House Sitting Merna

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Merna, 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.

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Sitter Profile Image: Sarah F.
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Sarah F.
Star Sitter
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 36 reviews
14 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Can I give 10/5 stars?! Sarah and her sweet corgi, Hattie, dog- and house-sat for us this past week. Hattie settled in with our husky and mini dachshund quickly and they looked like happy sisters in every photo we got from Sarah while we were away! 💗 Both of our girls are looking for Hattie still this morning, so I know they had a great week together! Sarah took great care of our home - it’s cleaner now than when we left. We’re looking forward to having Sarah care for our fur babies every time we need to be away in the future. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!”

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Jill C.
Sitter Profile Image: Michele M.
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Michele M.
from
$40
per night
4.6 out of 5 stars
• 14 reviews
6 repeat clients
45 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61704

“I never worry about my pets when they are in Michele’s care. She is very patient with my senior cat and shy dog. I appreciate her updates throughout the stay.”

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Cindy W.
Sitter Profile Image: Jasmine G.
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Jasmine G.
from
$55
per night
4.7 out of 5 stars
• 16 reviews
3 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61704

“Jasmine was absolutely brilliant! She is knowledgeable and reliable, and our furbabies adore her! She was equally adept at tending to our 3-month-old puppy as she was our old, grumpy chihuahua. She knows her way around both cats and dogs and was able to offer us training support with our wee one. We will definitely be booking her for future pet sitting needs - even if we're convinced that our pups already love her more than they love us :)”

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Hannah M.
Sitter Profile Image: Regan K.
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Regan K.
from
$27
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 4 reviews
10 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61701

“Regan was so on top of giving medication, monitoring behavior, and making sure that my little dude was living his best kitty life.”

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Katrina Q.
Sitter Profile Image: Natalee M.
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Natalee M.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 2 reviews
5 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Natalee did a great job and the dogs were happy and relaxed when we returned. I mean, as "relaxed" as these two get, anyway. They seemed to enjoy their time with her very much! We felt they were perfectly safe in her care.”

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Christal K.
Sitter Profile Image: Emerson F.
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Emerson F.
from
$35
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 6 reviews
1 repeat client
6 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Great with the pets, great with our dogs complicated medications, would’ve preferred she check in a little more but that’s our personal preference and we communicated it too late. Will definitely use her services again!”

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Kayla M.
Sitter Profile Image: Emma B.
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Emma B.
from
$55
per night
1 year of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

About: Hello! I’m Emma! I am a student at ISU. I love all animals and have a cat named Danny. I have worked as a veterinary assistant and have had both cats and dogs my whole life. I am new to Rover and pet sitting, but have more than enough experience with all animals from small critters to farm animals. I am a current student at ISU, so my schedule is fairly flexible. I am also usually around on weekends to stop by for a walk, feeding, or some quick play time. I am comfortable administering medication, feeding, and will love and respect your pet. I have had several animals with health issues whether it be FIV, paralysis, or whatever else and I want to make sure you’re comfortable having a sitter that understands the potential need for extra care!

Sitter Profile Image: kaylinn k.
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kaylinn k.
from
$70
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 18 reviews
2 repeat clients
8 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Kaylin was great with our dogs and took good care of the house while we were away. She was very patient with the youngest dog who needed a little time to adjust to us not being there. She was communicative and shared sweet pictures throughout the stay. We were very grateful!”

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Iveree B.
Sitter Profile Image: Lana A.
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Lana A.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 7 reviews
3 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61704

About: I bring a lot of hands-on experience and a whole lot of love to every pet I care for! I’ve dog sat for up to a week at a time and have experience with dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities—from energetic pups to more laid-back seniors. I also have two dogs and two cats of my own, so I’m very used to juggling different routines, energy levels, and preferences. Whether it’s long walks, playtime, cuddle sessions, or keeping cats comfortable in their own space, I make sure every pet feels safe, happy, and right at home while you’re away. Pet care fits naturally into my routine! I’m in school from 8–3, but I’m self-employed, which gives me flexibility outside of those hours. This means I can easily plan my days around pet visits, walks, and in-home care without worrying about a strict work schedule. I’m available for morning, afternoon, and evening care, and I make sure every pet gets consistent attention, exercise, and love built into my daily routine. I focus on keeping pets comfortable by sticking as closely as possible to their normal routine. In a client’s home, I make sure pets get plenty of attention, exercise, and affection while also respecting the home and keeping everything clean and organized. For dogs, this includes regular walks, playtime, feeding on schedule, and lots of positive interaction. For cats, I prioritize calm care, feeding, litter box upkeep, and giving them space or cuddles depending on their personality. Because I have two dogs and two cats of my own, I understand how important consistency and communication are. I always keep owners updated with photos and messages so they can feel confident their pets are happy, safe, and well cared for.

Sitter Profile Image: Julianna S.
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Julianna S.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 4 reviews
1 repeat client
10 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Julie was great! She sent lots of pictures and followed our instructions. We knew our fur babies were in good hands. We would definitely recommend her services.”

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Michelle C.
Sitter Profile Image: Lauryn C.
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Lauryn C.
from
$16
per night
5 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

About: I’m an experienced pet owner for both dogs and cats. I’ll treat your pets with the same patience, attention, and love I’d want for my own. I’m a full-time college student who also works part-time on campus, so I’m primarily available during evenings and weekends. On weekdays I'm available after 2:00PM Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and after 5:00PM Thurday. On weekends I am free all day. I’m happy to coordinate specific times that work best for you and your pet‘s routine. I take time to understand every pet’s personality, follow their routine closely, and make sure they feel safe while in my care. I also treat every client’s home with respect and diligently follow any instructions provided by the owner.

Sitter Profile Image: Julia C.
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Julia C.
from
$50
per night
10 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

About: Hi!! I’m a total dog lover with lots of hands-on experience. I’ve raised my boxer since he was a tiny puppy — he’s now 5 and still a total spitball of energy — so I’m very used to high-energy pups! I also have a boxer/Boston mix that we adopted who’s much more chill and the sweetest cuddle bug ever, so I’m great with both playful and laid-back personalities. I currently work part-time but have pretty flexible availability. Even though I’ve moved out and sadly don’t have dogs in my apartment right now, I spend my free time going to the shelter to take dogs out for walks, pup cups, or just bring them back to my place for some extra love and cuddles. I truly love all animals, and I promise I’ll treat your dog like one of my own 🤍 i currently work a couple jobs but mostly am off around 2ish if i can establish regulars i’d be very interested into working more time into my schedule for them. but i myself always take care of my own dogs most days while my parents are at work I care for pets like they’re my own and always adjust depending on the service and the dog’s personality. In a client’s home, I stick closely to your routine — feeding schedules, potty breaks, walk times, medications (if needed), and any house rules you have. I make sure they get plenty of exercise, attention, and playtime, especially if they’re high energy like my boxer. For more laid-back pups, I’m just as happy to give them calm companionship and lots of cuddles. If I’m caring for a pet in my home, I keep the space clean, safe, and comfortable, provide consistent potty breaks and walks, and make sure they feel secure and loved. I also send regular updates and photos so you always know your fur baby is happy and in good hands.

Sitter Profile Image: Cheyenne B.
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Cheyenne B.
from
$45
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 5 reviews
1 repeat client
3 years of experience
Atlanta, IL, 61723

“Cheyenne is always great with our dogs! She’s responsible, thoughtful ,and communicative.”

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Donya F.
Sitter Profile Image: Madilynn M.
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Madilynn M.
from
$22
per night
1 year of experience
Streator, IL, 61364

About: Everyone starts somewhere! While I do not have any paid pet experience yet, I’m eager to earn your trust through reliable communication, careful attention to your pets needs, and a genuine love for animals. I had a furry friend of my own for 13 years. I have a flexible schedule that allows me to provide dependable pet care throughout the week. I’m happy to work with your routine and your pets individual needs. Your pets comfort and safety are my top priorities. I’ll carefully follow care instructions, maintain your pets normal routine, and provide plenty of attention, play, and affection.

Sitter Profile Image: Heather E.
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Heather E.
from
$33
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 74 reviews
20 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Decatur, IL, 62521

“Heather House sat for us for 7 nights. She did an excellent job and I highly recommend her. During the week my daughter needed a dog sitter and Heather welcomed her to join our pup. We also had a flight delay and heather immediately offered to stay an additional night. Our house is always spotless when we come home and our dog is so content that I know she appreciated Heather being at our home all week. Thank you Heather!!”

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Toni M.
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The median cost per night for house sitting in Merna is $44

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. 1. Search

    Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer house sitting.
  2. 2. Meet In Person

    Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit.
  3. 3. Book & Pay

    It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform.

Popular requests for house sitting - Merna

Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.

Sitters in Merna average 3
repeat house sitting clients

FAQs for House Sitting - Merna

Frequently asked questions about Rover

As of November 2026, there are 159 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Merna. 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 Merna 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 Merna 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 Merna 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 Merna. On Rover:

  • 94% of sitters can help with special care needs
  • 98% can help with giving oral medications or injections
  • 92% 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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