House Sitting Runnells

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Runnells, 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.

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Sitter Profile Image: Daniel D.
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Daniel D.
from
$26
per night
1 repeat client
14 years of experience
Altoona, IA, 50009

About: My whole life I have been surrounded by Dogs. From taking care of my own and my Grandmother's furry companions, I love being with Dogs of all sizes and energy levels. From Dogs who bounce off the walls, to those who would rather take a nap, I am up for any Dog personality. I have experience caring for senior dogs as well as young ones. I am able to give medication to your furry friends, if they need it. I am available days and nights throughout the summer. I am also flexible to provide daily potty breaks for your dogs. I am able to stay overnight to keep your best friends safe! I'm used to having dogs in my bed, so they will always have someone to sleep with at night. If you have any questions please reach out. I would like to be given instructions on how the owners usually care for their pets. I don't want to disturb their feeding schedules. I also like to know how their pets like to play and what they're personality is like.

Sitter Profile Image: Allison G.
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Allison G.
Star Sitter
from
$58
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
124 reviews
36 repeat clients
36 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50309

Allison took care of our two small dogs for a week. I can’t say enough how amazing she was. Our little Morkie jumped off the bed and injured his shoulder (of course when we were out of the country). Allison was right on it! She let me know what happened and kept me updated continuously. When he didn’t get better, Allison took him to our vet. She updated me several times per day and started him on his anti-inflammatory medication right away. I hated being away when our little buddy was injured but Allison took great care of him, updated me often and was so empathetic and made me feel confident that he was being taken care of so well. 10/10 recommend! Thanks Allison!

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Michelle K.
Sitter Profile Image: Abby D.
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Abby D.
from
$35
per night
4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
5 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Altoona, IA, 50009

I always know my elderly cat is in good hands with Abby. She does a nice job of taking care of him, and he barely notices that I'm gone. Thanks Abby!

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Valerie W.
Sitter Profile Image: Julia P.
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Julia P.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
1 repeat client
15 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50317

Overall, it was a great fit for my self and all of the animals.

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Melissa B.
Sitter Profile Image: Donna G.
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Donna G.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
30 years of experience
Altoona, IA, 50009

Donna was nice and very easy to work with. She was reliable and on time for both the initial meeting and for the stay so we could leave on time. She did a great job and provided some good updates and pictures of the dogs. Thanks for taking good care of them!

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Mike W.
Sitter Profile Image: Travis S.
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Travis S.
from
$40
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 reviews
1 repeat client
25 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50314

Travis was exceptionally quick to respond and very attentive to my three dogs. Two of my dogs can be hyper and he never once seemed put off by their behaviors. I got photo updates from him without having to ask and he was on time to get to my house before we left out of state. If we needed a sitter again, we’d definitely book with Travis.

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Kyly N.
Sitter Profile Image: Jessica D.
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Jessica D.
from
$30
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
118 reviews
44 repeat clients
10 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50322

We really love Jessica and she takes good care of our fur babies! We have a 7 year old foxhound a 7 month old new lab/beagle mix puppy at our house and she took on both last week, and they just loved having her here! She always sends us updates and photos and I feel very at ease when we are out of town and she is here. Highly recommend.

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Jennifer E.
Sitter Profile Image: Molly B.
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Molly B.
Star Sitter
from
$56
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
183 reviews
78 repeat clients
9 years of experience
Greater South Side, Des Moines, IA, 50315

Absolutely! Here's a polished version tailored for a testimonial: I never once worried that my girls weren’t safe or being lovingly cared for. It takes a truly special person to look after someone else’s pets with the same devotion as their own—and that’s exactly what we experienced. The peace of mind and genuine care made all the difference.

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Robin S.
Sitter Profile Image: Eddie S.
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Eddie S.
Star Sitter
from
$59
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
22 repeat clients
9 years of experience
Indianola, IA, 50125

Eddie S. Watched our house and two high spirited large dogs. They loved him and did very well with him. He was very conscientious and communicated well. Sent great photos and put us at ease. Definitely plan to have him care for our dogs again!

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Kathleen M.
Sitter Profile Image: Mackenzie W.
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Mackenzie W.
Star Sitter
from
$75
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
131 reviews
32 repeat clients
20 years of experience
Union Park, Des Moines, IA, 50313

Anthony and Mackenzie were great! We loved getting all the photos and videos of our pups enjoying their sleepover with their new friends and the pups really seemed to enjoy their weekend. They are so relaxed and exhausted that we know they had a great time. Would definitely use these guys again!

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Jason C.
Sitter Profile Image: Lucy P.
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Lucy P.
from
$30
per night
6 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50023

About: I’ve had experience caring for both dogs and cats of different breeds, sizes, and personalities. I understand that every pet has unique needs, and I strive to provide patient, loving, and reliable care that helps them feel comfortable while their owners are away. I have experience with daily walks, feeding routines, playtime, administering basic care, and giving plenty of attention and affection. I’m comfortable caring for energetic dogs who love to play as well as older dogs who may need a calmer environment and extra patience. I always prioritize safety, communication, and making sure your pet feels happy and cared for. As a pet lover, I treat every animal as if they were my own and will keep you updated with photos and messages so you can have peace of mind while you’re away. Pet care fits naturally into my routine because I work part-time and have a flexible schedule. As someone who’s new to the area, I’m excited to make connections within the community while doing something I genuinely love. I enjoy being outdoors rain or shine, so daily walks, playtime, and exercise are something I look forward to. Whether your pet is energetic and adventurous or prefers a slower pace, I’m happy to adapt to their needs and routine. I believe every pet deserves plenty of attention, love, and reliable care, and I treat each one as if they were my own. When caring for pets in a client’s home, I do my best to maintain their normal routine so they feel comfortable and secure. I follow all instructions regarding feeding schedules, walks, playtime, medications, and any special needs your pet may have. I also make sure they receive plenty of attention, affection, and exercise while keeping their environment clean and safe. I understand that trusting someone with your pet is a big decision, so I prioritize communication by providing regular updates and photos throughout my visits or stay. My goal is to make your time away as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet by treating them with the same care and love I would give my own animals.

Sitter Profile Image: Yasmin M.
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Yasmin M.
Star Sitter
from
$70
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
30 repeat clients
15 years of experience
Drake, Des Moines, IA, 50311

Yasmin is amazing! We are from out of town and needed care for our two dogs while we attended a family wedding. Yasmin patiently stayed for 8 hours at our rental walking, feeding, playing, and babying our fur babies. Our Sr. Lab has a multitude of phobias and can be challenging but Yasmin was patient and kind. All while dealing with our 1 year old Mini Aussi. I can’t wait to visit again and have her back. She is a life saver!

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Charlene N.
Sitter Profile Image: Dawn F.
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Dawn F.
from
$100
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
2 repeat clients
45 years of experience
Swan, IA, 50252

About: I've had pets all my life and would love to care for yours too, on a temporary basis. I love to vacation and often struggle with finding a solution for my babies while I'm gone. For me my favorite choice is to have someone I know and trust stay in my home but there's hardly ever anyone available for that kind of commitment! I thought it would be awesome to be able to provide that kind of care for someone else: house/pet sitting, drop-in, or just walks/exercise. I want you to know your pets are loved and treated with gentle kindness. I recognize that I'm kind of a stranger to your babies and I'll treat them like my own and earn their trust! They'll be loved and cared for in a way that will make your absence less stressful for them and as much like their normal days as it can be while you're away. I take my responsibilities to others extremely seriously and won't be satisfied unless you are! I'm retired so my schedule is very flexible! I have availability on weekdays and weekends both. Mornings, afternoons, and evenings are fine by mutual agreement. I enjoy taking find for walks or just playing outside in the yard. On days where weather is bad, I'm happy to get the dogs outside to do their business and then play a bit indoors!

Sitter Profile Image: Paul H.
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Paul H.
Star Sitter
from
$35
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
7 repeat clients
30 years of experience
Mingo, IA, 50168

Paul is the person you want to care for your home and your pets while you are away! His communication was excellent, he sent frequent photos of our cat, and he took great care of everything household, even completing an unexpected household maintenance task. We returned to a pristinely clean home with everything organized so nicely for our home. I had confidence he would care lovingly for our cat from when they first met. Paul gave the immediate impression that he loves animals and has an innate sense for their needs. Thank you, Paul, for giving us a worry-free time away from home.

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Sue B.
Sitter Profile Image: Angie M.
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Angie M.
from
$57
per night
4.9 out of 5 stars
147 reviews
24 repeat clients
14 years of experience
Bondurant, IA, 50035

This is the 3rd time we book Angie and she has been so great every single time. We have 3 pups and one of them was just diagnosed with diabetes and Angie did so good giving Zoey her insulin shot. We will definitely book with her for future travel. 😃

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Roxanne F.
Sitter Profile Image: Rachael W.
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Rachael W.
Star Sitter
from
$150
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
16 repeat clients
4 years of experience
Des Moines, IA, 50320

About: I have worked with cats and dogs of all sizes and ages, I strive to provide the best experience for not only the pet but the pet parent as well! I have experience working at the Animal Rescue League alongside my own animals and friends and families animals I’m an open availability sitter I will always put the needs of someone’s animals at the forefront of anything! I have all the time and attention in the world to give your babies I love taking my boys on walks, to the park, and love giving them a variety of enrichment throughout the day! We love exploring and trying new things at a comfortable pace for the animal! I can also follow a schedule and I’m flexible with whatever the pet parent needs to give the most ful filling service

Sitter Profile Image: Adrianne H.
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Adrianne H.
from
$50
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
4 repeat clients
5 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50021

Adrianne watched my high maintenance Kit for a long weekend and he absolutely loved her! We received updates and photos often. I can tell he was very loved when we were gone and it was so nice not worrying about him all weekend! Will have Adrianna stay with Kit again!!

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Sophie S.
Sitter Profile Image: Megan C.
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Megan C.
from
$30
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 reviews
15 years of experience
West Des Moines, IA, 50265

Megan was fantastic! She was prompt and responsive. She provided pictures of our pups and gave them all the love! Would highly recommend Megan.

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Keaton S.
Sitter Profile Image: Darly A.
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Darly A.
from
$26
per night
8 years of experience
Runnells, IA, 50237

About: I have had pets since I was a child and I currently live with dogs in my host family. Although it is not always my direct responsibility, I always try to make sure that they are fed, that they do their needs and that they are comfortable and happy. I am responsible, attentive and enjoy spending time with them, whether it's playing, walking or just making sure they have everything they need. My daily and weekly routine is mostly organized around my au pair responsibilities, which I schedule monthly. I am available for dog sitting, walks, and potty breaks during my free time in the mornings, evenings, and weekends. I plan my pet care services in advance to ensure I can provide attentive and reliable care without conflicts. I make sure pets are fed on schedule, have access to water, and go outside for potty breaks regularly. I give them attention, playtime, and ensure they are safe and comfortable at all times. I also follow any instructions from the owner carefully to meet the pet’s individual needs.

Sitter Profile Image: Chloe C.
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Chloe C.
from
$80
per night
5.0 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
4 repeat clients
8 years of experience
Ankeny, IA, 50023

Chloe stayed at my apartment with my fearful rescue while I was at work for two days. They got along famously and she was quite adept at reading him! The regular updates soothed my worry about leaving him. I returned to a joyous dog both times- could not have asked for anyone better.

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J D.
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The median cost per night for house sitting in Runnells is $45

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. 1. Search

    Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer house sitting
  2. 2. Meet In Person

    Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
  3. 3. Book & Pay

    It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform

Sitters in Runnells average 4
repeat house sitting clients

FAQs for House Sitting - Runnells

Frequently asked questions about Rover

As of July 2026, there are 545 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Runnells. 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 Runnells 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 Runnells 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 Runnells 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 Runnells. On Rover:

  • 91% of sitters can help with special care needs
  • 98% can help with giving oral medications or injections
  • 93% 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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