House Sitting San Rafael
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 171 pet parents in San Rafael have booked house sitting
San Rafael, Find top rated house sitting
Prices are estimates per night for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.
“Zack was great with out Luna, who is very reactive to other dogs, and Koda, who's the sweetest cuddler. O received regular updates and was never left in the dark about what was going on. He communicates any issues or concerns and even gave us some great training tips. Will book again for sure.”
About: I’ve been a dog lover for as long as I can remember, and to me, dogs are so much more than pets- they’re family. My own dog, Murphy, is truly a beloved member of my family, and I understand how much dogs mean to us. For 30+ years, I’ve had the joy of caring for the dogs of friends and family. I’m loving, patient, dependable, and attentive, and I treat every dog in my care with the same love and attention I give Murphy. My goal is for your dog to feel safe, happy, and loved. I currently have plenty of time to look after and play with your pet! I pride myself in being a wonderful companion to your pet. I will always assess every opportunity to ensure or do whatever it takes to make your pet feel safe. I have an incredible attention to detail
About: I’ve owned dogs and cats my whole life, and have experience with all ages as well! I’ve worked with high energy large dogs, as well as senior animals that require special attention. I appreciate every pet I come across and promise to treat them as I would my own! I’m a recent college graduate and work part time. On Wednesdays and Sundays I’m free to give your pet the love and attention they deserve! I don’t offer services in my own home, but I promise follow any of your pet’s specific needs and other house rules to the letter!
“Pat was wonderful! She stepped up for me at the last minute and took loving care of my pup and home for the weekend. She sent photos and even indulged my pups fussy diet. I will definitely call on her in the future.”
“Jody was conscientious and dependable. She stayed at our house while caring for my indoor cat and my outside dog. Both were relaxed and happy upon our return and the house was spotless. We were able to travel without any concerns!!!”
“Vanessa watched our sweet lab Utah for 10 days while we went on vacation. I could tell Vanessa truly loves caring for animals as she spent so much time with Utah to make sure she was happy. Utah got multiple walks a day, played fetch at the park and lots of snuggles. It was quite a challenge to get Utah to part ways with Vanessa once we returned from vacation. They had become the best of buds. We are so glad to have finally found our go-to sitter for when we leave town. We also made her our regular walker as Utah demands having her in our lives!”
About: What sets me apart is my reliability, patience, and genuine love for animals. I focus on making pets feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while keeping pet parents updated and reassured. I am organized, dependable, and able to plan my day around walks, visits, and pet routines to make sure each pet gets the attention and care they need. I am reliable, respectful, and attentive to your pet’s needs. I follow instructions carefully, provide updates, and treat their home and pets with care. I want every dog to come home happy and cared for.
“Lydia is wonderful. We hate leaving our furry babies but we always feel good about leaving them with her. She was a real trooper this last visit and dealt with a rain-averse dog during a rainy week and a cat who doesn't always keep everything inside the litter box. She went above and beyond to clean the house and change the linens for us before our return. Would highly recommend her to any pet parent.”
“David is an incredible sitter! He connected with all four (yes, FOUR) of my animals (3 cats + 1dog) while we were away. He provided frequent updates with pictures and didn’t hesitate asking questions. David offers a calm energy, is completely attentive, enjoys playing and connecting with each animal and bonded with them so effortlessly - he is amazing! Thank you, David, for taking such incredible care of our fur-family!”
“Krystle very lovingly cared for my puppies and was soooo patient with their potty training! She was an excellent houseguest--brought in our mail and packages, brought in our garbage cans, and washed her own linens and puppies laundry before our return. She sent daily pics and updates assuring us the puppies were getting exercised, cared for, and cuddled. The house and puppies were in excellent condition on our arrival. Thank you so much, Krystle; you made our vacation extra enjoyable!”
“Lauren was great! She watched my home and two dogs for a week and everything was perfect. Walked the dogs daily, kept them loved and happy, and I came back to a spotless home. Good communication. She has walked the dogs a couple of times as well and was fantastic! Definitely recommend if you’re looking to leave your home and dogs with someone trustworthy so you can have stress free time away.”
About: Hi! I’m a dedicated animal lover with two cats of my own, and I absolutely adore caring for pets of all kinds. Whether you have energetic dogs that need daily walks and playtime, independent kitties who want some extra snuggles, or any other furry (or scaly!) friends, I’m experienced and confident giving them the attentive, affectionate care they deserve. While you’re away, I’ll keep your pets happy and comfortable in their familiar environment, stick to their normal routines, provide plenty of love and exercise, and make sure your home stays safe and tidy. You can relax knowing your beloved companions are in trustworthy, caring hands! I work from home with a flexible schedule, so I’m highly available for drop-ins, overnight stays, and house sitting whenever you need me. Your pets will always receive prompt and attentive care! I prioritize your pets’ safety and well-being above all else. In your home, I follow your exact instructions and routines to the letter — from feeding schedules and medication to favorite toys and walk routes. I’m a responsible, non-smoker with a clean background, and I treat your space with the same care as my own.
About: With years of experience caring for neighbors' and family friends' pets, I’ve become a trusted pet sitter for both weekend stays and extended vacations. Whether it's keeping pets company during a short weekend away or ensuring they're well-loved during long trips, I always prioritize their comfort, safety, and happiness. I treat every pet as if they were my own, providing them with the attention and care they deserve. Since I’m a student taking remote classes, my schedule is flexible and allows me to dedicate plenty of time to pet care. I can easily fit pet sitting into my daily or weekly routine, ensuring your pets get the attention they need throughout the day. Whether it's walks, playtime, or just some extra cuddles, I'm available to keep your pets happy and comfortable while you're away. In both my home and my clients' homes, I prioritize safety, trust, and a comfortable environment for pets. I make sure that the space is pet-proofed, free of hazards, and stocked with everything your pet might need—from toys to treats. When caring for pets in my home, I maintain a clean, calm environment where they can relax and feel secure. In clients' homes, I follow any specific instructions provided to ensure consistency in their routine and comfort. I also keep an open line of communication, sending updates to ensure peace of mind. Your pet’s well-being is my top priority.
“So grateful! This was my first time using Rover and I am thrilled with the match. Kathryn was awesome and took great care of our kitten. Our kitten was happy and very relaxed and this made for an easy transition. Kathryn kept us up to date with sweet pics which made it even easier to enjoy the trip and not worry at all about a thing. Kathryn also took wonderful care of our house. She even noticed some of our plants needed water and offered to take care of that. Very much looking forward to working with Kathryn again and Peanut has made a fast new friend.”
“I have had great luck finding quality people on Rover to help me care for Margot while my wife and I are out of town. Karissa was no exception. Margot and Karissa quickly bonded. I appreciated the daily texts with pictures and knowing what happened during the day. I also appreciated how clean Karissa kept our home. I would recommend Karissa to anyone who is looking for someone to take care of their dog.”
About: I myself have pets and I too am hesitant to leave anyone with them. I will treat your pet like it’s my own and keep you updated every step of the way! I am actively trying to get as many steps in as I can per day, so I love going on long walks! But I also love chilling on the couch with a shy or non-active pet. Weekdays: afternoon/evening walks Weekends: Any time with a head's up! I am a preschool teacher and tutor so please don't hesitate to reach out about scheduling, as my hours are flexible. I like to make sure the pet feels loved and safe first and foremost and I make sure to keep great communication with the client! I am very adamant on making sure all the necessary tasks are completed as well.
“Samantha was great. She shared updates and sent us cute photos while we were gone. She left the house in great condition and even pushed the bedding through the laundry. We will definitely book with Samantha again.”
About: Student with 6 years of pet care experience and two cats, including a 16-year-old senior cat. Comfortable administering medications and providing loving, reliable, attentive care for every pet. 🐾 I am working part time now, with a lot of availability in the morning and evenings along with the weekends. I do help out some other with yard maintenance I have a fully fenced backyard, for my cats but does it really keep them in? Nope, it doesn’t. I also give my long haired cat a bath every 2 weeks.
About: I've looked out of my mentor's dog while at my day program at Autistry Studios on Fridays occasionally. Other that no previous pet care experience. Hi, I'm Benjamin but people just called me Ben. I'm go to Sonoma State University and I'm not usually available throughout most of the weekdays but I'm available on Fridays and the weekends. I have two cats in my home. I always watch for them because sometimes my parents let them outside and I always looked for them.
The median cost per night for house sitting in San Rafael is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
Mari is absolutely wonderful! She has an incredible connection with animals and is very warm and caring with them. She is that way with people as well. Trust her 100%. She went over every detail of my instructions for her to ensure she didn’t have any questions before I left. And then sent me twice daily updates, pictures and videos. I have one day who is very shy and barks at everyone. Buy day 3 with Mari, he was cuddling up with her for belly rubs. Finally, she left my house spotless with fresh sheets, clean dishes, etc.
Lili did a wonderful job caring for our pets and staying in our home. We have a small dog and cat. The dog can take a long time to warm up to new people, but Lili has such a warm, gentle, and patient energy that both of our animals felt safe with her. While staying at our house, Lili gave me daily updates and photos, which completely put my mind at ease while I was away. When I came home, our dog and cat seemed calm, happy, and well cared for. We would rebook with Lili again (already planning on it) and recommend her to anyone looking for a trustworthy pet sitter.
Wish I could give Laura 10 stars! She was super flexible with the schedule, gave lots of love to the dogs and left my home completely spotless after a 9 day sit. I could tell from the first meet and greet that she was going to be fantastic just from the questions she asked. I am very very happy with the services she provided and it made my vacation more enjoyable knowing my dogs were in good hands. I would love to book with Laura again!
We had a very complicated booking, due to last minute changes that were out of our control. Parke was understanding, flexible, reliable, and took phenomenal care of our two busy Doodles. One required daily medication, and Parke did not let us down. Daily check ins were appreciated and very reassuring. We arrived home to find two happy, healthy pups, Five stars isn’t enough! Thank you again, Parke! We will definitely be re-booking with you!
Pat was wonderful! She radiates calm, and our nervous dog immediately liked her, which is genuinely unusual. She's also friendly and fun to talk to, which is a plus for the owners! She was fine with giving medications to our dog who is still recovering from CCL surgery, and with keeping him quiet in general. She kept us up-to-date with texts and photos, and the house was spotless. She was the perfect person for our pup.
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
It's that easy! All payments are processed through Rover's secured platform
Popular requests for house sitting - San Rafael
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in San Rafael average 4 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - San Rafael
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in San Rafael on Rover is $85 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $53 and $142 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 7,300 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across San Rafael. 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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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 San Rafael. On Rover:
- 92% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 95% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 95% 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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