks. Communication (and pictures!) were excellent and I really never worried whether our animals and home were in good hands while we were away. I would not hesitate to use her again in the future.”
About: I’ve been around animals my entire life and currently have a friendly 4-year-old Lab mix named Maverick. I also volunteer with local animal shelters, giving me experience with dogs of different ages, sizes, energy levels, and personalities. As a medical student, I’m used to staying organized, following detailed instructions, and paying close attention to routines and behavior. I understand how important it is to trust the person caring for your pet, and I take that responsibility seriously. Whether your dog needs lots of exercise, extra patience, medication, or just a comfortable place to relax, I’m happy to tailor their care to their individual needs. I’m currently a medical student, and much of my coursework can be completed from home. This gives me a flexible schedule and allows me to spend plenty of time with the pets in my care throughout the day. While my schedule varies slightly week to week, I’m generally available for frequent potty breaks, walks, playtime, meals, and plenty of companionship. I make every effort to keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible while you’re away. Your pet’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. I have a fully fenced backyard for safe outdoor play and exercise, and I only board one guest dog at a time so they receive plenty of individual attention. I also have a friendly 4-year-old Lab mix who enjoys other dogs when it’s a good fit. I always take introductions slowly and make sure both dogs are comfortable before allowing interactions. I’m happy to accommodate specific feeding schedules, medications, crate routines, and any other instructions that help your pet feel at home.
“Im thankful that Madison replied quickly and was able to meet me and my pets. She dropped in on my 2 dogs while I had a long day away from home. The photos showed them playing and getting pets. Madison put my mind at ease with the knowledge that my dogs were taken care of.”
“I can't say enough good things about Madison! She took incredible care of my dogs, stopping by twice a day to let them out and making sure they were happy and comfortable. It gave me such peace of mind knowing they were in such capable and caring hands while I was busy at work . She was reliable, professional, and clearly has a genuine love for animals. If you're looking for someone to care for your pets like they're her own, I highly recommend her!”
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: Hi there! My name is Brennen. I’m a current MFA Grad student at the University of Iowa. I was born in Philly. I worked as a freelance artist and teacher, and I have a ton of experience taking care of various pets and animals such as dogs, cats, even a hamster and a snapping turtle lol! (Seriously though) I’m incredibly responsible and caring. From the time I was about 11, I walked and cared for my own dogs as well as family friends' and neighbors’ dogs. I have also house-sat for a few friends’ cats and dogs. Part of some of those experiences required me to walk, feed, brush, and even administer oral medication to the pet in my care. As a freelance artist and current student, I have flexible availability, and I am always willing to work with different and varying schedules. Right now I'm on Summer Break and will be going back home to Philly for a workshop in July, so I'll be local there for a bit. I am a very caring and understanding human with a calm and inviting demeanor. I do well with paying attention to detail. If there are specific in-home care needs, I am very adept at following said care instructions as well as taking as many notes as possible. I’m pretty flexible and generally good about working with other schedules. My calendar availability is loose, but please inquire within because I’m sure we can work something out. I’m super caring and responsible and have an eye for detail. If you have specific instructions for the care of your pet I adhere to them to the word and if things should come up, I am not afraid to ask questions and check in with the pet owners.
About: I have years of experience with dogs, from puppies to seniors. I have trained several dogs and have experience working with dogs with health conditions. I also have experience administering dogs their medications. I am a teacher and currently work part-time in the summer. I have plenty of flexibility throughout the week, weekend, and during the school year. I have a gated off patio for dogs to play in. If they are in the yard, I will have them on their leash to ensure safety. Please provide a crate.
“Gina just started dropping in to take care of my dogs while I’m at work and it’s been such a life saver! I love getting pictures of them playing and having a good time. Highly recommend!”
“Jason is responsible, and followed every instruction carefully and reported through text. When I’m away, seeing my cats through his photos is reassuring. Thanks again.”
“Meranda did an awesome job with my cat! She left thoughtful messages every day about how he was doing and what they did together. She gave him lots of attention and even indulged him speaking with her through buttons!”
“Christian is an incredible sitter. He goes above and beyond to take excellent care of my cat. He is also very responsible and responsive and I always appreciate his flexibility and compassion.”
The median cost per visit for pet sitting in Iowa City is $17
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Iowa City
Tallie was so great with my girl kitty. She opened up to Tallie by day 2 and I could tell my cat was looking forward to seeing her again. Tallie is so knowledgeable about cat behaviors and followed all of our instructions precisely. Great communicator, enthusiastic, and gentle. I feel confident leaving my kitty in Tallie’s care while I’m away. I look forward to re-booking with her again!
Meagan has been such a great sitter every single time. I never have any worries leaving my cats when she comes to watch them. She’s been such a joy to have the last few years. Sad I’ll be moving away and unable to have her around to cat sit. I always love the detailed notes and all the pictures. Feels like I’m there with them when she is able to give so much detail paired with the pictures she sends over. If you’ve ever been weary of having someone come into your home to watch your cats, you most definitely do not need to worry. Meagan is great and the cats have really seemed to enjoy
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.
How Rover works
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer pet sitting
2. Meet & Greet
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 near you
Select a filter and find qualifying Iowa City sitters!Sitters in Iowa City average 7 repeat pet sitting clients
FAQs for Drop-In Visits - Iowa City
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Pet Sitting in Iowa City on Rover is $16.65 per visit (as of July 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of Pet 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 Pet Sitting. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of July 2026, there are 583 sitters on Rover offering Pet Sitting across Iowa City. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
A pet sitter can provide focused care sessions, help your pet’s routine stay on track, or keep you updated on your pet’s mood and energy levels.
Whether you’re at the office for the day or traveling for a few nights, a pet sitter can offer potty breaks during a Iowa City stroll, cleaning the litter box, or making sure your pet has on-time food or water refills. For daytime services like walking and drop-ins, you can also request sitters to send a report card with every visit.
Tip: You can discuss your specific arrangements with a pet sitter on Rover to what fits you, your pet, and your sitter’s needs. To find what their special skills are, look at the "Skills" and "Pet care experience" sections on their profile.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 95% 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.
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.
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