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!!”
“Mirabella did an amazing job watching Nala and Nash! She is reliable, communicative, and sweet. Our dogs were looking for her when we got home and missed her already. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Five Stars!!”
“Thank you SO much for taking such good care of my fur babies! I could tell they all loved you so much. Jasmine not only took great care of my pets, but she also cleaned my carpets afterwards, leaving my house smelling and looking fresh and clean!! I would recommend her to anyone!”
“I just hired Zoe for the first time and she did an awesome job. I have a large Bernese Mountain dog and three cats, a handful. Zoe kept everyone happy while I was on my work trip. My dog used to be pretty stressed when I would return from trips, but with Zoe she was calm and happy when I got back. I appreciate Zoe for providing so much more than food and basic care for my babies, and highly recommend her.”
“Seraphina and Elsa enjoyed their vacation with Tammy cat sitting them 😻. And this cat mama can enjoy her time away knowing that Tammy cares for them like they are her own pets! Thanks.”
“Abbey did a great job with my two dogs when I went on an overnight trip. She had great communication and sent me some cute pictures of them. I don’t often leave them with someone they don’t know, but Abbey was splendid and I would definitely book her again!”
“Aimee was a wonderful dog sitter and I can’t recommend her highly enough. She was professional and prompt; she was very communicative and regularly sent pictures (which we appreciated deeply) and left our house in spotless condition. We look forward to having her sit for our dog again soon!”
About: I have taken care of dogs, cats, and some reptiles. I have had dogs and cats since I was 5. I currently have five dogs and four cats that rely on me for their food, water, and baths. Monday-Friday: after 3:30pm unless boarding or drop ins, walks can last a bit longer as well Saturday-Sunday: available anytime and willing to drop in more if needed to. I have a HUGE fenced in backyard for your puppy to run in! I have five other dogs for your dog to play with (they are pet friendly) and if needed, I can walk your doggy!
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!
“Penny did a wonderful job with my dog, Jack. She actually met with Jack twice before the booking so both would be comfortable. She sent me pictures of them playing or snuggling. I would definitely use Penny again.”
“Emma answered to our last minute in house sitting request, this was our first time using Rover and I couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. Emma was very kind, listened to all our detailed instructions, and made sure our pups were well taken care of. She made sure they went on their walks and got their potty breaks in. Our pups, Oso and Leily, both loved her and quickly warmed up to her. She also sent us pictures of them while we were away to make sure we knew they were doing great. We couldn’t have asked for a better in house sitter. We will definitely be using Emma from now on whenever we need a sitter again!”
“Sammy was great! She came by to meet Leo prior to our vacation and asked all sorts of questions which really showed me she was paying attention to all of the details and that doing a good job was important to her. Sammy sent me a few messages while we were gone with updates about Leo and let me know when she arrived and left. I hope to use her services again this summer!”
“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 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!
About: I am dog mom and they are my pride and joy. I have had dogs since I was very young. Currently, I have a huge fenced-in (7 ft fence) backyard if your pup would like to come over and play! I also live in a little neighborhood that is perfect for walks but I would be more than happy to walk around your area. I am an animal lover! I love dogs of all breeds and sizes. I don't have as much experience with cats but have done drop in visits for many clients that have went great. I recently took in a pregnant stray kitty and took care of her through her delivery and the mama and her babies all great homes. So although I have not personally had a cat, I have some great experience. I love to take walks, go to parks, cuddle, and play with my dogs. I would love to help you out and meet yours! Being around animal and helping people are the two things that bring me the most joy in life. I can assure you your loved ones would be more than safe and cared for with me! I am very observant, reliable and would watch over your baby like they are my own. They may be a little spoiled by the end (if you approve of course) but overall they will be so well taken care! Personally, it is so hard for me to leave my two pups and when I'm gone, I worry about them so I know how hard it is to trust someone to keep your babies safe as well as happy and loved. I will always do the absolute most to make sure they are taken care of and happy. It is so important to me that all animals are safe and in good hands, as I believe they are family! I look forward to hearing from you :) I work Monday through Friday but I am usually home by 4/4:30pm, so I am free in the evenings and I am definitely free on the weekends if you need me. If you around my work location, I can stop in during the day. Messaging me is the easiest way to check my availability for your needs! At my home, I have a huge fenced in backyard (7ft fence) and my little yorkies cannot get out of the yard so I think any breed would be safe to run freely in my backyard. I have tons of treats and bowls for food and water! I only have two small cages inside but have a larger (5ftx5ft) kennel in our backyard as well. If I am coming to a clients home, I can drop in anytime to let your pets outside or just stop by to feed and water them as well as play times and walks! I love spending time with animals and making sure they are well taken care of so I am open to just about any service!
About: I have had dogs and cats all my life. I am willing to keep special needs pets and am able to give medication. I am open to discussing any special requirements your pet might have. I live at home with my mom and this is my only job. I am free to give your pet all the love and attention they need. I have a lead in our yard for potty time and live near a dog park for fun and exercise. We will take walks, having brushing time to bond, and have lots of play time. I do have a dog kennel available inside and will have food and water bowls for your pup. We do have cats, so please make sure your dog is cat friendly.
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?
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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
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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 on Rover is $33 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $33 and $33 per night. 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 884 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.
<b>Tip:</b> 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 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 River Forest. On Rover:
- 90% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 95% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 100% 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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