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.
“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 🙂”
About: We currently watch many dogs on a regular and repeat basis. Pictures are sent daily of our visiting pets to their owner via cell phone (not always via Rover). We enjoy meeting new dogs and experiencing their unconditional companionship. We own a mini-golden doodle, Henry. The visiting pup will enjoy the comfort of our home, the company of Henry and courosity of our cats. The back yard is enclosed via a privacy fence. We will host most trained and well behaved dogs. We enjoy other dogs visiting our home since it provides us and our mini doodle socialization with other dogs. The dog sittings that we have done for many years now have given us enjoyment due to the pups unconditional friendships and some have even created great friendships with us and the pup’s owners. Your pup will stay inside with my doodle! Warm and cozy or cool and dry. Also. The fenced in back yard is great for safety and a good place to go! We are a friendly dog and cats loving family that is ready to share our home as a casual place for boarding. We do not crate our visitors unless directed to by the owner. Owner drop off the pet with enough food for the visit, favorite toy and blanket unless price is negotiated for pick up and/or providing food. Must meet and greet first.
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: 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!
“Tammy did a great job with our anxious doggy. She was very communicative and made sure we always knew how he was doing. Our dog loved her, and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”
“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!”
“Norah is personable and reliable, and took good care of our home and two dogs for six days. When our husky mix turned down dinner and Norah observed her eating grass, she was right on top of things, immediately texting to ask if we had medication for an upset stomach (which we do). Norah was good-natured and patient with our doodle mix, who is young and rambunctious. She walked them both a couple of times each day, as we asked her to. We would definitely hire Norah again!”
“I can’t say enough good things about Brittney! She takes great care of my two elderly dogs and provides updates throughout the day. Highly recommend her services!”
“We’ve used Rover for years and never had such a positive experience as we did with Megan. She not only took diligent notes about all of my pups little quirks and preferences, but she really went the extra mile every opportunity she had. Our dogs loved her, too 😃. I will absolutely be using her in the future and recommending Megan to anyone looking for a pet/house sitter.”
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:)
“She really cared about Arlo and did a good job caring for him. Took action when he got sick and took him to the emergency room for me. Prompt responses when I reached out to me. Apologetic for any mishaps. Clear communication.”
“Kari went above and beyond caring for my dog. She was kind and helpful. I couldn’t recommend her more. She sent frequent updates with pictures. She made sure he was pampered and loved. I felt at ease knowing my dog was cared for. She definitely treated him like he was her own. Kari is amazing and would recommend her to anyone! I will be booking with her again!”
About: My experience includes working as a veterinary assistant and providing personalized pet sitting and dog walking services. I have cared for dogs of different ages, personalities, sizes, and energy levels, including puppies, senior dogs, and pets that require additional patience and attention. My veterinary background has helped me develop strong observational skills, understand animal behavior, recognize potential signs of discomfort, and appreciate the importance of maintaining consistent routines. I am comfortable following detailed feeding instructions, providing exercise and enrichment, and communicating closely with pet parents about their animals’ well-being. I believe every animal deserves individualized care, kindness, and respect. Let’s do a meet and greet. I have a flexible schedule for now. I’m free on the early mornings and late afternoons. Available on the weekends and holidays or for vacations. It all depends of the routine your pet has. I try my best to accommodate my clients to make them feel like they are home and have peace of mind is my priority.
About: I’ve always had a heart for animals and have volunteered for organizations to donate to animals in need! I have helped take care of dogs and cats for coworkers, friends, and family and have been a trusted source for care for many years. I currently work part time and am a full time student online but am flexible with my current work schedule and will fit your pets needs in before my own :) Since I have two cats in my home, I do not offer in home services. However, in your home, tidying up your home while I’m there and cleaning up after your pet will be a number one priority!
About: I’ve have been a dog owner for over 15 years. I have taken care of animals as young as a puppy and senior dogs. I have also cared for small animals. I work from home on Mondays. I do work in office Tuesday through Friday but home on the weekends with full availability. I do have help at home so someone is always present to take dogs out to potty! My dogs do have a fenced in backyard and can run and play. I can walk dogs if needed. I also can take care of fish and small animals. I have two Guinea pigs at home!
About: I grew up with cats, dogs, rabbits and cows. I'm familiar and comfortable with most all animals. I've watched friends and families pets for years, had my own dog (who passed in the last year) and now I'm ready to expand my services to others. I currently work full time, but depending on your location I can easily let your pet out at lunch or make a quick visit. I can also host your pet in my home where I can tend to them before work, after work and on my lunch breaks. I live only 5 minutes from my work. I'm also willing to stay in your home to care for your pets. I do not have a fenced yard, but I have a tethered line in my back yard for your dog to roam around and use the restroom. I can also take your dogs for walks multiple times a day.
About: I have 2 dogs of my own. I’ll treat your pets as if they’re part of my family. I have experience giving insulin injections and oral meds. I’ve cared for puppies to senior dogs. I have experience with dogs with behavioral issues and special needs. I’d love to help care for your pets. I am available daily for drop-ins, walking, playtime in the clients home. I’m also available for overnight stays with your pets in the comfort of your own home. I provide a meet and greet to meet you and your pets to understand your daily routine. I’ll focus on maintaining this routine while you’re at work or away.
About: As far as I remember my whole life I have been living with dogs and I like to take care them anytime during the day. I am currently working part time so I have time to take a walk with your doggies and have fun with them. I am avaliable to take care your doggies for several days . I am avaliable to stay in your house and share time with your doggies and keep them safe and enjoy each moment with your pups.
“Abby did a wonderful job dog sitting Bodie. She was very patient with him as the 1st 24 hours he was having some separation anxiety. She was reasuring to me since I too began to feel anxious. And as Bodie progressed, she kept me updated. I was able to enjoy by long weekend knowing Bodie was in experienced hands. I would rehire and recommend Abby.”
The median cost per night for house sitting in River Forest is $50
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - River Forest
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 November 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 November 2026, there are 862 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 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:
- 88% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 95% 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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