House Sitting Santa Cruz
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 486 pet parents in Santa Cruz have booked house sitting
Santa Cruz, 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%.
“Rachel has such a calming energy which was perfect for our pups who get a little anxious while we are away. Was great to have piece of mind knowing she was there while I was away for the full day. Appreciated the updates and picts as well. Thank you!!”
“Mai was quick to respond and great with our dogs. We have a large 95 lb bernedoodle that can be intimidating. She walked and fed both dogs, while we were gone for the day and sent picture updates. Will use her again!”
“Cody was very sweet and calm natured, my dogs took to him immediately. I had complete peace-of-mind while they were in his care as he house-sat. He was respectful of my space, and my boys were well-cared for. Thank you, Cody! I would give you 10 stars if I could!!”
“Andrea was amazing and took such good care of my cat while I was away for the week! He warmed up to her immediately at the meet and greet when normally he is shy and hides from new people. Andrea sent tons of great photos and updates throughout the sit, so I knew my cat was super happy and well taken care of. My cat definitely has a new best friend :) highly recommend Andrea and will book again for future sits! Thank you, Andrea! <3”
“Happy puppies! Clean house! Lots of photos! What more could a dog mom want? I felt totally comfortable knowing my babies were good hands. Would definitely use Samantha again for these crazy pups!”
“McKenzie did an amazing job taking care of our 3 month old German Shepard mix for a week. She kept us updated, followed our instructions and was always super responsive! Highly recommended!”
“Naomi was great! She was super sweet and attentive towards our kitty during her house sit. She helped administer oral medication, and was very communicative about any questions and updates! Would book again :)”
“McKenna house sat my dog Shasta over a weekend. Came back to a clean house and a calm happy pup. Her communication was great, she sent tons of photos, and she is a natural with animals. Her dog Rey Rey is super sweet and it seems like the 2 dogs got on just fine. I would book with McKenna again :)”
About: I have had the privilege of caring for puppy dogs and senior dogs, little dogs and extra large dogs, mutts and pure breeds. I've cared for puppies who are not potty trained; a Newfoundland with bad hips; a German Shorthair Pointer who loved to fetch at the beach for hours and hours; a 20 lb terrier with separation issues; high energy Spaniels who camped out in the kitchen with hopes of treats; an otherwise perfect 70lb mutt who turned out to be a muffin thief; a senior Aussie with dementia and digestive issues; my senior pup with a bad back, partially deaf and diminished vision and many more characters who have taken up residence in my heart. I am experienced administering medication, changing diapers, cleaning up poo, preparing special diets, taking long walks or short; brushing and nail trimming (dog willing); playing fetch; snuggling and petting, baking healthy homemade treats. I am available to do boarding in my home and overnight care in the client's home. The only time I am not with your pet is to run errands, rarely more than two hours at a time. Doggie Day Care rate is for 6 hours. Additional time is billed in 30 minute increments at the rate of $6 per 30 minutes. The clock starts at the earliest listed time for drop off and ends at the latest listed time for pick up. Example: Client lists a drop off time between 9am - 11am. The day care clock starts at 9am. I have a dog friendly home with a large fenced back yard. Dogs have access to the back yard at all times. For overnights the dogs sleep in their dog beds anywhere in the house that they are comfortable. Otherwise I follow the dogs regular routine. In the client's home I follow the dogs regular sleep, wake, feeding, exercise and play routine.
About: I honestly just love animals, especially dogs. I grew up with a Shih Tzu; her name is Bella, and she will be turning 9 in December. I got her as a puppy, and she has truly changed my life. I don't think I love something as much as I love her! Although we are separated at the moment, I would make sure to give your pet the same care and love as I would to Bella. I have pet-sat cats and dogs for family/family friends, and it has all been a positive experience. I personally already love to go on walks and get out of my house, so they will be well taken care of. I can't wait to meet all your lovely pets! I am least available on Thursdays and Tuesday mornings. Every other day and time works great for me. I am a student, so I am only ever in class on those Tuesdays and Thursdays, or at home! I have a fenced yard in my apartment complex with an additional private dog park. I also live in a townhome, so there is a lot of space for your pet! I am also comfortable going to any location that needs me! Constantly walking the pet if that's the case, feeding the pets, giving medications, being in proximity to them- whatever the pet may need, I can assist with it. I would also like to mention that I have a housemate, Anna G. who is also on rover and occasionally does daytime bookings! In our home we also have two cats!
“AnnMarie is a kind and caring sitter. Whether she’s walking our dog, or doing overnight stays with our pets, she’s uber-reliable, easy to work with and our pets love her. We just returned from an overnight trip and our pets were calm and happy; and our home was immaculate. You can trust AnnMarie. She’s great”
About: I’ve been around dogs my whole life and caring for them is something I truly love! I especially enjoy getting dogs outside, whether it’s a relaxed walk or a fun, active adventure, I’m always happy to match their energy. I’m reliable, trustworthy, and I understand how much dogs mean to their families, so I treat every pup like my own. I pay close attention to each dog’s personality and needs to make sure they feel safe, comfortable, and happy. You can expect lots of walks, playtime, and plenty of tail wags! 🐾 I am currently a full-time student, which gives me a flexible schedule and plenty of time to care for your pup. I’m available throughout the week for walks and droppins and the weekends for sitting, and I can adjust my schedule to fit your dog’s needs. I’m reliable and make sure to stay consistent with routines so your pet feels comfortable and cared for. I am committed to caring for your pet like my own, whether in your home or out on walks and adventures. I prioritize safety, trust, and comfort by following your pet’s routine, keeping a clean and secure environment, and giving them plenty of attention and playtime. I make sure your pet feels relaxed and happy while you’re away, and I’m always attentive to their individual needs and behavior. You can count on me to be responsible, communicative, and to provide updates so you always feel confident your pet is in good hands.
“Jacob did a great job of house sitting for my sweet girl Nala and following her walking/beach routine! He sent lots of photos and videos of her, which is always appreciated. I will 100% ask him to walk and housesit again in the future!”
“Summer is trainer as well as a sitter and helped our dog learn to stay, not Leap up, and kept her busy in the rain. This is a puppy who is too exuberant. we are giving summer a large tip for her training help. she is very under paid for her skills. thank you for having her as part of her over. Summer did laundry & monitored potty training!”
“Max and Winnie’s first time away from us was amazing. David stayed the whole time he was great. Lots of photographs and check ins. I hope they didn’t drive him nuts. I will use David anytime I have to leave. Thank You Again David!!!”
About: I’ve been caring for dogs for over 10 years, including many different breeds, sizes, and personalities. I’ve helped with everything from walks, playtime, feeding, and giving plenty of love and attention to keeping dogs comfortable and on their normal routines. I’m dependable, patient, and treat every dog like they’re my own. I understand that every pup has different needs, and I’m happy to follow their routines and make sure they feel safe, happy, and cared for while you’re away. I have a very flexible schedule and plenty of availability to give pets the attention they deserve. I currently work one day a week, so I’m able to accommodate different schedules and spend lots of quality time with the dogs in my care. I love having dogs around and enjoy making them feel comfortable, happy, and at home. I provide pet care in the client’s home, where I’m happy to follow your pet’s normal routine and any house rules you have. I understand that every pet is different, so I’ll follow your instructions for feeding, walks, medications, playtime, sleeping arrangements, and anything else that helps your pet feel comfortable. My goal is to keep their routine as consistent as possible while giving them plenty of love, attention, and companionship.
The median cost per night for house sitting in Santa Cruz is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Daniel and Allison were wonderful pet sitters for Lucy! They arrived promptly, were friendly and easy to work with, and showed genuine care and concern for making sure Lucy was well looked after. Lucy was comfortable with them, which gave us peace of mind while we were away. They followed the schedule we had established for her and were great about taking her for walks. We especially appreciated the daily photos and videos they sent of Lucy, which were a lovely way to stay connected with her while we were away. They also left the house clean and tidy when they departed. We really appreciated their attentiveness and thoughtfulness and would happily recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, caring pet sitters!
David is our trusted go-to sitter. This visit, a skunk got into our yard and sprayed the dogs. David quickly made sure they were safe and got them cleaned up, even going to Safeway to get the right materials. He always takes extra care to ensure the dogs are happy and healthy. Thanks David!
We needed a last minute reliable dog sitter to stay at the house and care for our GSD while we were gone. Ciara was extremely prompt, she kept to Anderson‘s schedule, and she cleaned up the mess he made tearing another chew toy to smithereens! She kept his paws clean which was no easy feat, as he likes to track mud all over the house and he has a wound on the paw that I didn’t want dirtied. She stayed with him the whole time. Anderson really liked her and I highly recommend!
Emily was fantastic with our dog Freckles! She came to our hotel in the evening while we had dinner out with our newborn, was right on time, and sent updates so we could fully relax. Freckles was his usual spirited self when we got back, and Emily handled him wonderfully. Warm, reliable, and clearly great with dogs — we'd absolutely book her again.
Lauren is a wonderful pet sitter. She came over several times to housesit for us with our elderly Labrador Retriever, Kira. She and Kira really hit it off, and Lauren took her on very slow walks and gave her all her meds accordingly. She was very loving with Kira and we knew we could count on her to take the best care of her while we were gone. We highly recommend Lauren, and you can trust she’ll do a great job with your dog or cat, too!
Deanna was so great, and house sat for us while watching our cat, Jesse! Our cat is very social, so it's super helpful to have someone be able to stay over while we were gone. Jesse loved Deanna, and was very warm and cuddly with them. Deanna sent us photos and video updates, and also took Jesse on daily walks (our cat has a harness and leash, and loves to be outside!). We will definitely be booking Deanna again, and I know Jesse will be very happy when Deanna returns as well! Deanna also left our home extremely clean, and even put our sheets in the laundry for us and ran the dishwasher on the last day. We definitely recomend hiring Deanna!
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 Cruz
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Santa Cruz average 3 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Santa Cruz is $44 per night as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $32 and $78 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 October 2026, there are 3,096 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Santa Cruz. 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz. On Rover:
- 87% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 91% 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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