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 wonderful with our fur babies. She always kept in touch and sent photos of them to us while we were away. She’s is exceptional in caring and tending to them. I highly recommend her to take care of your fur babies ❤️”
“Jasmine came out to meet my dog & cat prior to pet sitting and was very sweet to my silly dog. She communicated throughout our trip and carried in delivered packages. It was clear to me that my pets were happy with the pictures Jasmine sent. We will definitely book with her again!”
“Tammy did a wonderful job taking care of my baby girl cat Seraphina. Seraphina loves her. This allows me to leave knowing kitty is well taken care of and enjoying her time with Tammy.”
About: I have loved animals for as long as I have been alive. I love horror movies and halloween so movie night with a furry friend is always awesome. I have 2 girls myself with very different personalities. I own a pet waste removal service so pet care is nothing new to me. I am not squeamish and have owned several "exotic" pets is the past. A meet and greet is an absolute must. After all, compatibility is key. I would love the chance and possibly the honor to take care of your baby. I own a pet waste removal business as well as having 2 dogs of my own to care for. I have owned many pets in my lifetime. I follow directions. Understand the importance to follow directions and respect your home. Your house, your rules. I will double check gates and doors to make sure your pet is safe and your mind is at ease. I will text photos and videos to 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: 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!
“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!”
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!
“Stacy was wonderful! She stayed at our house for 5 days and took great care of our 2 dogs. She even washed the sheets and towels she used and remade the bed. Went above and beyond and the pups were happy and content when we got home.”
“I am so grateful we found Kristen! She was reliable, professional, and cared for our dog Bella like her own. She is so sweet and thoughtful. Kristen is a great communicator. I would definitely recommend her to anyone and would absolutely use her services again in the future.”
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.
“Bella was GREAT with our pup! He can be a bit of a handful from time to time and she managed his weirdness extremely well. She left our home nice and tidy as well. Will definitely be asking her to watch George again!”
About: I’ve grown up around all animals and have experience for caring with pets of all ages. I have experience with my own personal animals as well as with family and friends animals. I’m comfortable with feeding, walking, playing, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment, and can guarantee lots of attention! I’m dependable, patient, and will treat your pets like my own! Im a current student, and I’m available for midday walks and drop-in visits from around 11 AM–1 PM during the week. On Fridays, I’m available after 11 AM, and I have open availability on weekends and can do overnight stays! I’m happy to work with your pet’s normal routine and can be flexible when possible! Comfort and safety are my top priorities! I have two golden retrievers and two cats, and also have a fenced in yard. I’ll follow any instructions you provide regarding feeding, routines, medications, walks, or other care. I’m respectful of both your pet and your home, and I’ll make sure your pet gets plenty of attention while keeping you updated during each visit.
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!
“He was great and really helped me out with a last second booking when I got delayed an extra day coming home due to issues with airlines. My girls loved him and appreciated having company for the night”
About: I have dog sat my entire life, in home stays and daily visits. Cats have been my world recently and I have had several dogs since I was born including my soul dog. All animals are a friend of mine! I love pets of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. I had a senior cat for several years and am very comfortable with any additional medication or needs your pet may have! I am currently working from home, so I am able to accommodate most pet care requests! For boarding, I have no pets in home and a fenced in yard. I have cat and dog sat in home. Both as full time and drop-in. I am comfortable with whatever and happy to assist! My current house has a fenced in yard.
“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!”
“Kelly was absolutely amazing with our two dogs! From the moment we met her, we could tell she truly loves animals and takes her job seriously. She was reliable, communicative, and went above and beyond to make sure our pups were happy, comfortable, and well cared for. We received regular updates and photos, which gave us total peace of mind while we were away. Both dogs absolutely adored her — it’s clear she treated them like her own. We couldn’t recommend Kelly more highly and will definitely be booking her again!”
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.
Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family
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
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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 for House Sitting in River Forest on Rover is $33.3 per night (as of September 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of House Sitting easy. As long as your dates and pet profiles are correct, the price you see before you book is the same price you pay for House Sitting. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of September 2026, there are 896 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 short introductory meeting between you, your pet, and a sitter. It can take place in person or virtually, although we recommend in-person so that your pet can get to know your sitter 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. Most pet parents and sitters on Rover welcome Meet & Greets because the process can give confidence and peace of mind for service experiences, especially for longer stays or first-time bookings.
Sitters on Rover set their own cancellation policy, which you can find on their profile under their calendar availability.
Cancelling before a booking begins and before the sitter's cutoff time qualifies you for a full refund. Same-day cancellations for walks, day care, and drop-ins follow the full refund policy. Otherwise, for dog boarding and house sitting, you will receive a 50% refund for the first seven days of the booking and a 100% refund for the remaining days when you cancel the same day a booking should begin.
If your sitter needs to cancel within seven days of the booking's start date, then our reservation protection will kick in. This means our support team works 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:
- 92% 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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