House Sitting Portola Valley
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 38 pet parents in Portola Valley have booked house sitting
Portola Valley, 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%.
“Guilherme took care of our dog and cat during the Christmas and new years holiday. He sent many updates with photos, helped bring the garbage bins inside and collect mail and left our home more organized than when we left. Highly recommend and definitely hope to use his services again when we travel. Thanks Guilherme!”
“I was a little nervous leaving my cat for the first time, but Marion made it so easy. She showed up right on time, sent me updates, and treated my cat like her own. When I got back, my cat was relaxed and happy. It felt like she’d been cared for by a friend. It’s rare to find someone this trustworthy these days. I’ll definitely book her again and recommend her to anyone!”
“This was Akisha’s first sitting in this area and I will strongly recommend her for house sitting your beloved pets. She kept me informed me throughout via pictures and video messages and took a great care of my dog and the house.”
“Kate was a life saver! When our normal dog sitter couldn’t make it last minute, she was around on very late notice (like 8 hours) to help watch our dog for the weekend. She sent plenty of updates, was very timely, and kept our place spotless. Would absolutely book her again!”
“I would highly recommend Vivian! She was thoughtful to keep me updated with photos and comments on the state of my elderly dog. She is experienced and was attentive to my detailed instructions. I appreciate her going the extra mile stripping the bed and straightening everything up before I arrived home. Thank you!”
“Mike is our go-to for taking care of Red. Red loves taking Mike on walks and cuddling on the couch with him! I am always 100% worry-free when we have Mike taking care of Red!”
“Mia did a great job watching our 3 girls and taking care of our home. She was friendly, responsive, and sent pictures while we were away. When we returned home our girls were happy and our house was clean. We would definitely use Mia in the future.”
About: I own a 7 year old shorkie(shitzu yorkie mix) and a 2 year old high energy whippet dog. I have taken care of my neighbors and rancher grandparents dogs and animals since I was 10. I am currently a freshman at CSM who plays volleyball. I have practice and school every day from about 8 am- 3 pm. My weekend are mostly free. I have a fenced in yard, a large safe house for animals, two friendly small dogs, and a cat who gets along with dogs and other cats.
About: I’m a lifelong animal lover and a proud pet parent to two cats. I’ve also had hands-on experience boarding and caring for dogs. I love getting to know each animal’s unique personality, whether they’re playful and energetic, affectionate and cuddly, or a little shy at first. I pay close attention to their body language, comfort, and daily routines so they can feel safe and relaxed in a new environment. I especially enjoy spending quality time with dogs through walks, playtime, and simply keeping them company. I treat every pet with the same patience, kindness, and attention that I give my own. I prefer caring for one guest dog at a time so I can give them plenty of individual attention. I also love keeping pet parents updated with photos and messages throughout their dog’s stay! My partner and I have flexible work schedules, so we can coordinate to make sure at least one of us is home throughout your dog’s stay! This allows us to provide plenty of companionship, regular potty breaks, walks, and playtime throughout the day. I love spending time with dogs and am happy to adjust my routine around their individual needs, whether that means extra outdoor adventures, more playtime, or simply having someone nearby to keep them company. I live in a cozy three-story townhouse in Sunnyvale with a small, fully fenced private backyard, perfect for supervised potty breaks and some fresh air. I also love taking dogs on walks to make sure they get plenty of exercise and enrichment! I share my home with two cats, so I only accept dogs with a proven history of being calm and safe around cats. I always recommend a meet-and-greet before booking to make sure everyone is comfortable. My home has separate areas where pets can enjoy their own space. I take introductions slowly and carefully, and never leave guest dogs and cats together unsupervised. I follow each dog’s usual feeding, walking, and sleeping routines as closely as possible. I’ll also send regular photos and updates so you can relax knowing your pup is in good hands!
“Deborah's the best. You can tell right away that she's truly a dog person. She took care of Wallace for 2 weeks and that was no small undertaking. He's a very senior 90# chocolate lab with mobility and incontinence issues. She totally rose to the challenge, going above and beyond; dog baths, obtaining supplements, even facilitating getting him set up with a new bed. She's amazing. If I need help again for sure she's going to be my first call. But I think she's going to be discovered and I have no doubt she will easily fill up her schedule”
“Amazing pet sitter! I had a last minute trip and was scrambling to find a sitter. Lauren sent daily photos and took great care of my pets and my home. Will definitely contact again!”
“Xander is the best! We’ve already booked him for two more stays. We returned to an immaculate house and a very happy dog:). Our pup is a bit timid and nervous around new people and Xander put her entirely at ease.”
“It's always challenging for us to find a sitter that we feel comfortable with taking care of our older and somewhat high-needs pups. But Sara was a fantastic communicator and kept us updated and sent pictures so we could enjoy our vacation. Sara, who is a vet tech, was even able to get out oldest guy to take his many pills twice daily. We will definitely use her again and would highly recommend her to others!”
“Kelsey house sat our dog Maia for 3 nights and everything went great. Maia was very happy when we got home and our house was cleaner than we left it. We will definitely have Kelsey house sit for us again!”
About: I’ve grown up with dogs and have been around them for as long as I can remember, so caring for them comes very naturally to me. 🐾 Over the years, I’ve cared for dogs belonging to friends and neighbors, each with their own personalities, routines, and needs. What sets me apart is that I genuinely treat every dog like they’re part of the family. I’m patient, attentive, and happy to follow your pup’s usual routine, whether that means walks, playtime, feeding schedules, lots of cuddles, or simply giving them the space they need to feel comfortable. I understand how important it is to trust the person caring for your dog, and my goal is to make sure both you and your pup feel completely at ease while you’re away. ❤️ I work remotely from home, which gives me plenty of flexibility to provide your pup with lots of attention and companionship throughout the day. 🐾 I’m able to easily fit in regular walks, potty breaks, playtime, feeding, and cuddle time between my workday. Since I’m home for most of the day, your pup won’t be left alone for long periods and will have someone around to keep them company and make them feel comfortable and cared for. Your pup’s safety and comfort are always my priority. Since I have a dog of my own, my home is already dog-proofed and set up to be a safe, comfortable, and pet-friendly space. I’m mindful about keeping doors secure, potentially harmful items out of reach, and supervising dogs during playtime. I also understand that every dog has their own routine, personality, and boundaries, so I’ll always follow your instructions when it comes to feeding, walks, medications, crate time, and house rules. I want your pup to feel at home while giving you peace of mind that they’re safe, loved, and well cared for while you’re away.
About: I've been around animals for as long as I can remember, starting with Ginger, my family's German shepherd and husky mix, four cats, fish, and pet rodents growing up. I later spent about two years volunteering at my local SPCA, working hands-on with dogs of every size and temperament, from bouncy puppies to nervous rescues. I've also had cats of my own as an adult, including two rescues, and fostered kittens before I started traveling. Since then I've cared for pets through farm stays and housesits across Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Canada — dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, a donkey, as well as an adult pet rabbit. 😊 I'm comfortable administering medication, working with anxious or senior animals, and managing multi-pet households. I'm calm, attentive, and treat every home and animal I look after like my own. I'm currently transitioning to the San Mateo County area temporarily starting early November and building my schedule around pet care full-time, so I have plenty of flexibility for house sits, and daily visits, including extended or last-minute stays. I don't currently have a conflicting 9-to-5, which means I can commit fully to a pet's normal routine for the length of a booking rather than fitting care in around other work. Since I focus on house sitting, I stay at your home rather than asking your pet to adjust to a new environment. I follow feeding, medication, and walking routines exactly as instructed, keep the house clean and secure, and send regular photo updates so you can relax while you're away. I don't bring other pets into the home, so your animal gets my full attention for the whole stay.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Portola Valley is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Portola Valley
Kelsey is so wonderful! She’s extremely responsible, friendly and communicative. And most importantly our boys loved her! We received multiple updates and pictures throughout their time together and the boys were so mellow when we returned. We recommend Kelsey to all and will be using her again soon!! Thank you Kelsey!!
Kristin exceeded every expectation—constant care, genuine engagement with my dog, a perfect routine, and a truly happy, very active dog. I found Kristin after a very thorough search, as it is absolutely essential to me that my dog is not left alone for more than a very short time. She not only respected that—she exceeded every expectation. A big part of my dog’s happiness is her walks, and Kristin took her on long, frequent walks every day. Just as important—if not more—is her feeding routine, which is central to her happiness. She has four main meals per day, plus a small supper and treats in between. I typically combine meals with training and play, and Kristin followed this routine exactly and with great care. Kristin truly engaged with my dog—playing with her both indoors and outdoors, grooming her, and even having her sleep in bed with her at night. She also sent me photos every day, which gave me complete peace of mind. She went above and beyond in ways I did not expect—she even bought my dog a new toy and a bag of treats, which says a lot about how much she genuinely cares. I returned to an exceptionally happy, relaxed, and well-cared-for dog. My dog is very perceptive, and it was immediately clear that she had formed a strong bond with Kristin—they were practically inseparable during the stay. On top of that, the house was left very clean and in perfect condition, with everything exactly as I left it. I would trust Kristin again without hesitation and highly recommend her.
Rachel was really outstanding. She took such great care of our dog. Munchi was calm and relaxed and playful while we were gone, which is such a great thing to know while traveling. Rachel also treated our house really well, so much so we wondered if she was even there :) Thank you, Rachel. Great job!
Tillana is just amazing💕 Such a kind person…She watched our puppy and older dog. She was excellent at sending us beautiful photos and updates. Great communication. Truly gets to know each dog to best understand their individual needs. Gave our puppies a wonderful vacation packed with fun activities! 🦋💗🥰
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 - Portola Valley
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Portola Valley average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Portola Valley
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Portola Valley is $68 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $39 and $84 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 8,687 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Portola Valley. 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 Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley. On Rover:
- 87% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 90% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 95% 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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