House Sitting River Forest
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 45 pet parents in River Forest have booked house sitting
River Forest, 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.
“Diane was so kind and wonderful with our senior dog. She made such an effort to get to know us and our dog’s needs. She communicated clearly throughout her short stay. We can’t wait to book her again!”
“Ya Lun was very attentive to my cat while we were gone. She sent plenty of updates with pictures and videos. I felt assured he was getting a lot of quality time and attention. She even introduced him to cat videos which he loved. Highly recommend her for any pet sitting needs!”
“Ray was fantastic! He stayed with my two dogs for 11 days while I was out of the country. He sent lots of videos, photos and updates so I wouldn’t miss them too much. And they hardly missed me at all, as he took them on lots of walks, and had a bunch of play time! I think they are looking forward to me leaving today again so their good friend Ray can come back to stay!”
“Justice took good care of my dog and four cats. She was very communicative and had to follow a medication regimen and somewhat complicated feeding system. I will definitely book her again when I’m next out of town!”
“We are so grateful we found Colleen! She took amazing care of our 4-month-old puppy, Sal, and gave us so much peace of mind while we were away. On her very first sitting session with us, Sal ate a bee on a walk and vomited a couple of times. Colleen handled the whole situation with incredible calm and good judgment. She recognized something wasn't right, kept us updated the entire time, and got Sal to the emergency vet, through evaluation, and back home swiftly! It was an awkward and difficult situation for everyone, but knowing Sal was with someone who stayed level-headed and made all the right calls meant everything to us. Beyond that, she was kind, communicative, and Sal loved her from the first moment of the meet and greet. We will not hesitate to book with Colleen again and can't recommend her highly enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
“Miguel was fantastic! I got tons of updates, I could see that my dog was getting the very best care. Would definitely recommend Miguel for a dog sitting and walking.”
“This is the second time Sarah has pet sat for us, and both times she took great care of our dog and our cat, and left our house immaculate. We will definitely be using her again in the future!”
“Jamie is a super star at our house. She watched my old cat for a few days and he instantly felt comfortable around her. I’m definitely booking her services again, and you should too!”
“Joanna was great. She obviously loves cats and knows a ton about them, which made me very comfortable leaving her in charge of my 2 guys. She sent me updates including video clips of her engaging and playing with the boys every day. Would definitely rebook”
About: Ever since I was a kid, I’ve just really cherished being around animals, even the ones who aren’t super cuddly. I have a lot of patience and respect for each pet’s personality and comfort level, and I do my best to make them feel safe, happy, and cared for while their people are away. I work full time during the week and try to stay busy on the weekend, but I will absolutely work my weekend schedule around you/your pet’s needs. I have a big fenced backyard and plenty of space inside for house-trained pets to relax, whether that’s on the couch, a comfy chair, or the floor. I share my home with one dog, a terrier mix named Minnie. She’s playful and friendly, but if your dog prefers to keep to themselves, I can easily keep them separated. Older dogs sometimes find her a bit too energetic, while younger pups usually have a great time playing with her.
“Dylan was a wonderful sitter! He was very accommodating to my last minute plans and was able to come to my house to sit my dog Sabu. I think Sabu really enjoyed his time with him and I would recommend him to any pet parent!”
About: I’ve had pets my entire life and have years of hands-on experience caring for animals of all ages. I grew up with two dogs and later cared for two cats, so I’m comfortable with different personalities, routines, and needs. Friends, neighbors, and family have trusted me to walk, feed, bathe, and spend quality time with their pets. I’m patient, attentive, and truly love animals, and I treat every pet as if they were my own. I’m especially willing to put in the extra time and care senior pets may need, whether that’s moving at a slower pace, providing extra comfort, or paying close attention to their routines. I understand how important it is for pet parents to feel confident and at ease, and I always prioritize safety, comfort, and happiness. I am currently a student, which gives me a very flexible schedule to care for your pets! I am completely free every weekday after 1:00 PM for walks, drop-ins, and evening playtimes. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my classes finish even earlier, so I am available starting at 11:00 AM. My weekends are 100% open for boarding or house sitting. Because I'm home studying often, I have plenty of time to give your pet the attention and potty breaks they need. When caring for pets in your home, my top priority is keeping them comfortable and stress-free by maintaining their normal routine. I carefully follow all instructions for feeding, walks, playtime, and any medications, making sure your pet gets the exercise, attention, and care they’re used to. I treat your home with respect by keeping it clean and secure, always double-checking doors and gates. I make it a point to give each pet plenty of love, attention, and interaction so they feel happy and secure while you’re away. I also communicate frequently and can send daily photo updates, so you always know your pet is happy, safe, and well cared for.
“We just had Joyce for 3 days and nights as we went on a work trip. She was perfection. The dogs were so happy (got lots of happy and tired dog pics) and she left the house spotless, too. Can’t recommend her enough. The best dog sitter we’ve ever had by far. Thank you Joyce 🙏🏽”
“Cheryl was amazing! She arrived on time, my dogs loved her immediately, and she was organized and ready to help! We adore Cheryl and would definitely use her again!”
“Zoe did amazing dog sitting while I was out of town! She made sure to take him on lots of adventures (with photo stops along the way) and I know he was in good hands. Will definitely book with Zoe again!”
The median cost per night for house sitting in River Forest is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - River Forest
Mya was excellent! She watched my dog over 4th of July weekend and I really appreciated the updates and her trying to make my dog calm amidst fireworks. She was very responsive and sent lots of picture updates! She took my dog to the park (the one I said he loved) and didn’t just quickly take him outside for bathroom breaks like I’ve had some other dog sitters do. I highly recommend booking her services!
Samuel is amazing!! He jumped in to help last minute when our original care plans for our pup fell through for a holiday weekend - and we could not be more grateful to have found him! He sent so many wonderful pictures and updates that made it easy for us to enjoy our time away, knowing our dog was being so well cared for! When we got home, everything was cleaner than how we left it and JoJo (who can be anxious) seemed calm and happy. We hope to work with Sam again and can’t recommend him more highly! We have worked with many people from Rover and working with Samuel is the best experience we’ve had so far.
Ariana was an incredible sitter. She was so sweet and loving to my dog, Roo. It helped me not worry as much knowing my dog was in such good hands. While she was sitting, the AC for my second floor went out during the extreme heat in Chicago. Ariana was very understanding which allowed me to schedule someone to fix the AC while she was there. She communicated everything to me from the repairman and I was able to get it resolved. Couldn’t have asked for a better sitter!
Justice is absolutely wonderful! She is so friendly and caring and we had zero worries while we were away. She was communicative, punctual and handled a completely unexpected event with calmness and professionalism. I would recommend her to anyone looking for pet care.
Ariel is quiet and kind---which calms my energetic beagle and puts me at ease. She also works at a local doggy daycare so I trust she has great experience and all of her coworkers told me great things. She's super communicative and left my house clean and in the same condition as when I left (which other sitters have not). HIGHLY recommend!
Nancy did a great job watching our dog Atticus! He normally gets very sad when we’re gone, but Nancy made sure he got enough love and attention and he was happy and relaxed. Atticus loved Nancy and even went into the room she stayed in a few times to check if she was still there. She sent frequent updates on his mood, whether he ate, and what they were up to, including sending pictures. We will definitely hire Nancy again!
I can't recommend Diane highly enough, such a caring conscientious person to take care of our home and our pets, including one very elderly cat. We could not have had the peace of mind attending our daughter's wedding abroad without her great communication and pictures throughout. A total professioal and lovely person, five stars!
Chris is a true gem!!! I fully recommend him to anyone and everyone. Chris watched my 2 cats and dog for our 10 day trip. I received multiple photos every day as well as a daily recap on the happenings of the house. Chris is an excellent communicator and went above and beyond!!!
Naylah is absolutely fantastic with our two Australian shepherds, one with senior needs and the younger one with high energy. She went above and beyond to take one on lengthy walks, and the other, more leisurely. Naylah is also a great communicator and took great care of our home. When we came home, our Aussies looked great, were calm and happy. Highly recommend Naylah.
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.
Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family
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 near you
Select a filter and find qualifying River Forest sitters!Sitters in River Forest average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - River Forest
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for House Sitting in River Forest on Rover is $61.05 per night (as of July 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of House Sitting easy. As long as your dates and pet profiles are correct, the price you see before you book is the same price you pay for House Sitting. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of July 2026, there are 8,249 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across River Forest. 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 short introductory meeting between you, your pet, and a sitter. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your sitter 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. Most pet parents and sitters on Rover welcome Meet & Greets because the process can give confidence and peace of mind for service experiences, especially for longer stays or first-time bookings.
Sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their calendar availability.
Cancelling before a booking begins and before the sitter's cutoff time qualifies you for a full refund. Same-day cancellations for walks, day care, and drop-ins follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for dog boarding and house sitting, you will receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for the remaining days when you cancel the same day a booking should begin.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means our support team works with you to find a replacement sitter.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in River Forest. On Rover:
- 93% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 94% 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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