Pet Sitting Santa Cruz
Book a pet sitter to stop by your home a few times a day to feed and play with your pet.

Over 601 pet parents in Santa Cruz have booked pet sitting
Santa Cruz, Find top rated pet sitting
Prices are estimates per visit for 1 dog. Pricing may vary based on your search and includes a booking fee of 11%.

About: I walked my rough collie for the 7 years we had him, and I've taken my friends' dogs on many walks. I took care of my dog as he got older and have immense patience with senior dogs. I'm familiar with different animals' body language and how pets communicate, allowing me to understand what your pet is asking for. I work part-time and have plenty of free time to take care of your pets. I have reliable transportation and am happy to drive wherever is necessary. Dogwalking was the first thing I did in the morning and is my favorite way to start the day. In your home, I'm happy to care for your pet's feeding, litter boxes, playful interests, and any other specific needs your pet would like attended to.
“Chelsea does great with my puppy Ringo! She was able to come last minute ( my daughter called me worried about him when she left for work, she said he was barking and had some separation anxiety! ) By the time I got home, he was a happier puppy after Chelsea’s visit!”

“Miranda was absolutely the best rover! My cats were well cared for and I didn’t doubt they were in good hands. The photos and updates were very much appreciated. Would absolutely hire Miranda again.”


About: I’ve lived with dogs all my life and regularly volunteer at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Please let me know if you have any questions. Good with all types of dogs. Not afraid of those who pull! I currently have full availability as school has been my full time job until now. I am willing to do visits at all times of day, no time too early or late. I do best with specific instructions on how to care for your pet so I can make them as comfortable as possible. I’d love to meet your pet ahead of time if it makes you more comfortable. Just reach out.
“Jasmine does an excellent job with my dog; and he adores her. She is one of the only people who can get him to eat consistently; even more than I can! If it was possible for me, I’d have her check on my dog even more!”

“Jade is terrific! She did a drop-in twice daily. She was always on time. She did exactly what I needed done for my beloved dachshund. She was is a very caring young woman and I will definitely ask her to are for my dog. Try her out, I promise you won’t be disappointed.”


About: I’ve owned cats my entire life and dogs for the past 8 years! I love playing with animals and am quite comfortable taking care of cats and dogs of all sizes. I’m currently acting in a local community theater show in Santa Cruz that rehearses 3 times a week. Outside of these 5 hour rehearsal blocks, I am completely free to stop by and check in with pets whenever needed. I am very careful about keeping doors and windows shut to ensure no pets get out of the house. I’m happy to clean up after your animals and make sure they feel safe with me in their space.

About: I’ve always loved dogs and was overjoyed when my family adopted two chihuahua-terriers when I was 10. Now, as a college student, I miss taking my dogs for long walks and fun hikes and would love to continue my love for animals by caring for others’ pets. As a fellow pet parent, I will treat your dog’s safety of the utmost importance. I will make sure that your pet, no matter their energy level or age, gets the care and attention they need. I'm currently a student, so I have plenty of time to care for pets! I am generally free on weekends and most weekday afternoons. I can be flexible with timing, so please reach out if you have any questions. While petsitting, I will follow any pet care instructions carefully. I have experience administering oral medications. Since I have a flexible schedule, I will also ensure that your dog is walked often and/or let outside. Most importantly, I will dedicate my attention and care to your pet while you're away!
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.

About: I’ve taken care of many different types of animals since I was 9. I have lots of experience with both cats and dogs. I’ve even taken care of reptiles! I take great pride in the fact that I’ve trained many dogs (all self taught) I believe I have an amazing set of qualities like genuine love for animals, reliability, excellent communication with pet owners, and flexibility in scheduling. I also believe I create a comfortable and safe environment for pets. Pet care fits into my daily/weekly routine due to my flexible schedule that allows me to provide personalized and attentive pet care every day! To ensure safety, trust, and a comfortable environment for pets in my home or a client’s, I keep the space clean and secure, follow the owner’s instructions carefully, maintain open communication, create a calm atmosphere, use pet-proofing measures, and always supervise the pets.
About: Hi, I'm Jenn! Having six years of experience as a vet tech, six years of experience caring for pets professionally, and caring for my personal furry companions animals for over 6o years, I bring an exceptional blend of experience, care, and responsibility to my pet care. I have a huge heart for cats and dogs and love to see them happy in their environment. My sensitive nature allows me to be highly attuned to animals and their needs. Others have often commented on my ability to anticipate the needs of people and animals before they are aware of them. I believe in the health and wellbeing of all living things. When your animal is under my care, you can be assured they are receiving the nurturing and care they deserve. I am available for walking, visits, boarding, and more. Please inquire for your particular needs and desires for your pet in your absence. I would be happy to keep your pet loved and safe while you are away. Injections, special needs, training/rehabilitation I am in a very open and expansive time currently in life. I am widely available round the clock for your pets needs. I am available daytime, evenings, and weekends. I do not have a fenced yard on the property I live on in the country, so when boarding with me, dogs will be on leash when outdoors. They will enjoy the many walks they will have around here. When at your home, I take care of your fur baby and belongs with the utmost respect and safety.
“Jennifer was amazing with our cat Maca! From the start, she was super sweet and easy to communicate with. She went above and beyond every day — sending us updates, photos, and making sure Maca was happy and taken care of. It was such a relief knowing our kitty was in good hands while we were away. Maca is a shy cat with new people and we really appreciated Jennifer’s patience in making her feel comfortable and gaining her trust while we were gone. We would 100% book again with Jennifer and highly recommend!”


About: Hi! I’m Vinny. I’ve owned many different cats and small dogs my whole life, alongside hamsters and even a frog along the way! I love dogs and cats very much, and have experience grooming and caring for them. I have a very open and flexible schedule at the moment, suitable for cat-sitting in your house or mine for days at a time. I also am experienced administering medication via syringe to a cat’s mouth, as well as giving diabetic cats insulin shots via syringe—all through cat-sitting. My roommates are currently gone for the summer while I’m home alone in Santa Cruz, so they will have a very peaceful environment where I can give them all my love if they stay at my house. Likewise, I’ll be able to give them utmost care if boarding at your place with your pets too! I’m currently enrolled in one class that meets Monday and Wednesday mornings in person. However, I’m otherwise able to be home or at others’ homes caring for their pets all day and night! I also bus as a primary form of transformation, and am without a car at the moment. My home is always clean, organized, and without any pets or other people except me at the moment. I have plenty of space to have dog/cat beds, potty pads, and allow them to sleep or be on any of my furniture and bed :) I do own house plants, but have a space I can put them so that cats or other pets I care for won’t accidentally eat any of them. Your pet will be in a safe and caring home with me. ☺️💚
About: I’ve been caring for pets for over 20 years, starting at a young age and continuing through friends, family, and repeat clients who trust me with their pets. I’ve worked with dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and energy levels, from playful puppies to older dogs needing a slower, more attentive pace. I focus on creating a calm, safe, and consistent environment where dogs feel comfortable and cared for. Whether it’s walks, feeding routines, or simply spending quality time, I pay close attention to each dog’s needs and personality. I’m reliable, detail-oriented, and genuinely enjoy building trust with both pets and their owners. Your dog will be treated with patience, care, and a lot of affection while you’re away. I work from home on the Westside of Santa Cruz, which gives me a flexible schedule and the ability to provide consistent, attentive care throughout the day. I’m available for drop-ins, walks, and overnight care, and I can adjust my routine to meet your pet’s specific needs. I genuinely enjoy spending time with animals and being a reliable support for pet owners. I prioritize creating a safe, low-stress space where pets feel comfortable and secure. I’m attentive to routines, feeding schedules, and individual needs, and I take the time to understand each pet’s personality. I’m reliable, respectful of your home, and committed to providing thoughtful care you can trust.

“When I go on a trip it really makes me feel relieved that my sweet old Obie cat is with Shylynn. She goes the extra mile to make sure he's getting attention, food, and sunshine! Thank you Shylynn!”
The median cost per visit for pet sitting in Santa Cruz is $27
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Shylynn is always an impressive and amazing sitter! Our cats (and the neighbors cats) all love her. She has an amazing way with animals. We know they are in safe hands whenever she cares for them. She always goes above and beyond We would highly recommend her services!

Deanna looked after our three cats for four days, and all went well. I appreciated that she was on time and attentive for our initial meet-and-greet, and that the cat boxes and such were in good shape when we returned. Deanna also managed to make friends with our little black cat who tends to be skittish and is not a fan of new people.

Jade was absolutely fantastic! My dog tends to have nervous energy around strangers but he and Jade bonded instantly. The daily photo updates were a big plus, she was great with keeping me in the loop while I was away. Besides giving him food/water she also brushed him, gave him his allergy medication, took him on lots of walks and played fetch in the back yard. 10/10 would recommend!

Nicole took care of my cats when I had to go out of town last minute for Memorial Day weekend. She arrived each evening to feed them, clean the litter box, play, and fill their waters. She was prompt and kept everything clean, and she even got my super shy kitty to come out and play & made sure he ate! I would definitely recommend booking Nicole if you need pet care.

Emily was amazing to my baby crepe! My cat does not do well when I go on vacation but I could tell from the pictures she felt comfortable around Emily, and was given plenty of love and treats. This was the first time ever my cat wasn’t dying to see me when I arrived home, so I know she was getting a lot of good attention while I was away.

Had such a great experience working with Gabrielle! She was very communicative throughout the entire booking and actual care process. I also want to thank her for being flexible, and for overall taking such great care of my pup. My first ever Rover experience, and she made it super stress free. Will definitely be booking her 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.
Meet local sitters who will treat your pets like family

1. Search
Browse profiles of sitters near you who offer pet 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 6 repeat pet sitting clients
FAQs for Drop-In Visits - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost for Pet Sitting in Santa Cruz on Rover is $22.2 per visit (as of July 2026). However, all sitters set their own rates based on experience, location, and availability.
Rover makes budgeting the cost of Pet 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 Pet Sitting. For more information on service fees, click here .
As of July 2026, there are 4,725 sitters on Rover offering Pet Sitting across Santa Cruz. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
A pet sitter can provide focused care sessions, help your pet’s routine stay on track, or keep you updated on your pet’s mood and energy levels.
Whether you’re at the office for the day or traveling for a few nights, a pet sitter can offer potty breaks during a Santa Cruz stroll, cleaning the litter box, or making sure your pet has on-time food or water refills. For daytime services like walking and drop-ins, you can also request sitters to send a report card with every visit.
Tip: You can discuss your specific arrangements with a pet sitter on Rover to what fits you, your pet, and your sitter’s needs. To find what their special skills are, look at the "Skills" and "Pet care experience" sections on their profile.
If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.
The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.
Many pet parents provide a spare key or arrange a lockbox. You can also exchange keys during the Meet & Greet and show your walker how to use digital fobs or personalized codes. It helps to arrange access to your home, from spare keys to concierge introductions, before pet care begins.
If you live in an apartment or condo, don’t forget to discuss details like buzzer access, codes, or elevator etiquette. These details can help a pet sitter feel more comfortable going in and out of your building.
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 .
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.
Yes, you can find sitters who have experience with handling special pet needs in Santa Cruz. On Rover:
- 92% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 96% 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.
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.

















