House Sitting River Forest
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 2 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.
“We came home to a very happy pup. Jessica was so patient and kind with our nervous little guy. This was his first time being watched by someone other than family, and she gave him the time and space he needed to adjust. Thanks for taking excellent care of our Loki!!”
About: PSA: I do not offer boarding! Over the course of my life, I’ve been around and cared for animals. My friends have asked me to take care of mostly cats, but I’ve also looked after smaller/medium sized dogs, and a few different reptiles. I am good with dogs at almost any age, but especially older dogs. With cats, I can do just about any age! I’ve taken care of cats in my own home since I was 5. I’ve bathed cats, dogs, reptiles, and I can give necessary care if it’s needed! I currently have a very open schedule and am able to give animals proper attention! If I so happen to have plans, my calendar should be updated. I am also open to negotiate time, just contact me! Currently my little cat is more accustomed to the indoors and is not used to being around many other animals, because of this, it is preferable (and by preferable I mean I cannot sit for your animal in my home) that I sit in my client’s home! I would need to know the basics such as: where your pets food is, toys, cleaning supplies in case of emergencies, and any other special or necessary things you would like me to do regarding your animal (if there are any). On a side note: I am no official expert by any means, but I am one to be observant of your animals behavior. This of course means I understand when your animal needs food, wants to play, or needs to use the bathroom, but it also means that I can read emotions pretty well. I can read expressions of animals fairly well and I’m usually able to tell if something is bothering them. If you believe something is bothering them, please don’t hesitate to tell me as I will try my best to investigate! I believe animals show us what is wrong with them through their own signs of communication. If I’m able to help in anyway, I will!
About: I grew up with cats and dogs, and now my husband and I have five cats and one dog of our own! I volunteer at the Animal Protection League walking dogs and caring for cats. I also run Fields Feline Rescue, a local home-run rescue for cats and kittens, with my husband. I am experienced with bottle feeding kittens, giving medicine to cats and dogs, basic dog obedience, harness and collar walking, and keeping litter boxes nice and clean! I am currently working full-time as a social worker. I also am in part-time night school. My availability may change week-to-week. Generally, I am free before work, on lunch, and after 4:30pm. Please reach out to talk about a schedule that works for you! I will respect your home environment and prioritize your pet's routine. I also will communicate when I am coming and going from your home, and keep you updated!
“Olivia was wonderful with our pups while we were out of town. She was prompt with responding to any questions I had leading up the day of our departure, and was communicative while we were gone. She also sent me pictures of our dogs which was nice to see. She meshed really well with our dogs during a meet and greet so I had no doubt they’d warm up to her. She was also very generous in tidying up things like dishes, folding up any blankets used on the couch, and watered the plants for me. I am looking forward to booking her again!”
About: I have two dogs and five cats at home, including a senior cat. I can administer oral cat medication and am experienced with this. I have a clean background and can care for your home as well. I own a poop scoop and can provide this service, too. I am a sahm with older kids so my schedule is open most of the time. I am caring for my own animals all of the time. I can care for your pets in the comfort of their own home. Loving care is always provided. I will refill food and water as needed/as directed. May show up with treats! ☺️
About: I have compassion for animals, especially those separated from their owners and take special care to make them feel loved. Ongoing attention is my specialty. I am currently home most of the time and have never liked leaving animals home alone. I like to walk as part of my daily routine if you have dogs. I have always been very attentive to pets I am caring for and go the extra mile to be sure they have what they like and need. Ex. I change the bird's water several times a day so it is cool!
“Jessie was so so so amazing!!! Beyond professional and asked us so many thorough questions during the meet and greet we felt really good about leaving our babies in her care while out of the country!! We were able to have a relaxing vacation knowing our animals and house were safe !!”
About: I’ve loved Dogs and Cats for as long as I can remember. I’ve had cats since I was 5 years old, and they’ve always been an important part of my life. I had my 1st dog in middle school so ,I grew up playing with them, sleeping next to them, and caring for them every day. Being around cats and dogs brings me so much joy, and I understand how to make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I will care for your cat or dog as if they were my own. Cats are part of my daily life. I don’t have dogs but I love it and also was my daily life when I live with my parents. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, I’m home most of the time, so I can give them plenty of attention, playtime, and cuddles. During the week, I’m available from 5 PM until the next morning, and I love spending my evenings relaxing with cats by my side. In my routine, cats are never alone—they are always with me, receiving love and care. Having a dog should not be a probleem :) When caring for cats and dogs in my home or in a client’s home, I make sure they feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I follow their feeding schedule, keep their litter box clean, afternoon walks,play with them, give them plenty of attention and affection, and respect their personality and routine. I enjoy spending quality time with cats, whether they want to play, cuddle, or simply relax nearby.Trust me i will not fail:)
About: I have a lot of experience handling and working with multiple breeds of dogs. I currently work at a dog boarding facility where I interact with dogs of all breeds and sizes. As a requirement for my job, I have completed online training courses for canine behavior and first aid. I am also pet first aid and CPR certified for both cats and dogs. I have 3+ years experience pet sitting at homes for multiple pets. I have experience walking pets as well as doing some basic obedience cues and training. Most of my experience is with dogs however, I do care for cats as well, as I have 2 of my own. I know It takes a lot of trust to let someone watch your precious fur babies and I would be more than honored to do so. I have always had such a strong bond with animals and my love for them continues to grow each and every day!
“Evelyn was a wonderful sitter for our dog Matilda and went above and beyond in our home. She was communicative and sent us updates. She was very sweet to our girl, who is a 3 year old lab with lots of energy and separation anxiety. We felt totally at ease knowing she was in Evelyn's care. We will definitely have Evelyn sit again!”
About: I grew up with an abundance of dogs at home, typically three or four at least at a time and my parents had a few foster animals as well. Don’t have any pets myself, so this is a way I can still interact with the animals that I love in my free time! What sets me apart would truly be how intentional I am with your animals and just how genuine I am as a person :) I work full time (9-5) in Fishers, but have some flexibility where I can work remote and take meetings virtually, so plenty of time to be home and care for all your animals! :) I pretty much always prefer to have the animals around me at all times to ensure they are safe and as comfortable as can be. Happy to cleanup any accidents of course, and do my very best to keep them content!
“Aimee house sat and watched our dog June for us and did a wonderful job! She was easy to communicate with and sent us regular updates. I would definitely recommend her to other dog parents and would ask her to sit again!”
About: I’ve always had pets since I was a small child and have a special place in my heart for them. I have experience administering meds and feeding special diets. I will follow any schedules or feeding plans. I’m currently a Homemaker. I have the time to devote to your furry babies and treat them with love and affection. I will follow your schedule and feeding plans to keep the continuity. It’s an honor to be trusted with your precious pets. I know it’s hard to leave them and I want to make you feel comfortable when you are gone.
About: Your pet won’t just be watched, they’ll be genuinely cared for, safe, and spoiled! I’ve grown up with pets my entire life and have hands-on experience working in doggy daycares, boarding facilities, and a veterinary clinic. I’m trained in administering medications, reading dog behavior, and ensuring each pet feels safe, comfortable, and cared for. I truly treat every pet like family and enjoy getting to know their unique personalities. I prioritize safety, comfort, and clear communication, treating every pet with the same level of care I would expect for my own. I’d love the opportunity to care for your furry friend and provide them with a safe, happy environment while you’re away! I have a flexible work schedule during the week and do not work weekends. I am able to do drop in visits as well as daycare! I have a larger yard away from busy streets, and have been trained to watch for social cues in animals when in a group setting. Animals are in and out all day long for potty breaks and play breaks outside!
“Meaghan truly was amazing with our babies and was so considerate of our home and four legged family members. I would not hesitate to ask her to sit again, or even recommend her.”
About: I have pet sit for many years. I love meeting new animals. I enjoy pet sitting because as a social worker I am able to come home to an animal and sent time with them. Animals are the way I cope. I have plenty of time to play with animals in the evenings and weekends. My schedule is very open for this and I am excited to have this opportunity I will ensure to keep everything the way I found it or even better. I know animals do best in their own environment so I have no problem being in other peoples homes. I show respect.
About: I was a devoted pet parent for 12 years, caring for my yorkies Maggie & Molly from the time they were one through their senior years. I’m comfortable with feeding, walks, potty breaks, maintaining routines, and administering insulin injections when needed. While I’m new to providing pet care professionally, I understand how important it is to trust someone with your pets. I’ll treat your pets with the same care, patience, and love I’d want for my own 🐾 I work Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. I’m in the office every Tuesday & Wednesday and every other Monday. I work from home on Thursdays & Fridays. I can provide pet care both before and after work, with extra flexibility on my work-from-home days ☺️ I care for pets with patience, attention, and lots of love. In a client’s home, I’ll follow their normal routine as closely as possible, including feeding, potty breaks, walks, playtime, medications, and plenty of attention. I’ll make sure they’re comfortable and safe, and I’ll keep you updated while you’re away 🐾❤️
About: I’ve had my own dog now for about 12 years! I’ve been taking good care of her! Always there when she needs of me and her assistance. I’m a college student that loves pets. I would love to take care of a pet between my breaks of studying. I only study so this is perfect for me🙂 I make sure my pets have food and water. I also am very aware of their needs. I love and care for dogs and cats. I have a dog of my own and I love playing with her. My boyfriend has a lot of cats and I enjoy taking care of them when his parents are out of town.
The median cost per night for house sitting in River Forest is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - River Forest
Jessica stayed with our two fur babies for 17 days which was a very long time for anyone. She did an awesome job with the girls and sent us daily updates and pictures. The house was kept as we asked and we could tell she truly loves animals as the girls looked to be very comfortable with her. She was even able to get the "shy" one to look into the camera for photos. I will definitely reach out for Jessica the next time we need a trustworthy, dependable person to care for our girls.
We used Jessica for the first time and she was completely AWESOME. We used her for a house sitter overnight due to family funeral. Jessica sent updates and pictures to keep us updated on our 2 dogs which put our minds at ease. I would ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND HER FOR YOUR NEXT DOG SITTER. Our 2 dogs loved her!!!!! We will use Jessica again!!!!
Jessica was once again wonderful to work with! She was thoughtful of our circumstances and ensured she was respectful of what we had happening while we were away. She also sent photos multiple times a day which seriously goes so far for us ♡ our animals were happy and our house was clean after her stay 🙂
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 $33 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $33 and $33 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 872 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:
- 88% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 94% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 97% 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.
Connect anywhere with the Rover app
