Pet Sitting River Forest
Book a pet sitter to stop by your home a few times a day to feed and play with your pet.
Over 95 pet parents in River Forest have booked pet sitting
River Forest, Find top rated pet sitting
“Lilian did an amazing job taking care of my dog. She followed all of my instructions carefully and went above and beyond to make sure my dog was comfortable and well cared for. At one point, my dog was feeling sad and wouldn’t eat on her own, so Lilian even hand-fed her to make sure she got something to eat. She also sent me photos and kept me updated throughout the entire time. Communication with her was excellent, and I always felt reassured knowing my dog was in good hands. I truly appreciate the care, attention, and kindness she showed my dog. I would definitely recommend Lilian!”
“We had a great first time experience with Marissa! We had twice a day visits, and Marissa always included great note cards with details about how our babies were doing, and included loads of photos. The kitty areas were tidy and all instructions were honored. We know Ronan and Charlotte were well cared for, and we appreciate that Marissa dedicated at least a portion of her holiday weekend to our kitty care. It's a huge enabler for those pet parents who do not like to leave them. We heartily recommend Marissa for kitty care!”
About: I grew up with a husky and a purebred Lab, so I know how to handle big, energetic dogs who need real exercise and a confident walker. I also helped care for hamsters and parrots, which taught me patience and attention to each animal’s routine and needs. Back home in California, I spent my free time volunteering at animal shelters, working with dogs and cats of every size, age, and temperament, including shy or anxious pets who needed extra gentleness. I’m a huge dog person, but I love cats just as much. Now in Illinois for medical school, I bring the same reliability, focus, and calm under pressure to every walk and visit. I have a flexible weekly schedule in medical school that allows me to take class from home or on campus. I have some required on campus requirements, but this typically only persists for a few hours. My campus is only 20 minutes from Oak Park. When I care for your pet in your home, I follow your routine as closely as possible, including feeding, walks, medications, and house rules, so your pet feels comfortable and secure. I’m first aid trained and experienced giving oral medications in both liquid and capsule form, so I can respond calmly if something goes wrong and make sure medications are given exactly as you’ve instructed. On walks, I use a secure leash and harness, watch for hazards like traffic, other dogs, and anything they shouldn’t eat, and adjust the pace to your dog’s age and energy level. I treat your home with respect, keep doors and gates closed, and leave everything as I found it. You’ll get updates and photos so you always know how your pet is doing, and I’ll reach out right away if anything seems off. Your pet’s safety and happiness always come first.
“Julie was amazing! She took my last-minute booking request, and I felt 100% comfortable leaving Dzuwa in her care 🙂. She gave him constant attention, provided updates, is very trustworthy and caring. It was so nice knowing he was so well cared for. The pictures were so great to receive. I would recommend her and have Julie watch Dzuwa again.”
About: I've had dogs my entire life. I have a senior dog of 14 years old, an adult dog of 3 years old, and a puppy of 8 months old. I truly I can't imagine my life without them. It's a challenging but beautiful experience to see them grow up. I am currently a college student athlete. I am mostly free in the mornings after 10am until 2pm or 3pm, when my volleyball practices start. I do not offer my home, however, I'd care for the pets that I am working with using the equipment that my clients offer me. I own a car.
About: After caring for my own dogs as well as others, I understand the different personalities and routines that come with each! My goal is to make sure your pup feels loved and understood. I am especially familiar with rescue dogs who may need a little extra reassurance and love, as I have one at home. I can accommodate to your pup, and am notably familiar with the needs of senior pups! I will be as patient as needed and treat every dog like my own! I am a certified flight instructor currently applying for jobs! I would love to use my free time as a chance to get to connect with your pup! I offer dog walking and in home check ins. My days are pretty open in the mornings-late afternoon, so any opportunity I get to spend with a furry friend is a good one! I unfortunately do not offer pups in my home but take that as an opportunity to fit into your dog’s schedule, not the other way around. Being aware I am the one coming into their space is very important to me. I will make it my goal to learn everything needed about your pups routine and personality to make them as comfortable as possible
“Kyle was great to work with. He clearly prides himself on consistent communication, and he got along really well with our two cats and was a total pro at covering their needs, including administering meds. We got informative updates, good photos, and two happy healthy kitties at the door when we returned!”
“Zion was awesome! She was really good about sending updates and photos, even checking in on our kitty who likes to hide to make sure everything was okay. Will definitely have her again!”
About: Experience with all kinds of pets and reptiles. Will be treated with upmost care. I can provide a number of services including bathing, walking, feeding, cutting nails/grooming and any special requests from you. I do work a full time job between the hours of 6am and 3pm but any time after that I am free to tend to any needs you or your pet needs. I will have a designated play area for your fur babies if any needed. I will update with pictures and calls if needed. I will follow any schedule given.
About: Growing up, we always had pets in the house, from mice to iguanas and, of course, dogs. I have a lot of experience with pets of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. I work fundraising by day, so I have a bleeding heart for small and big critters alike. I have a rescue mutt who's almost 3! She is high-energy and loves nothing more than playing with other pups; she is very good at matching their style of play, whether it be tug-of-war, chase, or wrestling; she is always up for fun. So trust me when I say, I know the value of an exercised, happy, and tired dog. I would love to check in on your pup throughout the day or take them on little adventures throughout town to get those restless legs moving (theirs and mine)! I work remotely so am home to keep the pups happy and safe! I always start the morning off with a walk for my own pup, it gets us both moving and gets out excess energy so we can enjoy our day. My yard is completely fenced in and the pups are free and safe to wander and explore the yard as they much as they'd like!
About: I am at home full time so I am available to always keep a close watch of your dog, take your dog outside a numerous of times. I have been sitting dogs for about 4 years now. I have experience breeding and raising chows (which is a very hard breed to raise especially for first time dog owners). There is a dog park right across the street from my home your dog would love. And around the perimeter of the dog park is a dog path. I normally walk the dogs around the dog path and then play fetch and some other games in the park. I have a gated backyard so they are allow to play back there as well. I am close to a Walgreens and across the street from a pet store so if they need anything I have easy access to that.
“Helped out very last minute for long term care of 2 cats. Great communication, reliable, and helpful. Great experience and would absolutely recommend Crystal to anyone looking for a pet sitter.”
“Thank you Ruby for doing such a great job caring for Dyango! What can I say, you are a kind spirit and it shows in your love of animals. To be able to leave our dog is such good care, really put my mind at ease. Thanks!”I highly recommend her”
About: Family and friends have relied on me to look after their furry babies for a couple of years now. Drop-ins, dog sitting, dog walking, and cat sitting. Current cat and dog owner. As a pet owner for quite literally my entire life, I can confidently say your fur babies are in good hands. I work in healthcare on a rotating schedule, so it’s kind of difficult to set days and times. Feel free to reach out and we can discuss what you need, which days, and times. I do my best to accommodate you and your baby. Whatever instruction is given to me I will follow in order to keep pets happy and comfortable as well as owners. Keeping pets happy and comfortable is the motive.
About: Dogs, cats, you name it - I love ‘em. As an animal lover and owner myself, I also have years of experience working in animal rescues caring for stray cats and dogs. This has been helpful with learning to be patient and able to adapt to each animals specific needs. However they need me to show up for them, I’m there. They need extensive cuddles? Count me in. They need me to just hangout and watch from a distance? Bummer, but I’ll respect their space. Whatever you need, I got you! 🩷 At the moment, I do work 8am-4pm. I work less than 10 minutes from home so often stop home for lunch. Other than work, I’m often home nightly and spend my nights/weekends relaxing with a book or working on whatever my newest crafting obsession is. I have two cats, Zoe and Ziti. They can be separated in the basement if need be. I offer a large crate if you prefer your dog to be crate trained. We have a large, fully fenced in yard that’s just begging to be a dogs playground!
“Vanessa was fantastic! My cats and dog warmed up to her immediately and were comfortable with her around while we were gone. The communication was great and I was never worried that they were in good hands. I would 100% book again when we are away.”
“Rhianna goes above and beyond! She will care for your pets as if they are her own. She plays with them, give them loves and snuggles, even teaches them tricks! I would highly recommend her to anyone and will continue using her for as long as she’s available.”
The median cost per visit for pet sitting in River Forest is $20
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - River Forest
Lauren is the best she is kind loving and understanding. My fur babies fell in love with her on day one. The pictures and updates are amazing. We did not worry about them at all. My grandson loved the updates the most. Please choose her for your next Rover visit she is number one in our book.
Julie was AMAZING. Over the years we have had a few different sitters for our past and now present kitties. I would say that Julie was the BEST. She even brought some new toys for the cats to play with because she noticed they weren't enjoying their old ones. She was very diligent about the cleanliness of the litter boxes and the area around them were very clean upon our return. Julie gave us important updates and photos while we were gone and was available if anything came up. Don't hesitate to hire her if you need someone to look after your babies while you are away.
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 pet sitting
1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer pet 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 pet sitting - River Forest
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering pet sitting.Sitters in River Forest average 7 repeat pet sitting clients
FAQs for Pet Sitting - River Forest
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of Pet Sitting in River Forest is $22 per visit as of November 2026. Most bookings cost between $16 and $50 per visit. 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 November 2026, there are 12,671 sitters on Rover offering Pet Sitting across River Forest. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
You and your sitter can agree on a care schedule that fits your pet’s routine and the sitter’s availability. Pet Sitting can be booked as a one-time or recurring drop-in visit. If you need overnight care or dog walks, you may also be able to book House Sitting or Dog Walking through Rover with the same sitter, provided they offer those services.
Before booking, confirm:
- the timing, length, and frequency of visits;
- the care instructions the sitter should follow;
- which parts of your pet’s usual routine should be prioritized;
- how often you would like to receive messages, photos, or other updates.
Not every sitter offers the same services, availability, or booking options. Review their profile and discuss the care you need through Rover before booking each service.
If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.
The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.
Many pet parents provide a spare key or arrange a lockbox. You can also exchange keys during the Meet & Greet and show your walker how to use digital fobs or personalized codes. It helps to arrange access to your home, from spare keys to concierge introductions, before pet care begins.
If you live in an apartment or condo, don’t forget to discuss details like buzzer access, codes, or elevator etiquette. These details can help a pet sitter feel more comfortable going in and out of your building.
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.
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.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in River Forest. On Rover:
- 85% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 90% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 94% 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.
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.
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