House Sitting Merrimac
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 69 pet parents in Merrimac have booked house sitting
Merrimac, 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.
About: I’ve been around animals my whole life and genuinely love caring for them. I’m dependable, patient, and will treat your pet like they’re my own. I’m comfortable with feeding, walking, playtime, giving lots of attention, and keeping pets on their normal routine. I understand that every animal has a different personality, so I make sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved while you’re away. I currently have a flexible schedule, which gives me plenty of time to care for your pets. I’m available throughout the week for walks, drop-ins, playtime, and other pet care needs. I’m happy to work around your pet’s normal routine and schedule. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always my priority. I’ll follow any instructions you provide and make sure your pet stays in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. I’m very attentive and will treat your pets and your home with the same care and respect I would my own.
“Claudia and Mario were great sitters, our dog loved them! They sent pictures to let us know how she was doing and she seemed to be doing great when we got back. We would definitely rebook with them in the future!”
“Amari was so great with our dog! He doesn’t like new people coming in the house but she came and met him before our trip to help ease that, and was so patient with him. Amari sent updates and pictures and we could tell our dog was happy and enjoying his new friend. I’d love to have her back in our home any time!”
About: I have been dog and cat sitting for a few years now for dogs of all sizes and cats of all ages! I am used to around week long stays that include walks, feeding them, and playing with them. The most I’ve watched during sitting with dogs is two and with cats is three. I am used to giving dogs pills and medicines. I also have experience putting a medical boot on a senior dog. I have around five families who I pet sit for consistently when I am home for the summer and breaks, and I would love to find that here too. I am a senior at Virginia Tech, so I have classes every day. I have class MWF from 10-2 , TR from 2-3:15, and an hour long meeting M,W,R at 7pm as well as my sorority chapter meeting Sundays at 5pm (max three hours). I usually head straight to the house I am staying at when I am done with school and meetings, so I can be around the pet and take them out and on walks as needed. I always make sure I am able to be back within the max amount of time they can be left without needing someone there. I follow whatever rules are set up in the home. I have crated dogs, let them out in the yard, taken them on walks, and let them sleep in their beds or in bed with me. I try to keep them used to their schedule and routine as much as possible.
“Anisa was absolutely fantastic as a house/dog sitter! She really went above and beyond, walking Mo multiple times a day (not requested, but much appreciated!), sending cute photos and updates, and checking on our snake. When I returned , the house was spotless and Mo was looking for her instead of me! I will definitely be trying to book Anisa again!”
“Heather is wonderful! If you want a grown up taking care of your pets and home just like you do, Heather is who you want! She is incredibly communicative, sends photos and updates, and takes wonderful care of the fur babies and home. Highly recommend!”
About: Dogs have always been apart of my life! Aside from my family's dog, all of my neighbors, friends, and extended family members have dogs that I have been entrusted with caring for. Ranging from puppies to senior dogs and a miniature schnauzer to a German Shorthaired Pointer! I'm new to the Blacksburg area and am currently searching for part-time or full-time work. Meanwhile, I am available during the week or weekends for housesitting, dog walking, or drop-in visits! As my employment changes so will my availability, likely limiting me to weekends. Allowing dogs to stay in their home keeps them comfortable and their toys accessible! I also maintain the utmost respect for your home and house rules to keep it clean and ensure safety at all times.
“Denise took fantastic care of Frankie and was great with communications both before and during my trip! She went above and beyond to make sure she left the house in good shape as well. We will absolutely have her back!”
About: I love dogs and have cared for my own dogs, family pets and friend’s pets, my whole life. I currently have several happy clients in my area and I am looking to expand my business. I am an active person that walks between 4-9mi a day and I’d love to have your dog/s join me! I can provide reliable services for your dog/s including drop-ins, long walks and overnight stays. I love to give belly rubs and snuggles. I can administer medications and currently provide occasional care for a senior dog that is deaf and mostly blind. I am happy to include pet care for other pets on-site, when appropriate; cats, fish, ferrets, parrots, lizards, rabbits, etc. Relax and let me help you with your dog!
About: I’ve had dogs since i was a baby, always been one of my favorite things. I’ve been told i’m an animal whisperer and have a special connection with pets i don’t even know! I’m currently a part time worker, i’d have plenty of time to take care of and watch your animals. l don’t spend much time away from home max would be 4-5hrs on certain days. I’m overly open with pets being out around the house, they can be crated if needed of course. I have a small fenced area but a leash would still be needed preferably due to my neighbors dogs.
About: What sets me apart is the calm, reassuring presence I bring to every animal in my care. I’ve had both cats and dogs as pets throughout my life, which has given me a natural understanding of different personalities, energy levels, and comfort needs. I’m especially skilled at supporting shy, anxious, or high-energy pets, and I have the patience and energy to match them where they are—whether that means slow, gentle bonding or active engagement and play. I also bring a strong foundation of trust and responsibility from my years as a nanny and caretaker for children. Families have relied on me with their most valued loved ones, and I carry that same level of professionalism, consistency, and attentiveness into my work with pets. I’m detail-oriented with routines, responsive in communication, and committed to creating a safe, positive experience for every pet I look after. Pet care fits seamlessly into my week because my current job provides the flexibility to care for your animal during the week and weekends. With my schedule, I’m able to let your dogs out a couple times per day, provide at least two walks a day during bookings (and even more on weekends), and stay overnight whenever needed. I naturally build my days around caring for others, so incorporating pet visits, playtime, feeding schedules, and routine check-ins feels like a meaningful and enjoyable part of my routine. I love staying active throughout the day, and spending time with animals brings a sense of calm and balance to my week. For house sitting, I’m attentive, respectful of your space, and present throughout the stay to give your pet consistent company. For drop-ins and walks, I provide reliable check-ins, bathroom breaks, structured walks, and playtime to match your pet’s energy level. For feeding, I’m detail-oriented and make sure everything is done accurately and on schedule. I keep communication clear with updates and photos so you always feel confident and informed.
About: I’ve taken care of dogs since I was 10 years old. I have always had at least one myself and couldn’t imagine life without one. I recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Accounting and am currently studying for my CPA. While I’m keeping busy with studying, I still have a pretty flexible schedule and plenty of free time throughout the week. I’d love to spend that time taking care of your pet, giving them lots of attention, and keeping them company! I only will be able to care for pets within your home since I live with my parents and they’d prefer I only did outside of our home. I treat everyone’s pet like my own, and have given a decent amount of pet care this past summer.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Merrimac is $45
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Merrimac
Sean was an amazing sitter for our pup! He spent the time to get to know our girl's (many) quirks at our meet and greet, was very communicative through the stay, played with her often on top of two walks a day, and kept her engaged. We could tell through the pictures that she was having a blast. We will definitely be asking him to take care of her again!
Anisa was very accommodating! I messaged her last minute after I got tickets for an event and thanks to her, I was able to see a few friends I haven't seen in over a year. It was just over a day and a half but everyone was happy, healthy, and well fed when we returned.
McCall was great with our pets from the get-go! She was stellar in all respects: Great updates, plenty of photos, and everything looked great at the house when we returned. We were very fortunate to find her, and we would (and will!) rebook her in a heatbeat! All around wonderful job!
Jessie did a wonderful job caring for our two senior dogs. She communicated very well, sent frequent updates including photos, and took great care of the house. Our senior dogs have separation anxiety and require a little extra time and energy to help them stay comfortable, and we really appreciated Jessie putting in the extra effort to keep them happy and healthy.
Denise took superb care of my high maintenance dogs. Historically they’ve had anxiety when I travel that has led to upset stomachs and Vet visits, but they are in good health and the house is in great condition and she was very communicative the entire time I was away. I appreciate the freedom She gave me to enjoy my trip without worry. I highly recommend!
Shennan was easy to work with, professional, prompt and responsive. We did two meet and greets before my weekend away because I am always nervous when my little anxious Archie is with someone new. Archie took to her right away and looked happy and healthy when I got back home...and my house was as I left it. I wouldn't hesitate to book Shennan again when she is home from school.
Yulia did a great job pet sitting for us! She was a very responsive communicator and asked a lot of thoughtful questions up front to make sure we were both well-prepared. She did her best to dodge rainy weather and take Frankie on nice long walks while we were away. Loved getting pictures and updates from her on the first day and appreciated her responsiveness when I reached out on the day we were headed home.
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 - Merrimac
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Merrimac average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Merrimac
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Merrimac is $43 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $30 and $62 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 368 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Merrimac. 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 , 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 .
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 .
sitters on Rover set their own , 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 Merrimac. On Rover:
- 94% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 95% 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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