House Sitting Santa Barbara
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.

Over 651 pet parents in Santa Barbara have booked house sitting
Santa Barbara, 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%.
“Stefanny is a gem! I feel so lucky to have found her on Rover while visiting Santa Barbara this month. Stefanny took such good care of my kitty while I was away for the weekend. I felt at ease knowing my kitty and home were in caring hands, especially knowing that she is a cat mama herself. Stefanny's energy is very calming and she asked thoughtful questions about my kitty's routine. She sent me daily photos and updates throughout the weekend which was much appreciated. I arrived home to a spotless home and happy kitty. I highly recommend Stefanny!!”


“Cheryl was a wonderful pet sitter. She was very caring to all my pets and my home! I work from home so my pets are used to having someone around. Cheryl gave them the presence and attention they were used to. I highly recommend her.”

“Madeline was great! Super communicative and treated myself, my dog and the house with respect. She noticed a possible ear infection and was proactive about cleaning and treating it. Would absolutely trust her with my pup again.”

“We just had Zoey stay at our house for three nights with our big dog - she was AMAZING! Flexible, thoughtful, punctual, communicative, respectful, responsible… The list goes on! She really went above and beyond, and totally exceeded our expectations. We felt so comfortable and relaxed being away, knowing that Zoey was going to be there with our girl. She’s a natural “dog person” too, very gentle and kind, caring for our dog like she was her own. We will be eager to have her back whenever we leave town next! Thank you, Zoey!”

“Morgan took great care of both our dog and cat! He sent us tons of photos and left our place immaculate. He was also very friendly and communicative while we were abroad. Would highly recommend and trust Morgan with our fur babies!”


About: Hi my name is Melissa! I’m a lifelong dog lover and proud owner of a 7-year-old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix. Raising and caring for my own dog has taught me so much about patience, consistency, and understanding each dog’s unique personality. I’ve also worked with him through dog training, so I’m familiar with positive reinforcement techniques and basic training tools that help keep dogs happy, engaged, and well-behaved. In addition to caring for my own pup, I’m the go-to dog sitter for my cousins, family, and friends whenever they’re out of town. Whether it’s daily walks, playtime, feeding, sticking to routines, or simply providing companionship, I genuinely enjoy making sure every dog feels safe, comfortable, and loved while their owners are away. What sets me apart is the level of care I give every dog. I don’t see pet sitting as just a job I treat every dog like they’re my own. I know how important it is to trust someone with your pet, and I make it my priority to provide dependable, attentive, and loving care. I’ll keep you updated with photos and messages, follow your dog’s routine closely, and make sure they receive plenty of exercise, affection, and one-on-one attention. I can’t wait to meet you and your furry family member! Services: Boarding, House Sitting, Drop-in visits, Doggy day care. I am available in the mornings or afternoons! Available for holidays and weekends Comfortable with puppies, seniors, medication Meet and greets before the first booking please! Pet care fits naturally into my daily routine. I already care for my own 7-year-old dog every day, so adding walks, playtime, feeding, and lots of attention for other pets is something I truly enjoy. I have a flexible schedule outside of work and make it a priority to give every pet the time, care, and attention they deserve. I care for every pet as if they were my own. As a dog owner of 7 years, I understand how important routine, patience, and safety are. I follow each pet’s normal schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and any special instructions while making sure they feel comfortable and loved. I’ll also keep you updated with photos and messages so you always know how your pet is doing. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish.
About: I have played with Dobermans, swam with Golden Retrievers, went on hikes with Poodles, cuddled with Yorkshire Terriers. I have always taken excellent care of animals my whole life. I have a some weekdays available and most weekends I’m free and happy to assist you by taking great care of your pet while you are away! I will follow your instructions and use my best educated decisions to care for your animals. I have experience with and understand that some animals might need very personalized care.
About: I have been around animals my entire life, and have professional experience working with dogs. I take a patient, educational approach to animal care and training, and believe building trust is an important first step. I'm happy to work with you to ensure I'm meeting the needs of your pet. Please let me know what your expectations are concerning frequency of walks, play time, or other enrichment activities. I do work a part time job Wed-Sun from 9-2. I have taken care of both cats and dogs in clients' homes, and am flexible when it comes to a pet's needs. Whether your young pup needs some play time, or your older dog needs meds and a slow wander through the neighborhood, I'm happy to join them on their adventures.
About: I bring a mix of patience, playfulness, and big pet-loving energy. Whether we’re running around, snuggling, or exploring, your pet always gets attention that feels personal, fun, and full of care. Pet care fits naturally into my Wednesday-Sunday schedule. I plan my days around walks, playtime, feeding, and check-ins, making sure every pet gets unrushed, focused attention and fun I respect your home and your pet’s routine-clean bowls, secure doors, mindful of boundaries, and lots of attention. I treat your space and your pet with real care.
“Breanna was great!! She kept our 12 year old maltipoo company while we were out for a few hours. Very sweet and friendly. I will definitely be using her again when I’m in town.”

About: General Experience I’ve been around dogs, cats, and horses my whole life and I am competent with all general aspects of their care and willing to learn more. I love getting outside with dogs, whether that’s a beach day, a mountain hike, or a walk around the neighborhood. I’m also happy to help with baths and cleanup after our adventures! Whether your pet needs exercise, playtime, or simply some company while you’re away, I’m happy to meet them where they’re at. For the Cat owners: Happy to hang out with your cat and make sure they have a companion. Or if you’re someone with one of those cats that act more like a dog, we can go for a walk too! Training I’ve trained my own dog from puppyhood and helped friends with theirs. I’m not a professional trainer, but I’m happy to reinforce the routines and training you’re already working on. I’m newly active on Rover again and excited to meet new clients! I’m always happy to arrange a meet-and-greet beforehand. I am currently in between jobs and plan to take on a full or part time job in the new year. At this time I am incredibly flexible on scheduling. My apartment unfortunately does not allow for dogs but I would be able to come to you! I am extremely trustworthy and will respect your sacred space and privacy to the fullest. I will meet your pet where they are at and make sure they are comfortable. I am happy to clean up messes, and pretty much game for anything! I believe good communication leads to met expectations and I’m happy to work with you and your furry friend to find a good fit.
“Chelsi was great. We we out for about 7 hours while she watched Sheilah. She sent us updates and pictures. Since we were out of town, it was reassuring to have such a competent, confident and friendly sitter . Nothing but praise for Chelsi. We will use her again if the situation arises.”

“Katherine was so amazing with our elderly Pug for his first time with a sitter. Im so happy we picked Kat for his new friend! She went above and beyond with his care including snuggles, outside time, and plenty of photos to show us he was having a good time. When we are vacationing in the area we will definitely reach out again! Truly, above and beyond any and all expectation.”


“Alex has such a calm, gentle spirit ~ we knew upon meeting him that our little Bonbon would be in safe, caring hands. We also appreciated that he was flexible when the timing of our event changed a bit. We look forward to Bonbon spending more time with Alex in the future! :-)”

About: Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m a lifelong animal lover and dog mom to two adorable pups: Buttercup (12), my sweet senior with special needs and daily medications, and Mochi (5), a goofy, high-energy ball of love. I’ve raised them both since they were tiny pups. I grew up with huskies and horses, so I’m comfortable caring for dogs of all sizes, personalities, and energy levels. Whether your pup needs long walks, gentle care, or a calm, experienced sitter for meds or routines—I’ve got you covered. 🐾 Why pet parents book me: • Firsthand experience with senior dogs & medications • Calm, loving, and deeply reliable care • Great with shy, energetic, or special needs pups • Flexible for last-minute walks or overnights • Fast communication & peace of mind while you’re away Most of my time is spent at my house as I am a work remote/work from home freelance video producer and editor in television. So your pet will have my full attention and go on lots of walk. I’m able to accommodate schedules and routines! We also have a fenced in backyard for the animals to run around in. At home, I keep your babies with me and separate from our two very friendly (with dogs and humans) shitzu pups. If you’re comfortable with the pups mixing and mingling, then I’ll let them hang out together. Otherwise, I’ll keep your pet with me in my office. My home office has a couch, a dog bed and if they like to cool off their warm bellies, a hardwood floor. Regardless, your pet will be with me! I like to take walks around the courthouse since it’s so pretty and close by, so we’ll do that as well. We also have a back patio that I can additionally let them run around in. Depending on your comfort levels and size of your pup, your pet can sleep in my bedroom (not in bed) or in the living room in front of our bedroom on a plush dog bed. ***A couple of side notes: 1. Let me know any restrictions your pet has around food, diets, allergies and treats. 2. We also have a crate, if that’s something you want/need for your pet. 3. Please wait for a confirmation from me regarding your booking. I do accept last minute requests but every now and then last minute obligations come up!

About: I have taken care of dogs and house-sat for families in my community since I was in high school. Whether it was checking in on dogs during the day or spending the night, I’ve responsibly cared for a family’s best friend. I have experience administering medicine to dogs and dealing with ones that may be considered “high maintenance.” I love just hanging out, walking, and taking care of dogs. I currently work full time from 10 am to 7 pm. I come home everyday for an hour lunch so I would be able to come and check in on your pup. I would be able to walk your dog in the morning and check on them during the day. I would feel comfortable taking your dog on walks around your neighborhood.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Santa Barbara is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Barbara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LEO IS WONDERFUL!!!! It was such a relief knowing my cat was in good hands while I was away. Communication was excellent, and I really appreciated the updates and attention to detail. It's not easy trusting someone with your furry family member, but I felt completely at ease. I would absolutely book again and highly recommend!!

Shannon did an outstanding job watching my dogs, Buddy & Roxie while I was out of town. She sent pictures and updates twice daily, and I felt completely comfortable leaving my pups with her! She is kind, patient, responsible, and followed the routine perfectly! I highly recommend hiring Shannon when you are on vacation. I will definitely contact her in the future.

We worked with Joan recently and she was great with our 13 year old Aussie who has nighttime anxiety. We had a long day trip to LA (15 hours) and Joan very easy to work with. She is very proactive in reaching out and confirming plans and ensuring she understands our needs/desires. She’s easy to talk to, professional and friendly. Will definitely work with Joan again in the future for our furbaby needs.

There’s nothing like knowing your beloved Pet is being well cared for in your absence. This is absolutely imperative that I not worry about my dog while I’m out there trying to have fun! Jessa and Justin did exactly that: freed my mind up so I could enjoy my time away. They are kind and loving towards animals and sent me update pictures while I was away. They are a blessing.

Wow cannot say enough what an incredible gift Zohe was as a sitter. She not only took care of my two dogs, one big one little, with extreme affection and kindness, but she also did insanely detailed journals of every day she spent with the dogs, including multiple pictures. The way she spoke about my dogs made me feel like it was a trusted family member taking care of them! Thank you Zohe

I have been looking for a trustworthy person to watch my 2 needy cats and finally found someone. Kirsa was so easy going with all my crazy requests. She was very responsive over the weekend and sent me pictures of them which is always nice. I will absolutely book again unless my attention seeking kitties scared her away!!

Ellie was a godsend! She made Freckle feel so cared for. I really felt that Freck benefitted from her loving attention. Ellie was super communicative and went the extra mile to help me and my kitty stay connected—my babe has had a lot of changes since being rescued and she has a tendency towards UTI symptoms. That said, Ellie cares deeply for animals and I am sure she would give the world to each of them, no matter their needs. Ellie was so caring to Freckle and they formed a sweet connection! Will definitely be requesting her as a sitter for Freck again.

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.
How to book house sitting

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 - Santa Barbara
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Santa Barbara average 3 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Santa Barbara
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Santa Barbara is $64 per night as of November 2026. Most bookings cost between $30 and $111 per night. On Rover, 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 November 2026, there are 851 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. On Rover:
- 89% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 94% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 97% 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.












