House Sitting Santa Cruz
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 456 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%.
“Lupia is Fabulous as a care giver for your fur babies! We’ve entrusted her with our beloved pets on several occasions & she has always been great:) The 1st time she was kind to come in advance & meet our Belgian Malinois, Cheyenne, who now adores her!🥰 Lupita is sweet, yet firm enough to elicit good behavior from your pet in a loving manner. You can tell she’s very experienced w/ a variety of animals & takes her job seriously. There’s a good reason she has 5 Star ratings!!🌟 She’s very punctual & reliable with dates/ timelines & sends frequent photos & videos to assure you that your pets are well cared for. She treats your home with equal care & respect, leaving it clean & ready for your return. Lupita is now part of our Family & we appreciate & highly recommend her. She sets the standard for quality, loving pet care. Thank you Lupita!!🙏 We💖you!!!😍🐕”
About: Hello! I’m Molly :) I’ve been pet sitting for a few years and have experience with all kinds of dogs from energetic pups to sweet seniors. I’m calm, consistent, and always follow care instructions closely. I send updates so you feel at ease while you’re away. I’ve also worked at the SF Zoo and volunteered at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, so I know how to handle animals gently and respectfully. Whether your dog needs playtime, patience, or just company, I’m happy to help! Pet care fits naturally into my routine! Since I just graduated college, I have a flexible schedule, I have plenty of time to do drop-ins, pet care, pet sitting, walk, and overnight stays. I enjoy making time to care for other people's pets! I will follow a list if one is provided and I'll always make sure to stick closely to the pets' routine to help them feel safe and comfortable. In a client'a home, I'm respectful of the space and always clean up after myself and the pet. I make sure doors and gates are secure, check water and food bowls regulary, and give pets the attention they need. If I ever notice something out of the ordinary, I'll reach out right away. My priority is making sure both pets and their owners feel safe and respected at all times.
“Jennifer is so awesome, considerate and caring. I was a bit nervous using this service, but once I met Jennifer, I immediately liked her and felt more at ease. She took great care of our pup and our home. Highly recommend!”
“Jen was AMAZING with our sensitive dog. She was patient with him and respectful of his boundaries. Because of Jen’s care, we were able to go on a weekend trip and come home to a calm, emotionally regulated dog - which has never happened for us before. Thank you Jen!!!”
“Mamoo was very attentive to our pet and house needs during the two week pet and house sitting. Constant updates and will respond to messages quickly. I would have no concerns having him watch our house/pets again. We do have a large husky and outgoing cat each with their particular needs.”
“Alexandra was a huge help with a last minute booking. She took great care of our dog, and I know he had a blast. She provided tons of activity and kept us informed the whole time. Can’t wait to book again.”
“Kivi was so fantastic watching my doodle Winnie while I was traveling for the week. She took her on so many adventures and kept me updated with consistent communication and it really allowed me to relax on my trip knowing her and my apartment was in good hands. Thanks so much again!”
“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!!”
“Grace was amazing. She came to meet me and Priya before my vacation, coordinated with another friend to be there when Priya was getting dropped off, was super responsive, and sent a ton of pictures. I'm confident Priya has a great time while I was out of town!!”
“Jasmine was great at dog sitting and caring for Frank over a long weekend. She’s experienced with lots of dogs, is very responsive and communicates well. I would definitely book Jasmine again.”
About: Hello! I’ve spent years taking care of pets of my own, as well as for friends, neighbors, on Rover and Trusted Housesitters. I’ve looked after big and small dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, and kids of all ages. I really love being around animals and getting to know their different personalities. They always bring so much joy and fun energy. I take caring for other people’s pets as a big responsibility and always want them to feel safe, happy, and loved while their owners are away. My past references have said kind things about my reliability, communication, and the care I give to their pets, which means a lot to me. I’m always happy to send photo or video updates so you can see how your pets are doing. I know how much peace of mind that can bring. I’d love the chance to meet your pets and make sure they’re well taken care of while you’re gone. 🐾 I am available anytime on Sat-Mon, and on weekdays from 5:30-8pm. Currently working at an elementary school nutrition office from 8-5pm Tues-Fri every week. Outside of my work hours, my availability is very flexible. My services include drop-ins and in-home care such as feeding, walking, and brushing pets, but I’m also happy to help with any other needs to keep them comfortable and happy.
“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!!”
“Cheryl was fantastic taking care of our beloved cat, Edwin, and our home. She came to meet Edwin in advance and get a rundown. She was excellent at communicating and giving updates on how things were going. She really gave me peace of mind, knowing that everything was taken care. Thank you Cheryl!”
About: I have hands-on experience working at a dog daycare, where I care for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities every day. My responsibilities include supervising group play, feeding, administering medications, bathing and drying dogs, and making sure every pet is safe, happy, and comfortable. I also have experience caring for cats and understand that each pet has unique needs and routines. I treat every animal like they’re my own and strive to make them feel loved while you’re away. I work around my schedule to provide dependable pet care and always make sure every visit gets the time and attention your pet deserves. Whether your pet needs walks, drop-in visits, feeding, playtime, medication, or companionship, I’m committed to being reliable and flexible whenever possible. I’ll communicate with you throughout your booking and provide updates so you know your pet is in great hands. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. Thanks to my experience in a professional dog daycare, I’m comfortable handling dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and energy levels while recognizing signs of stress or discomfort. I’ll carefully follow your pet’s routine, feeding schedule, medication instructions, and any special requests. I believe in building trust with both pets and their owners by providing dependable care, lots of love, and regular updates with photos during every visit.
“Emily was fantastic! She stayed at my house for a week and took care of my cat. I could tell she had spent a lot of time with her because she wasn't desperate for attention when we got home. My house was perfectly clean still and she even left us a cute note. I got daily updates and pictures and it was great being able to have a vacation knowing my cat was being taken care of. She even gave her medication (a pill) twice a day. I will definitely book with her again if we go on another trip.”
“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 :)”
“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!”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Santa Cruz is $75
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Lupita was amazing! We were in Santa Cruz on vacation for July 4 and she was so flexible, helpful and accommodating of our schedule and needs. She took great care of our dog and he saw some great sites. She's a local so she knows the good spots. She even had a video call with us ahead of our trip as an intro. Thank you so much Lupita!
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!
As first-time Rover users on Georgia’s very first road trip, we were incredibly nervous about leaving her, but Lily completely blew us away. From the moment we met her, we could just feel that she is someone you can truly trust. Lily knew exactly how to get Georgia to warm up to her, and they quickly became the absolute best of friends. On top of that, she was incredibly flexible with her time—when our schedule changed and we needed her to stay later than originally planned, she stepped up without hesitation. If you are looking for a reliable, loving, and trustworthy nanny for your fur baby, book Lily immediately. We cannot recommend her enough!
Kevin was great. We were stressed out because we needed a sitter at the last minute, but Kevin was very reassuring. When we met, our cat immediately warmed to him. He was very attentive to our cat's specific needs and an excellent communicator; I felt very comfortable leaving Raul in his care. Kevin sent regular photos and our cat was doing great when we returned.
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 near you
Select a filter and find qualifying Santa Cruz sitters!Sitters in Santa Cruz average 3 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for House Sitting in Santa Cruz on Rover is $44.4 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 3,106 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 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 Santa Cruz. On Rover:
- 93% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 98% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 94% 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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