House Sitting Merrillville
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 20 pet parents in Merrillville have booked house sitting
Merrillville, 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.
“We would highly recommend Katie as a dog sitter! Our two dogs, Toby and Boo, tend to be very nervous with strangers, but they instantly felt comfortable with Katie. She has a welcoming presence that animals find calming, comforting, and safe. We will definitely use Katie in the future to sit with our dogs.”
About: I’ve taken care of dogs and cats since I was a kid. I have house sat for at least three different people and took care of their pets! I’ve worked with senior dogs and puppies. I also have a part time job at a pet store so I have a decent amount of knowledge on pets and am more than happy to get things from the store for you! I have also administered medicine to a dog with health issues so I am comfortable administering medicine. I work part-time at a pet store! But I have time in between these things to drop in on pets and walk them, play with them, and even feed them. I’m happy to do whatever needs to be done’ My cat is older so she doesn’t play much anymore, but I’ve played with lots of kitties before. I’ve also played with dogs, big and small. My old home had a fenced in yard that I used to play with the dogs in. I no longer have that, but I love taking my own dog on long walks to burn off some of that energy!
About: I have been around animals for as long as I can remember! I am comfortable around all dogs and am happy to adapt and learn how to best take care of your pets. When I come to walk, take care of, or play with your dog, I will dedicate my time to loving them! I have a dog of my own - an adorable mini Bernie doodle. I am currently at home in the off season as a professional soccer player. I am flexible with times and can accept last minute bookings. I absolutely love dogs, and would love to take care of your fur babies in any way! I am currently in the off season of playing professional soccer, so I can be very flexible with times. I can be available most every day before 5 pm. I have a lot of experience caring for very active pets. I can take your dogs for very long walks around the neighborhood or in dog parks.
“Mariah is a great sitter. They really took the time to make sure my dogs were comfortable and familiar with them before coming for an overnight. They also stayed longer than expected when my flight was delayed to make sure my dogs were cared for! I will absolutely be booking Mariah again.”
About: I’ve grown up with animals my whole life, I was actually raised on a farm! We spent mornings caring for the horses, chickens, pigs, etc. We’ve always had dogs in the home, and in my eyes, pets are just an extension to the family! I have experience with reptiles, birds (I have a cockatiel named Mila), and other exotics as well. I work Monday-Friday 9a-5p. I’m available all day on the weekends. During the week, I’m available early mornings before I head to the office, and anytime after 5pm. My pets are my children, and I will treat yours with the same amount of love, play, and attention that they deserve! While I’m not an experienced trainer, I strongly believe that any training you have in place should be respected, and upheld while you’re away. With direction, I would be happy to do just that!
About: I have cared for pets since I was 7 years old! I currently share my home with two kitties and three dogs. I also have some experience with smaller animals, I've had three Syrian hamsters in the past and have cared of guinea pigs and rabbits in a shelter setting. I've even cared for pigs, goats, and horses before! For my professional credentials, I've worked in animal care for a combined five years. I have cared for hundreds of animals in animal shelter and veterinary clinic settings. From shy and fearful dogs to feral cats, to kittens and puppies, to senior animals. I have cared for animals that need medications and/or special diets. I have experience with leash and barrier reactive dogs, exuberant canines, and leash biters. I have completed dog handling in a shelter and feral and fractious cat handling courses through Maddie's University. And I've assisted in moderating 10-15+ dogs in play groups before! Through these experiences I've become proficient in understanding animal body language, able to identify a variety of possible health issues, and learned how to best keep animals safe and happy. All in all I believe my varied experiences with animals professionally and personally will allow me to provide great care to your pet! This is my primary source of income at this time! So my schedule is very flexible. Just reach out and we can work something together. I understand that safety is number one with pets! I will always respect your pets' boundaries. And I want to work with you, the pet parent, to understand your pets' habits, preferences, and any allergies or health issues.
“Erica has been our favorite to have watch our dogs. She’s so communicative and doesn’t hesitate to ask questions! Our dog that has major boundary issues seemed to allow her do things that others haven’t been able to, which for us says a lot. I felt very at ease leaving my dogs. She’s very responsible and we definitely plan on working with her in the future!”
“Allie was very attentive and communicated every time she stopped by the house to let the dogs out. She sent pictures every time as well as a couple videos. The dogs loved her company and they were well cared for!”
About: I’m an adult who is passionate about providing dependable, loving care for animals of all ages while their owners are away. I’m especially comfortable with senior pets who may need extra patience, attention, slower walks, medication routines, or simply more companionship. I respect each pet’s individual personality and routine and want owners to feel completely comfortable knowing their animals and home are in caring, responsible hands. My pet-care schedule is flexible and built around my clients’ needs. I intentionally plan my week around bookings, allowing me to accommodate daytime visits, walks, overnight stays, weekends, and extended care. I enjoy making pet care a priority rather than trying to squeeze it into a busy schedule. I provide care in your pet’s own home, where they can stay comfortable with their familiar surroundings and routine. I carefully follow feeding, walking, medication, and household instructions and give each pet the individual attention they need. I’m respectful of both your pets and your home, with communication and updates while you’re away.
About: I’ve been a dedicated dog mom for 6 years and have experience caring for dogs through all kinds of situations — from energetic puppy stages to recovery days that require extra patience, comfort, and attention. I understand how important trust is when leaving your pet with someone, and I’ll care for them like family. Pet care is already a big part of my daily life. My days naturally revolve around walks, playtime, feeding schedules, outdoor time, and making sure pets feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I genuinely enjoy spending time with animals, whether that’s going on walks, relaxing together, or giving extra attention when they need comfort and patience. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I do my best to keep their routine as normal and stress-free as possible. I follow feeding schedules, potty breaks, walks, medication instructions if needed, and make sure pets get plenty of attention, playtime, and comfort. I also respect my clients’ homes by keeping things clean, secure, and providing updates so they can feel at ease while they’re away.
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience! Alexia went above and beyond to make sure Cinco was comfortable, loved, and well taken care of. Communication was excellent, and it gave us total peace of mind while we were away. We will definitely be using her again!”
About: I’ve taken care of animals since I was a kid. It was a side job for me to make money for extra activities. I would watch neighbors, families, and the communities fur babies I try to be pretty flexible with schedules, I do have a full time job to also keep in mind. So, just let me know what works for you and we can work something out! I care for your fur babies in your home like I would a child or my fur baby. I offer whatever services that makes you comfortable!
“Meredith did a great job with our two dogs, a four year old and a rambunctious four month old, and our 14 year-old cat. She handled our little circus with no issues!”
“Hannah is seriously the best! One of our dogs had an unexpected medical issue that came up (not requiring a vet) hours before we were supposed to leave town and Hannah was comfortable keeping a close eye on him and keeping us updated throughout the weekend. She’s our go-to sitter!”
About: We have always had pets (Mostly Dogs) growing up and have never met a dog or cat that didn't like us. We are the type of people that animals (Fur Babies) just feel at ease with. From the smallest of toy and lap dogs to the much larger Great Danes and Mastiffs. We will always get along, even the dog that nobody can handle and scares them. My patients never wears thin and eventually all, even the most stubborn pet warms up to me. Any pet under our supervision will always be taken care of from walks, to alone time to calm their nerves if need be but NEVER neglected. We truly believe that your Dogs and/or Cats should and will be treated just you would. Thanks, Between my wife and I we are essentially available 24/7. And hope to accommodate any ones schedule. Our routine will be scheduled around whatever is needed We have a full half acre completely fenced in (Wooden privacy fence). And of course whatever it is you and your dogs like enjoy we will accommodate.
About: I have had a dog my whole life! I’m great with animals because I’m patient, caring, and responsible. I enjoy spending time with animals and making sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I’m attentive to their needs and always make sure they have proper food, exercise, attention, and care. I’m currently working Mondays and Thursdays so I am available everyday except for that. Normally I have a very flexible schedule and am available at any time. I have been a nanny for the last three years so i’m comfortable with caring for pets in homes. I will pick up after animal on walks (if walks are needed). Make sure everything is locked behind me, and follow any other instructions you may have.
About: I’m really a dog lover and have always been around them. They’re kids honestly. Imagine a different one per day that’s amazing to me ! Recently moved to Illinois where I now work for Alter Domus, an investment firm in Downtown Chicago and it’s work from home. I have all the time in the world to watch them !! Love them and it’s definitely therapy to me also. Continuing what I started in Ohio with Rover here ! My neighborhood is full of dogs and grass for them to walk. It’s away from danger and quiet, there might be a friend outside too.
About: Worked with everything from tiny puppies to seniors at the kennel and proudly volunteer at Chicago PAWS. I am also pursuing my career in pre-vet, looking forward to gaining more experience along the way. I am currently working part time but will be starting school in the fall so Im available Wednesdays-Sundays after 12pm Wednesday and Fridays: Evening shifts only (2pm-8pm) Saturdays: Morning shifts only (8am-12pm) Sundays: Both morning and evening shifts. (8am-8pm) Strongly prioritize a stress free space by following specific care routines and keeping the environment super clean. My experience at the kennel and at PAWS means that I am aware of safety procedures and keeping an eye out for health changes.
“Vanessa was awesome. My other dog sitter cancelled two days before I was supposed to leave for out of town. Vanessa responded quickly to my request for last minute booking and came that night to meet me and lulu. While i waa gone, she freqiently sent me pictures and update on my dog which I loved! She also quickly responded when I asked questions. No issues or concerns and will definitely use her for sitting again in the future!”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Merrillville is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Merrillville
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finally, a sitter we trust with Aria! We have a hard time leaving Aria with anyone, so handing her over for the weekend was a big step. From the moment we met April, we could tell our sweet girl was in good hands. Aria was happy, relaxed, and well cared for the entire time. April kept us updated without overdoing it, which was the perfect balance. We got the reassurance we needed and were free to relax and actually enjoy our weekend. She went above and beyond, too. She even cleaned up after herself and left our home in better shape than she found it. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare. We'll absolutely be using April again and again, and we're already recommending her to friends and family. If you're nervous about leaving your pup, don't be. Highly, highly recommend!
Natalie is amazing. She spent time getting to know our two dogs before house sitting and is a delight to chat with. She is dependable, responsible, respectful, and took the best care of the dogs (and the plants!). Very blessed to have found her and will absolutely rebook with her in the future.
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 - Merrillville
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Merrillville average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Merrillville
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Merrillville is $51 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $34 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 October 2026, there are 1,109 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Merrillville. 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 Merrillville 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 Merrillville 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 Merrillville 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 Merrillville. On Rover:
- 87% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 93% 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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