House Sitting Merced
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 95 pet parents in Merced have booked house sitting
Merced, Find top rated house sitting
Prices are estimates per night for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.
“Angelica was absolutely amazing to our sweet boy. She constantly kept me updated and sent pictures of our happy boy. Could not recommend her enough! We will be using her for all our future pet sitting needs. ☺️🤍”
“Eve was great! She watched my dog Bud at my place for 10 days and took care of the house while I was gone. She gave Bud lots of love and attention. She sent lots of photos and updates. I recommend her!”
“Danielle was AMAZING!!! Our pets are pretty quirky and Danielle easily adapted to their needs without hesitation. We even encountered an unexpected snafu while away and Danielle was quick to problem solve the situation and communicate effectively to achieve resolution. I have absolutely no doubt she can handle my pets again with ease. I will definitely be looking to hire Danielle in the future.”
“Nelson is amazing not just with our pup and bunnies but in general. He's helped us out last minute twice now and each time we've have felt as comfortable as we would had we been watching them ourselves. Great communicator, very flexible, and truly understands the stress pet owners get leaving their loved ones with someone new. Seriously, can't recommend him enough.”
About: I’ve had the joy of owning and caring for both dogs and cats over the years, giving me hands on experience with pets of different ages, personalities, and needs. I understand that every pet is unique, and I always strive to make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved while their owners are away. With dogs, I have experience raising one since he was a puppy, so I’m familiar with the patience, consistency, and attention they need as they grow. I have experience with daily walks, maintaining feeding schedules, and keeping dogs safe during walks by being mindful of things like hot pavement with this summer weather. Additionally, I taught my dog fun tricks including “sit” and “paw,” which Im willing to teach if wanted. I have even more experience with cats, having cared for my own cat for over three years as well as multiple kittens and stray cats. Through this experience, I’ve learned to recognize their different personalities, respect their boundaries, and provide the care and affection they need to feel comfortable. Whether your pet loves long walks, playtime, or simply having someone to keep them company, I’ll treat them with the same care and attention I’d give my own pets. My goal is for both you and your furry family member to feel comfortable and worry free while you’re apart. Im a third year student at the University of California, Merced. I was on Rover back in the Bay Area and am hoping to continue this work here in Merced. I will have classes, but also a lot of free time that I’m hoping to fill with pet care. Feel free to reach out to see if I’m available! Please feel free to let me know before I care for your pet if you have any special requests, routines, or precautions you’d like me to follow. My goal is to make sure your pet feels as safe, comfortable, and loved as possible while you’re away. For example, if they have specific feeding or medication schedules, need extra patience around new people or other animals, have favorite toys or walking routes, or have any other unique preferences, I’d be more than happy to accommodate them. Every pet is different, and I’m committed to providing the personalized care they deserve.
About: I was raised in a home with many pets, which has taught me a lot about how to responsibly and lovingly care for many types of animals. I am a current student, so I am available most of the time until October. June and July I will be busy during most weekdays for a volunteer program, but weekends are open!! August and September weekdays and weekends work for me. I believe that communication is key for understanding and creating a respectful and caring environment for each pet. I’m excited to talk with you and get to know the specific needs of your animals.
About: I’ve taken care of dogs of all sizes and personalities since I was around 10 years old. I grew up with two Cane Corsos and a miniature poodle, so I’ve always been around both large and small dogs with completely different personalities and needs. I helped care for them daily by feeding, walking, bathing, grooming, playing with them, and making sure they felt comfortable and loved. Over the years, friends, neighbors, and family have trusted me to care for their pets while they’re away. I = love getting to know each dog’s personality, whether they’re energetic and playful, shy and calm, or super affectionate. I have experience with puppies, senior dogs, and larger breeds, and I always try to match each pet’s routine so they feel as safe and comfortable as possible. I also know how important communication is for pet owners, so I love sending photo updates and making sure owners feel confident that their pets are being well cared for and getting lots of attention, love, and playtime while they’re away! I’m currently working part-time, which gives me a flexible schedule and plenty of time to care for pets throughout the week. I’m generally available during mornings and afternoons after 2 PM on weekdays, and I have full availability on weekends for boarding, walks, playtime, and overnight care. Because I genuinely enjoy being around animals, I love making pet care part of my daily routine. I make sure every dog gets lots of attention, exercise, playtime, and care while helping them feel comfortable and at home! My home in Atwater is very dog friendly and made to be a safe, comfortable environment for pets to stay in. I have both a fenced front yard and fenced backyard, giving dogs plenty of secure outdoor space to play, relax, and get fresh air throughout the day. My home also has wood flooring throughout, which helps keep the space clean and comfortable for pets.
“Max was amazing with photo updates and text messages throughout our 5 day away vacation. We could tell our dog and cat were calm and happy due to his attentive care. He was prompt in arriving which we appreciated. We would highly recommend his services and have already booked him for our next away trip!”
About: I am a college student at Chico State, my mayor is Ag Business. I lived with dogs my entire life and sharing is caring. I enjoy putting others priorities instead of mine because that will bring happiness to the individual and that will make me happy. I use to work at a BBQ restaurant as a waiter at first then became a cook and ended as an assistant manager. I left the restaurant business because I wanted to go to College in California. Now I’m here enjoying the California culture. I would be more than happy to help you with your dog needs. Feel free to contact me at any time of any day. Ohh I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador my father raised me bilingual.
About: I have a medical background so I know a lot of about the health part of animals and how to be there for them and help. I am a molecular and cell biology student and love to hangout with my own pets when I’m free so I thought I’d help out and hangout with some new pets. I bathe my pets every night, I make sure they’re fed, clean, and take them on two walks in the morning and night to get them active and out of the house while I’ve been at school.
About: I have years of pet experience having 2 dogs of my own my entire life! As well as dog sitting for family and friends! Feel free to reach out! This fits into my routine, I’m currently a college student looking for a hobby as well as a side job! I’m free almost all week. I care for pets like taking them on walks, playing with them, giving them treats as well making sure they’re fed and feeling well! Overall just watching them
About: I’ve taken care of my family and my friends pets ever since I was little, just give me your instructions and I will follow them to the letter. Trying to make this my full time gig so I’m open 24/7 just hit me up and I will respond as soon as I can!!! From awaking in the morning to play with my own pup, engaging as I brew my morning coffee; moving in to cuddles and walks through lunchtime. Rounding out my day with more cuddles after an evening meal. Filling his bowl twice a day, once in the morning and again at night! From awaking in the morning to play with my own pup, engaging as I brew my morning coffee; moving in to cuddles and walks through lunchtime. Rounding out my day with more cuddles after an evening meal. Filling his bowl twice a day, once in the morning and again at night! But please tell me your pets needs and I will do my very best to accommodate to them!!!
“Emily was great! She treated my Tj like her own. I felt very comfortable and confident that he was well taken care of while I was away. Emily's communication was great and she sent photos of my dog regularly.”
“Jess was great (again!). She took great care of Millie and our house. She was very flexible with a lot of last minute flight changes etc and super easy to work with! Came home to a happy pup 🐶. Would definitely recommend! ◡̈”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Merced is $44
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Merced
Melanie was fantastic with Juno, my senior cat, and Luka, my dog for a day house sit. Her communication was excellent leading up to and throughout the stay. She sent clear updates the whole time, including for Juno's med administration. She treated both of them like her own, taking Luka on walks and adventures around the area and made sure Juno was getting enough attention. She made sure everyone stayed happy, healthy, well fed, and was well cared for. I was pretty nervous leaving them for 4 days, but Melanie made it very easy and reassuring. I highly recommend her!
This was the third time Litzully cared after Wilson and she was just as amazing the first and second time around. I came home to a happy and healthy kitty :) Litzully always follows direction and is incredibly respectful of our home. We’ll be absolutely booking her for our pet sitting needs in the future.
This is my first time using home sitting and i was nervous to leave my dog at home with a new individual. Angelica was profesional and responsive since I booked her! She met bebe and slowly gained his trust, putting my mind at ease as I went out of town. Angelica understands how important my dog is to me by the care and love she showed him. Will book again!
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 to book house sitting
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 - Merced
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Merced average 2 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Merced
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Merced is $43 per night as of November 2026. Most bookings cost between $26 and $88 per night. On Rover, 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 November 2026, there are 143 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Merced. 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 Merced 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 Merced 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 Merced 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 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.
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.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in Merced. On Rover:
- 86% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 91% 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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