House Sitting San Rafael
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 228 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%.
“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.”
“David was really great with our dog and two cats. He was very attentive, responsive and provided frequent and detailed photo updates which was very appreciated. David brought a very calm energy to looking after our pets, which was very helpful considering our dog can be quite anxious. I would highly recommend booking David for your petsitting needs. For us, it was our first time using Rover, so we were a little cautious to make sure we got the right person. I felt super at ease with David, and comfortable that he was taking good care of our animals. I will definitely look to him in the future!”
“Talia was excellent from start to finish. Prompt, friendly, responsive, sent pics of my dog during her visit, & dog clearly adored her. I came back to the house in the same condition I had left it in. It was the exact experience I was hoping for.”
“Parke was great with our two dogs and with us. He was responsive, timely, responsible, and professional. He sent photos every day and sommunciated with us as needed. We returned to a clean, orderly house and two happy, healthy dogs. I would definitely book with Parke again.”
“Ari was fantastic with my pup! She gladly took a last minute emergency need and was wonderful with my English Bulldog, Penny. Clearly comfortable around dogs and even when Penny was a little stubborn to leave me, Ari was able to easily get her moving and on her walk. Highly recommend her and I know Penny will be excited to see her again!”
“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: Having 2 dogs of my own I am well versed in every aspect of making pets feel loved and cared for! I have cared for pets for nearly 8 years house sitting overnight, taking pups for lengthy walks and doing check ins/ feedings. I make it my mission to bond with your pet and make sure they are comfortable. I am available for pet sitting when I am home from college. My schedule is mostly flexible with majority of my availability being in the afternoons/evenings on weekdays and all day on weekends. I make sure that pets have the chance to warm up to me and that I put their needs first. I am comfortable with judging when a dog wants to go for a longer walk or head home early. Similarly with cats, I am able to gauge if a cat needs extra play time or if they want to be alone to nap. I will always check in with you as the owner before I sit, to make sure I know exactly what your pet needs!
“Pat stepped in and coordinated a smooth transition of care with my previous cat sitter when I was stranded and unable to return home in time. She went above and beyond to work with me to make sure my cat was cared for and not left alone, and offered extra time with my cat, support, and reassurance when I was panicked and stuck a second time at the airport. So grateful for her care, highly recommend!”
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.
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 such a natural with the pups. We have a rottie who can be a handful and Brady put her at ease immediately. When we returned, our house was clean and well-taken care of. We would love to book Brady again, any time.”
“Lydia is amazing. Not only did she know how to gain my kitty’s trust and keep her happy and occupied, she also administered daily medication. Lydia is also a great communicator, flexible with her time and clearly devoted to my pet. I couldn’t have left her in better care and will definitely be booking her again.”
“Hannah stayed at my place to watch my cat for a week, she was so great! She sent me daily updates and made sure that my pet was well taken care of. Would absolutely book her again!”
“Jodi was great! I feel she went above and beyond to assure us that our dog Comet was in good hands. She communicated with us daily with pictures and was very respectful of our home. We will definitely use her again to take care of comet!”
About: Hi Pet parents! My name is Sophie and I’ve been a dog owner for all 19 years I’ve been alive - using all of that time to gain experience walking, taking care of, cleaning up after, training, and ensuring the safety of my pups. I’m comfortable with any size level and activity level- I’ve seen it all! I also have experience house sitting and taking care of friend’s/family’s pets while they are away. I’m looking to take care of some animals while I’m home from college for the summer because it’s what I do best! Thank you for entrusting me with the health and needs of your baby 🩷 I’m a college student who is home for the summer! I’m not working any jobs outside of this, so I can give your pup all of the love and attention and exercise they deserve! I have a fenced yard so there is no risk of running into the road and a large house/yard for the dogs to play around in. I have a 10 year old Boston terrier who is extremely friendly and she loves making new friends! If your dog doesn’t work well with others, I have enough space to separate them completely and comfortably.
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've been caring for dogs for as long as I can remember and love spending time with animals. I have worked at the humane society taking care of a variety of pets and find a lot of joy in doing so. Growing up, I regularly walked and cared for my own dog throughout San Francisco and later in Larkspur. Over the years, neighbors, friends, and family have trusted me to walk their dogs, provide pet sitting, and make sure their pets feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for while they're away. I understand that every pet has a unique personality and needs, and I always strive to give them the attention, exercise, and affection they deserve. Whether your pet needs a long walk, playtime, or a reliable sitter, I'll be able to do it! I am currently working a 9-5 during the week. I would be available to walk dogs earlier in the morning or after 6. I am available full time on weekends. I have a fenced yard and one dog who is very kind with other dogs. I love taking care of pets and will love to walk/play with them.
The median cost per night for house sitting in San Rafael is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - San Rafael
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:-)
Talia was wonderful with our dog! She sent the most adorable pictures throughout her stay which made being away so much easier. Our dog warmed up to her immediately which says a lot. Came home to find everything just as we left it and would absolutely recommend her!
Krystle was amazing, a huge help for us with our new puppy. Our dog Orla took to her straight away with. She put us at ease that our dog was being cared for with no issues. Krystle took the time to connect before our meet and work out our needs. We would fully recommend Krystle.
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?
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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 near you
Select a filter and find qualifying San Rafael sitters!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 $76.59 per night (as of July 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 July 2026, there are 7,261 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
- 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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