House Sitting River Forest
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 103 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 came and watched our little girl Penelope for a day so my husband and I could get out of the house. Penelope was new to Chicago and having a tough time settling in - we wanted Penelope to have someone with her while we were out to ensure she was comfortable. Diane was absolutely phenomenal from the start - an excellent communicator and made us feel comfortable right away. You can tell she is extremely expert when it comes to the care of animals. Penelope can be very shy/anxious and tends to run away/hide when she is stressed. Diane got down on the floor with Penelope and patiently waited for her to come out when she was ready. Diane sent us photos throughout the day along with updates/messages which made me feel so much better and allowed me to relax while we were out. I was amazed at how quickly Penelope warmed to Diane and felt totally confident in Diane taking care of my baby. Diane is absolutely such a wonderful person, I would recommend her to anyone and will absolutely hope to have her back!”
“Malcomn was the best Rover we ever had. Would hire him back in an instance. He was respectful, responsive, communicative and took exceptional care of our puppy and cat for a long weekend. He sent great descriptions and photos every day. He sets the bar high for Rovers!”
About: I’ve had 40 years experience caring for my own dogs (3), a cat and parakeets. My current pets consist of an adopted 2 year old Labrador/Retriever mix and a red-eared turtle, that my son graciously brought home from a junior year field trip, 10 years ago. I have cared for pets not of my own, along with house sitting that included dogs, finches, parakeets and an African Grey parrot. Familiar with dog reactivity and leash pulling. Oral medication can also be administered. Currently working full-time as a teacher. I’m available before 8:30am and after 5:00pm for individual walks and/or house sitting. Weekends open for house sitting or individual walks. Following a routine is apart of my teacher life, so following your fur baby’s won’t be a problem. Daily reports with photos/videos can easily be arranged.
“Ruby did a fantastic job taking care of our pets and our home!! We came home to three very happy nuggets. I think she brushed them while we were away, since our (very large) dog’s coat is super shiny - and she even took out the trash before leaving! We had to extend our trip by 2 days for a family emergency, and she was incredibly flexible and was able to provide care for the additional 2 days. Ruby definitely went above & beyond, and we’d love to have her sit for our dog & 2 cats again any time!”
“Yesica was amazing! It was our first time using rover and she made sure that we were comfortable with everything! She sent lots of pictures, videos and text updates!! She would even give special attention to my dog while she ate because she usually doesn’t eat as much when we are out of town! I would definitely book again!”
“Katelyn was great with our fur babies! She sent plenty of photo updates throughout the booking. She updated us about anything going on with the kids and asked questions along the way. We really appreciated her communication! The dogs loved her during meet and greet. I’m sure they wanted her to stay with all the doggy cuddle puddles! Would definitely book her again! It was so reassuring to have someone reliable, communicable, and compassionate. Made our vacation a breeze. We missed our doggos, but didn’t have to worry or stress with Katelyn!”
About: What sets me apart is the level of patience, attention, and care I bring to every pet I watch. I have dogs of my own, including one I’ve had since I was in 5th grade, so caring for animals has always been a big part of my life. He is my priority, and I make sure he gets his daily walks, plenty of attention, and the care he deserves, specially since he is now a senior doggy. I also have a 2-year-old dog, so I’m experienced with younger, more energetic dogs as well. Having dogs at different stages of life has taught me how important consistency, exercise, patience, and companionship are for pets. I’m reliable, detail-oriented, and always treat every pet like they’re my own. I also provide regular updates and photos so owners can feel comfortable knowing their pets are safe, happy, and well cared for. I’m flexible with my schedule, I’m willing to make time out of my schedule to work with you and your needs, but afternoons are preferable for me! When caring for pets in my home or a client’s home, I focus on making them feel safe, comfortable, and sticking to their normal routine as much as possible. I make sure pets are fed on schedule, have fresh water at all times, get plenty of exercise and attention, and feel loved while their owners are away. For dogs, I provide daily walks, playtime, bathroom breaks, and lots of companionship. Since I have dogs of my own, including a senior dog and a younger 2-year-old dog, I understand how different each dog’s energy level and needs can be. I’m comfortable caring for both active dogs that need extra exercise and older dogs that may need a slower pace and more patience. In a client’s home, I always respect the pet’s routine and environment to help reduce stress and keep them comfortable. I also keep the home clean, follow all care instructions carefully, and provide regular updates and photos so owners know their pets are doing well. My goal is always to make pets feel cared for, relaxed, and happy while giving owners peace of mind.
“Justice is a truly compassionate, conscientious and reliable sitter for our big Great Pyrenees. She has walked and house sat for us and has always been communicative and flexible and we have nothing but great things to say about how she’s helped us over the last few months. We cannot recommend her enough!”
About: I’ve worked as a full time nanny for the past 6 years and have been responsible for walking and caring for their pets too, I also have my own senior doggie, a 13 year old schnauzer and have always loved caring for kiddos and their animal friends. I currently work as a nanny Monday- Friday, but only 4 hours per day because I am only responsible for school drop offs and pick ups, so a couple hours in the morning and a couple in the afternoon and I have the rest of the day available for walks and pet sitting! I can crate your dog if needed and provide any medication necessary for your pets, I love doing long walks and can stick to any schedule necessary whether that be feeding time or potty time. I am always punctual and I feel very passionate about making your pets feel safe and well taken care of.
About: I’ve always loved animals and enjoyed helping take care of family and friends’ pets. I’m gentle, responsible, and always treat every pet like my own!! Whether it’s feeding, walking, or simply giving them attention, I always make sure they feel comfortable and loved💗 I’m currently not working full-time, so I have flexible availability throughout the week. I’m happy to care for pets during the day or evening, depending on your needs. Whether it’s walks, playtime, or just keeping them company, I’ll be there to help!! I provide a calm and safe environment with lots of love and attention. I always follow the owner’s instructions carefully, making sure each pet feels secure and cared for. I’m happy to care for pets in your home or mine, depending on what’s best for your furry friend.
“Angelica went above and beyond. When our newborn son was kept an extra day at the hospital, she stayed an extra day to babysit our dogs. She didn’t complain and we didn’t have to find someone else in an emergency. She followed our rules and kept our Shibas happy and entertained. Communication was great. It was a pleasure to have to her care for our home and furbabies, and we’d have her come back anytime.”
“Eddie was fantastic with our two huskies! He kept in regular contact with us while we were away, providing detailed updates on how our dogs were doing. We truly appreciated his communication and the way he cared for our fur babies. Eddie also respected our home, leaving it just as we had left it. It was as if no one had been there at all! Thanks so much Eddie for loving our babies.”
“Han did a wonderful job! So happy we found them! Our furry family was well taken care of, and so was our home. Looking forward to working with them again in the future!”
“Dom was great! The animals warmed up to her quickly and she sent great updates. We appreciated her thoughtful care and would definitely ask her to pet sit again!”
About: I recently graduated from Northern Michigan University this past spring with a bachelors degree in Education. Before pursuing my career, I am taking time off to work and spend time with family. I am a lover of all animals, though I have the most experience with cats and dogs of all ages and sizes. Over the past 8 years, I have worked with several families for drop by visits and extended stays while they travel. I have a fur baby of my own, my cat Ringo, who I love very much. I have several references available for back ground check and to hear from prior families I have worked with for feedback if desired! I would love to work with you and your pets! I have a pretty open schedule! I work 1-2 shifts a week of retail for roughly 4 hours per shift. I can do overnights, extended stays, multiple visits per day, and so on. I’m flexible to your needs! When caretaking for you animal, I’ll be more than ready to follow your expectations. I have a list of references available from prior families I’ve worked with in the past that I am more than welcome to share with you. At any point, feel free to contact me via call or text if you have questions or concerns about the wellbeing of your animal.
“Beth was great! Her calm demeanor instantly put our normally hyper pup at ease. She was very communicative throughout the weekend, took our pup on many walks, and our house was probably more tidy than when we left it. We look forward to booking with her again.”
About: I absolutely love animals, which is why I’ve been taking care of family, friend, and neighborhood pets since I was 12 (my family has also always had cats!). I am reliable and have been trusted to consistently and properly tend to pets, whether it’s walking, feeding, overnight and in-house care, or anything in between. I have experience with elderly animals, as well as puppies and kittens. I am more than happy to provide updates about your pet during their care, and will always reach out with concerns or questions should they come up to ensure they’re being taken care of in the way that’s best for them. I truly care about animals, and enjoy spending time with them maybe just as much as they enjoy having a pal. I’m excited to get to know new pets and keep them taken care of, safe, entertained, and happy! I’m currently already doing pet care part-time, and am excited to make time for even more furry faces! I am able to take care of pets that need early morning check-ins, as well as pets that need a companion overnight. I always make sure animals have the water, food, and essentials they need, and do what I can to make sure pets feel safe, comfortable, and happy. I am just as happy as them to be hanging out and will make sure they get plenty of playtime and attention, and are okay before bed if it is an overnight stay.
The median cost per night for house sitting in River Forest is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - River Forest
Diane is the absolute best - our dog, Penelope, can be very anxious and struggles to be left alone. It is hard to find someone we completely trust with the well-being and safety of our baby. Diane 100% has a very special way with animals - Penelope immediately felt at ease with her. We feel COMPLETELY confident that our baby girl will be comfortable and happy while she is with her. This is our second time using Diane, and if I could, I would book Diane every single time I needed a dog sitter. Do not hesitate to book Diane; if you are lucky enough to be able to book her, you will not regret it! Your animals will be cared for and loved. Cannot say enough good things!
This was my first time leaving my dog with anyone other than my mom. Misha stayed with him for 3 nights and I can say for certain Misha has a gift for this! He warmed right up to her and the two had a ball all weekend. My dog can be a bit of a spoiled brat, and she handled his diva attitude perfectly lol. She gave lots of updates and pictures. She followed the care instructions to a tee! The house is in perfect shape, you wouldn’t even know she was here. If you’re nervous about using Rover for the first time - go with Misha and you and your pet will be happy and at ease.
Daniella is AMAZING with my Rotties! I have two and she is wonderful with them. They absolutely love her, my home and my babies are always in shape and safe when I return. She sends updates when needed or just to ease my mind and communicates any changes she sees in my dogs behavior so that I am aware. Will continue to book with her!!
Nancy took excellent care of my senior dog! She is very thorough. She made sure she knew all the details of his routine and how best to care for him. She is great at communicating too. She sent pictures while I was away which I really appreciated. I highly recommend Nancy!
Sarah was absolutely wonderful. This was my first time leaving my two cats with a sitter, and Sarah stayed at my apartment for about two weeks. She took excellent care of my babies, and when I came home, she left the place freshly cleaned. She sent updates and pictures of the kitties while I was gone, and I can tell my girls were very well looked after. I would happily have Sarah watch them anytime.
This is the second time we’ve used Lidiana to care for our 17-year old pup: the first time was for a period of over two weeks when my husband and I were on vacation and the last time was just for one night. She is reliable, caring, and communicative. We plan on using her for as long as she’s available and willing!
Our dog loves Grace! She is reliable, always keeps us updated with lots of pictures, and genuinely cares about our dog. He has some quirks that she patiently navigates and gives us peace of mind while we’re away. She did a fantastic job house sitting and we feel so lucky to have her help taking care of our dog!
Justice is a truly compassionate, conscientious and reliable sitter for our big Great Pyrenees. She has walked and house sat for us and has always been communicative and flexible and we have nothing but great things to say about how she’s helped us over the last few months. We cannot recommend her enough!
Alicia came to stay with our dog over the weekend and she was so wonderful! We were nervous to leave him behind for the first time, but Alicia was the perfect person to calm our fears and take care of him! She is truly an animal person - I could tell by how easily she connected with our dog from the moment she walked in. She sent daily check ins, photos and updates during the weekend as well! Will definitely be rebooking. Thank you again Alicia you’re the best!!
Jacob was an exceptional find for our furry tornado of energy. His experience is obvious to anyone within a few minutes of meeting your dog. He is knowledgeable, kind, and patient. He also left our house in immaculate shape at the end of his stay! You will know your dog is in good hands when you hire Jacob.
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 - River Forest
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in River Forest average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - River Forest
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in River Forest is $72 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $44 and $94 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 7,899 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 , 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 River Forest. On Rover:
- 87% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 92% 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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