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: Rachel T.
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Rachel T.
Star Sitter
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 13 reviews
4 repeat clients
6 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61704

“Rachel was great taking care of our boy while we were gone overnight! She sent pics and updates and it was clear she enjoys taking care of animals. I will definitely book her again!”

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Tiffany T.
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: Sarah F.
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Sarah F.
Star Sitter
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 32 reviews
12 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“I can't thank Sarah enough for house and dog sitting for us while we went out of town for 5 days! She is so incredibly thoughtful, respectful and responsive. She sent regular updates with pictures of our dogs, and didn't mind my check-ins. She even stayed an extra day when our roadtrip took us on a different path. Knowing that she was here with Hattie, taking care of our energetic puppy and older dog who requires extra care and medicine, made my trip truly stress-free. I so appreciated her willingness to help us, and her bringing Hattie to come entertain my pups! I would recommend her to anyone and can't wait to work with her again!!”

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Kerri J.
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: Georgia M.
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Georgia M.
Star Sitter
from
$27
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 326 reviews
99 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61704

“Georgia did a fantastic job of caring for my dog and cat while I was on vacation. She went above and beyond by staying in communication with me and treating my dog to pup ice cream cup at a local establishment. Sent pictures regularly and followed instructions to the T. I would hire Georgia again and would recommend her for overnight pet sitting. Scott”

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Scott W.
Sitter Profile Image: Elena B.
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Elena B.
from
$60
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 12 reviews
3 repeat clients
6 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Elena did a great job take care of our dogs. She was an extraordinary communicator and kept us updated at all times. We would recommend her to anyone who needs a dog sitter!”

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Joshua L.
Sitter Profile Image: Lia H.
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Lia H.
from
$40
per night
4.8 out of 5 stars
• 4 reviews
2 repeat clients
4 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

About: I do have a cat of my own and a bunny and always dog sit my family dog Capone he’s about two and an half years old! And a pitbull mix, also dog sit Gemma a sharpei, I do have references! I’m very flexible with time for dog sitting or cat sitting I can do Mondays-Fridays! And weekends! Can take last minute bookings also! I always take care of my cat and bunny in the mornings and always give them my time attention after work and make sure they have fresh water and entertainment and treats!

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 was very happy to have Michele care for my dog & cat. She clearly has a passion for animals, and they benefitted from her loving energy. Communicating with Michele was easy, she was very responsive, and proactive with any questions or concerns. I will definitely call on Michele again the next time I travel!”

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Cindy W.
Sitter Profile Image: Payton H.
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Payton H.
from
$65
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 5 reviews
1 repeat client
14 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61704

“Best sitter we ever had. Our furry loved ones were in great hands. She gave us lots of updates and pictures. She made our pets feel loved and safe. We will definitely keep using her.”

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Georgette Q.
Sitter Profile Image: Kaylee W.
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Kaylee W.
from
$27
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 6 reviews
2 repeat clients
3 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Kaylee was awesome! She communicated quickly and was gracious when my plans shifted. Kaylee took great care of Humphrey and my house. I appreciated the picture updates a lot. Humphrey really enjoyed Kaylee's company. We will definitely be booking her again to house sit!”

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Nicole G.
Sitter Profile Image: Regan K.
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Regan K.
from
$27
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 2 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: Chris & Erika O.
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Chris & Erika O.
Star Sitter
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 29 reviews
7 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Great communication. Took care of penny perfectly she seemed happy. Followed instructions well. Would book again.”

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Fiona S.
Sitter Profile Image: Hazel M.
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Hazel M.
from
$60
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 6 reviews
3 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

About: I enjoy spending time with animals and making sure they are happy and are stress free while away from their owners. I have 3 dogs, 1 is a 9 week old puppy my family has just adopted. I have to constantly watch my puppy, named Walter. Sometimes I’ll have to stay with him and watch him for a few hours. He has severe anxiety so we have to constantly be with him and make sure he’s ok. I play with them, I pet them, I hold them, I fill up their dog food and water, constant potty breaks to prevent any accidents.

Sitter Profile Image: Raina J.
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Raina J.
from
$80
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 3 reviews
13 years of experience
Merna, IL, 61761

“Raina was very attentive and always provided updates on a regular. It was my first time i. A while using River again. It was as great and experience as before. I will definitely call on her again.”

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Carolyn 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: Skyler L.
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Skyler L.
from
$37
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 9 reviews
2 repeat clients
9 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Skyler was great! I got constant updates with a lot of photos and videos. His attentiveness and care were first rate and made my dog feel very comfortable about being away from me. So much so that I think she wasn't ready to leave when it was time for me to get her lol”

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Ian W.
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: elliana h.
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elliana h.
from
$30
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 4 reviews
1 repeat client
6 years of experience
Bloomington, IL, 61701

“Elliana did a great job watching my pup! He got consistent care and attention, and was so great to come home home to! Would recommend!”

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Matthew M.
Sitter Profile Image: Chloe & Riley Jackson W.
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Chloe & Riley Jackson W.
from
$27
per night
10 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

About: We have grown up with multiple pets and worked with rescue dogs as well. We understand the reinforcement and patience needed for puppy behavior, and can continue any routines you have in place. We are energetic and active, but always are down for some chill time when they need it! We are full time college students but are happy to visit any pups to take them out during our mid day breaks! Available for multiple visits a day for up to an hour each! We are great with routines and will make sure to ask all the questions needed to keep your loved pet safe and comfortable. We are calm with nervous dogs and patient with all!

Sitter Profile Image: Lily G.
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Lily G.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
• 5 reviews
1 repeat client
5 years of experience
Normal, IL, 61761

“Lily was very communicative, and Forest loved her!”

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Katrina Q.
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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 October 2026, there are 151 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.

<b>Tip:</b> 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 administering medication or managing dietary requirements. You can also find pet sitters who accept only one pet at a time, which is ideal for anxious puppies 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 request a Meet & Greet to walk your sitter through your expectations.

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