House Sitting San Rafael
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 229 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%.
“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!”
“Ariela was so great! She had great communication and was a perfect companion for Mimi. Our dog is very particular when first meeting people and takes some time to warm up. Ariela definitely understood the assignment and with her patience, we could tell that Mimi felt comfortable with her after a solid day. We will definitely ask Ariela to watch Mimi again.”
“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.”
“Krystle treated my 15 yr+ baby with love and care. She was kind enough to meet us ahead of the scheduled time to see if we agreed it would be a good fit long term. She left my place tidy and took great care of my sweet girl. Next time we will try a longer stay to see how she does. It was great having someone who understands the needs of senior pups.”
“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: Hi there, I’m Chris! I’ve had some kind of pet in my life ever since I was little, from cats to dogs to aquatic acquaintances! I currently have two cats that bring me so much happiness. I’ve been my friend’s and family’s go to pet sitter for many years due to my obvious love of pets and animals. I’ve taken care of all sizes of dogs and of all ages, as well as mixed species pet families. I establish bonds with the animals I care for which can sometimes make it hard to say goodbye. I adore puppies due to their excitable nature and high energy! Cats have a special place in my heart because of the memories I share with the cats I’ve had but if you were to ask me if I was a cat or dog person; I’d say, “Why can’t you be both?” LGBTQIA+ friendly I graduated from college with a degree in anthropology and am now back in my hometown working a part-time contract job. My work schedule is very flexible so with enough time’s notice I can work any request into it. I am typically free to feed and walk pets in the morning and evening, as typical schedules go. Please let me know if there are any special requests or needs for your animal! I understand the importance of an animals happiness and mental state. I am very much used to taking care of pets in other’s houses and will follow the rules of the house perfectly. I have house sat in Kosher households before so I am familiar with the importance of following set rules. I am okay with pets that sleep on the bed with the owner or having to crate up a pet for the night. I am a private person and often keep to myself; I don’t cause a ruckus! I keep things nice and tidy just like the saying goes, “a place for everything and an everything in its place.”
“Brady was an excellent dog sitter for our dog. He was very communicative and provided frequent updates. He was also able to be flexible and administer some medication that we found out last minute that our dog would need. I can also tell that he gave our dog a lot of attention and played with him a lot! He was also very responsible with the house. We highly recommend him.”
About: I’ve cared for my family friends' dogs while they were away, which helped me understand the importance of building trust with both pets and owners. I am currently enrolled in school on weekends and trade school in evening. I and available during weekday mornings and afternoons to provide reliable dog sitting services. My cats are indoor-only, and my dog enjoys a large backyard for play. Due to my cats' territorial nature, it might be challenging to accommodate other animals in my home.
“Connor is a total love bug and my pets immediately warmed to him. His ability to take all my pets on, including my Australian bearded dragon, and keep them happy, made me feel confident that I would love for him to return. He stayed at my house and left it immaculate. Highly recommend this gem of a pet sitter to anyone.”
About: Sri Sharie is a long time animal lover, enthusiastic about the beauty that our animals share with us. I do some training, and I am an animal communicator 🙂🧚 I also delight in sharing timeless wisdom, natural remedies, and endless enthusiasm for all the animals... All creatures great and small. Holistic Health Professional for over 35 years, a Magical Genius in the Gene Keys system - my conscientious care and versatile tool kit are on offer throughout the Bay Area I am semi-retired from my professional practice as teacher of healing arts, and individual and couples therapist. I have a lot of experience with service animals. I love to connect the dots in terms of the stresses that we are experiencing in our own bodies and then how our animals respond, and sometimes they carry our burdens. I love to support clearing and balancing for everybody's health! Since my journey in the last decade, which I call my radical sabbatical, I am ever grateful to be connecting differently with people rather than simply as a therapist. We are all in this together, and love abounds! I grew up with dogs, and more dogs. We had German shepherds and a Mastiff when I was very young, later my mother raised Border Collies, and my sister raised Jack Russells. I do love to help train dogs when they need it, it is ever so important, and help the owners get in the best groove with their relationship to their precious companions... My mother also had a Maine Coon cat and a small dog that were best friends and I have to say this is my favorite thing ever... In the '70s I hitchhiked across the country with a kitten tucked in my parka...
About: I co-owned two dogs with my neighbor as a child. My jobs was to walk and feed them. The first was a Saint Bernard who "decided" he wanted more space and fresh air and moved to the country. Later came a Golden lab. Then, we had milking goats, chickens, emus and rabbits... I have 2 cats I love dearly. They love walking around the yard showing me their favorite finds; usually it's a whole of some kind. I walk a lot on my own a Marin and can talk your furry well-behaved pet around your neighborhood and beyond. I am very dependable, always on time (unless major accident happens) and love all furry friends like my own pets. Available most days and/or week-ends between 8 AM and 9 PM for in home visits or dog or cat walking. Some cats like to go on walks too! Safety and the good physical and emotional health of your pet(s) are my priority. I will follow your health guidelines carefully and provide clean water upon each visit.
About: I grew up with dogs and I’ve been a dog owner most of my adult life. I’ve also been a dog owner from the puppy age of eight weeks all the way through mature life. I can take care of other pets as well, and I can be available for dog boarding, dog sitting, dog walks, and other pet care during your weekends and travels. I am a part-time parent and establishing this as additional income since I am a single income household in Marin county. I am available for dog walking and boarding on alternating weekends, and during periods of your travels when I am in town. I am an outdoors woman, and will get pets outside and active regularly. I know several local dog parks and dog-friendly trails since I’ve been a dog owner myself for years (I no longer have a dog as of early 2025). I have a fenced front and backyard. I can house a pet with all of your personal items for the pet anywhere in my home, and I can provide highly personalized care since I live alone (part time parent with alternating weekends on my own).
About: For over 20 years I have cared for dogs for friends, family, and lately through TrustedHousesitters. I will make sure your dog will get the exercise and best care needed, so you can relax and enjoy your time away from home. I only work part-time and I am close to retirement, so I'm in a position to easily adjust my schedule to meet your housesitting needs. Your pet's safety and well-being is my top priority. I am a very responsible and dependable person and I will give you frequent updates with text messages or otherwise to give you peace of mind while you are away from your pet(s).
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: early morning drop-ins and evening walks (besides during July I am more open) 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.
“Maggie was wonderful to work with! She was easy to communicate with from start to finish, sent photos every day, and was very attentive to our dog. We felt completely comfortable knowing our home and pet were in such good hands. We would happily book with her again and highly recommend her to others.”
About: I’ve worked with young dogs and understand the extra patience, structure, and energy they need. Got a high-energy pup who needs to run? I’m in. Got a mellow dog who just wants company on the couch? That works too. I adapt to what your individual dog needs rather than sticking to one mode because every dog is different. ChemE students don’t cut corners, I apply that same precision to pet care. Feeding times, medications, walk routes, behavioral notes. I pay attention to the details that matter and I communicate proactively if anything seems off. Unlike sitters juggling work or classes, I’m home for the summer with real time to give your dog. With a flexible summer schedule, I build my day around your dog walks, feeding, playtime, and checkins come first, every time. I am available anytime and willing to go above and beyond. I follow your pet’s exact routine feeding schedules, walks, medications, and habit whether I’m in your home or mine, consistency and comfort always come first.
“Andy is the best pet sitter any pet parent can ask for. We had to go out of the country for two weeks, the longest we’ve been away from home and pet. Andy took care of our home and looked after our cat during the entire time, playing with her, keeping her engaged and sending us constant updates and pictures of her. By the end of the stay the two had bonded which was really surprising to us considering our cat gets nervous when we leave. Highly recommend Andy and we’ll definitely want him over for any of our future pet sitting needs.”
The median cost per night for house sitting in San Rafael is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
David stayed with our dogs for a week while we were on vacation and he took such great care of them. He messaged us frequently with photos of their dog walks each day and informe sus of anything unusual happening at the house. We will definitely be requesting his services 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.
Talia did such an amazing job taking care of my beautiful dog Phoenix and my sweet little cat Sadie while I was on vacation in Michigan with my family. Phoenix got lots of exercise and hiking adventures and Sadie got lots of love. Talia was very communicative with me and sent photos of my sweet pets regularly, and my home was spotless when I returned. Would definitely ask Talia to watch my pets again. Five stars! Can’t recommend her highly enough.
Imani took great care of my puppy, adult cat and home. She sent me regular updates and photos and was really accommodating about the ongoing renovation project which meant workers were coming and going from the house. I highly recommend Imani and look forward to hiring her again.
I am so glad I found Lydia. She went above and beyond. She even helped my sister when she needed to find some things at the apt for me. She sent photos and updates everyday. She took Rosco for a lot of walks, out to the park and to run errands with her. I really feel like she treated him like her own pup.
Cory has taken care of my "easy" dog, Ginger, before. Then I double down and asked her to dog-sit both my dogs. Pepper is lovely... but a bit spicy with other dogs and has a prey drive that doesn't quit. All went well, and I returned home to two happy and healthy pups:-)
Jody was amazing! She is very responsible and easy to work with. She is prompt in communications and very responsive in following updates and communications. She is personable and kindly. She took very good care of our dog who has separation anxiety history. I appreciated her daily updates and photos keeping us apprised of how it was going. This was our first sit date with her and she was gentle in allowing the dog to set the pace he was comfy with in accepting her given his anxiety issues. When we came home the house was spotless and she even washed the sheets and towels and put them back on the bed/bath. Also our dog was calm and obviously well cared for. You could not ask for a better pet sitter. Marvelous!
We’ve used Samantha several times now for both pet sitting and house sitting, and she has been absolutely wonderful every time. Our elderly dog Trixie requires a little extra care and attention, and Samantha is so patient, attentive, and loving with her. It gives us such peace of mind knowing Trixie is in such good hands while we’re away. What really amazed us is that she even managed to win over our very shy cat, Noah, who normally hides from everyone. The fact that he comes out for her says everything. She’s reliable, communicative, thoughtful, and clearly genuinely cares about the animals she watches. We always come home to happy pets and a well cared for house. We highly recommend her!
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
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Schedule a free in-person Meet & Greet to find the perfect fit
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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 for House Sitting in San Rafael on Rover is $77.4 per night (as of August 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 August 2026, there are 7,247 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.
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 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 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 San Rafael. On Rover:
- 93% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 94% 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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