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 631 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%.
“Samantha took great care of our kitties and was extremely professional, caring, and responsive. This was our first booking with Samantha and we would recommend her to anyone in need of a drop-in visit. Thank you again Samantha!”
About: I've taken various cats for the past 6 years. I have 3 cats at home and I've also taken care of my friends' doggo during their work trips. I have experience bathing cats too. I have full time job but as a cat mom I understand drop-in food visits are essential and I can make my time for those. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always my top priorities. I carefully follow feeding instructions, household routines, and any special care guidelines you provide. I understand that some cats need extra patience, especially when meeting someone new. I’ll always respect their boundaries and let them approach me at their own pace. I’ll also make sure doors and windows are secure, litter boxes are clean, and your home is left tidy after each visit.
“Kara is a great petsitter that brings me comfort in knowing that my furry family members are well taken care of. I appreciated her attention to detail and the beautiful pictures she took of my dog. I strongly recommend Kara.”
About: Pets have been a big part of my childhood. I cared for my family’s senior dog, have pet-sat frequently for friends and family, as well as a few informal clients off rover. I also love being active and running around the Santa Cruz neighborhoods! I’m the perfect pick if you want your dog to get some walks in. I truly believe that all animals require the same kindness, patience, and guidance that people do and I would love to be a part of your journey in caring for your companion :) At the moment, I’m in college but am very flexible and have a $20 discount for any new clients. That’s a walk for free! Please reach out anytime My number one concern in making sure that the owners wants and needs are clearly met and communicated as soon as we meet! It’s so important to me to be able to respect boundaries and more importantly knowing those needs will help me to take the best care I can of our beloved pet companions !! :))
About: I have been in the animal care business my whole life! My mom used to run her own animal care business where I would go on all of her animal visits since I was in kindergarten. I trained my two puppies at age 10, have been volunteering at the local animal shelter for 3 years, and have started my own small clientele of dogs whom I care for through overnight stays for over a week, 3 check-ins a day for each dog, and lots of time for playing and cuddling to make sure they are happy and comfortable, while building their trust. I understand patience is key when caring for animals who see me as a new, unfamiliar face, and I always ensure the animals comfort is my top priority! My main gig at the moment is animal care, so I can build my own schedule/routine around the animal care bookings that I have for that week, so your pet will be my priority! In my clients homes, I make sure that the essentials like food and water are given, and I will make sure that there is nothing out that could harm them. My main focus is walking the dog in the start of my visit, and playing and winding down for rest time at the end, so they are able to rest and relax when I am not there/until their next visit. For cats, I would feed and refill their water, play with them, and provide affection depending on their personality and how comfortable they are. I will also clean out their litter.
About: I’ve got experience dog-sitting, and dog-walking, as well as living with dogs and love when I get the chance to take care of them. I’ve had a dog my entire life until her recent passing and have loved and cared for all animals even before I got one. I’m incredibly comfortable with dogs of all sizes, types, and temperaments. This includes sick dogs with medication, senior pups, and various exercise needs. I have saved my dog from a life-threatening attack and provided intensive care, so I work well in a potentially contentious environment. I’m a full time student but my schedule is incredibly loose. I get to choose when I work on my senior project and go to class so I’m available whenever essentially. I only have to be in class Monday and Wednesday from 5-7! Other than that feel free to schedule me. I have a wonderful medium sized fenced yard and live close to Westlake park which has ample grass and play area. My roommates do live with me but are comfortable with the situation and all dog-friendly!
“Kim was great with my senior kitty! She came prepared at the meet and greet and I knew my cat was in good hands while I was gone. She was communicative and kept me updated after every drop in visit. I highly recommend Kim!”
“Susie was great! She was incredibly responsive from the very beginning, got back to me within minutes of my initial message, and was easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. She also took the time to set up a meet & greet beforehand so she could meet Ausi and Lilo and make sure everyone was comfortable and it was a good fit. Everything went smoothly with her drop-in visit, and I felt very comfortable knowing the dogs were in good hands. We’re already looking forward to having Susie back for a longer house-sitting stay next month!”
About: I have taken care of animals as long as I can remember. At 12 I raised my first service dog, and since raised another service dog through Guide Dogs of America. I have house/dog/cat/bunny sat for animals of all ages and temperaments. I am excited to meet your furry, or not so furry, friend! I am currently working part time so I will have lots of time to take care of your pups. I am more than happy to discuss scheduling. I am comfortable with many different environments. Personally, I have a fenced in backyard which allows for plenty of outdoor running room. If there are certain things you need done for your dog just let me know.
About: I am well-qualified to pet sit dogs and cats, having grown up with several animals that have taught me the nuances of pet care from a young age. Im currently working part time so I have plenty of time to hang with your furry friends! I am free until the end of September. Currently, I am responsible for my own two cats, ensuring they receive the best care, attention, and love. My lifelong experience with pets has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide excellent care for your furry friends.
About: I have taken care of both dogs since I was 12 and I am now almost 22 so I have 10 years of experience caring for dogs. I love dogs so much and have always had one of my own and have experience taking care of older dogs particular, but have walked and sat for dogs of all different ages and energy levels. I am a very active person and a runner, so I can also take your dogs on runs ranging from 2-10 miles. I work in the mornings from 8-1 at a day care and am ready and able to care for your pets anytime before or after those times on Sunday-Friday and some occasional Saturdays. I do not care for pets in my own, but I will provide attentive, loving care to your pets in your own home. I am great at following the directions you will give me about your pets and bring both playfulness and responsibility into my help with your pets.
“Anna was great! She checked in on our cat over several days and did an amazing job keeping up with her special diet and making sure her space stayed clean and she was happy and healthy. She was always prompt, kept us updated after every visit, and sent lots of great photos. We came home to a very happy cat and would definitely book again!”
About: I have experience consistently cat sitting and dog sitting for weeks, routinely taking care of their needs. I love taking care of pets and pride myself on being reliable for them. I currently walk my dog daily, sometimes including walks to the park to play with other dogs, as well as care for her around the house. I plan on best taking care of pets by thoughtfully observing what they want or need, and taking care of their needs in the best way I can.
About: I have grown up in Santa Cruz my whole life. I have had many different pets and want to pursue my love for animals by taking care of yours. I have also taken an animal training course at Cabrillo College. I currently work part time as an EMT and on my days off I love to be outside and walk my dog, I usually dedicate my whole day to be with her whether it’s bike rides, walks, or beach days. I take my dog to her annual vet check ups. My dog has insurance and is currently eating 2 meals a day. One in the morning and one at night. She is a very loving dog to humans and other dogs. I trust her off leash at the beach so we do that regularly. She also enjoys cruiser bike rides on west cliff.
“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.”
About: What sets me apart as a pet caretaker is the genuine attention and patience I give every pet I care for. I have hands-on experience caring for dachshunds, and much bigger dogs, including both a senior dog and a younger dog, so I understand that every pet has different needs depending on their age and personality. I am a student at UC Santa Cruz, but will be home for the summer working a part time job, ready whenever to take care of your pet. Safety and trust are my top priorities when caring for pets in a client’s home. I always make sure pets are supervised, comfortable, and kept in a clean, calm, and secure environment. I have experience administering medication carefully and following specific care instructions to make sure each pet stays healthy and comfortable. I’m also familiar with crate training and maintaining consistent routines that help pets feel safe and reduce stress. I pay close attention to each pet’s behavior, needs, and comfort level so owners can feel confident their pets are being cared for in my care.
About: Hello! My name is Anna, and I am currently studying to become a veterinarian in Santa Cruz, CA. I have worked professionally with animals for the past nine years and always treat every fur baby as if they are my own. I have built this experience through my independent pet-sitting business, my four years as a sales consultant at Pet Food Express, and my volunteer work as a cat and kitten socializer at a local shelter. I am also a mama to both my wonderful cat, Lemon, and my 16-year-old dog, Leo! I am currently very flexible with my schedule and am available for both day and overnight pet sitting. I strive not only to make your pet(s) feel as comfortable as possible, but also to help every owner feel as though they left their pet in the right hands. I love to provide as many updates and photos of your fur baby as you may want! I have the most experience with cats and dogs, but I do have limited experience with reptiles as well. I have additionally worked with animals of all temperaments, and I understand that new faces can be anxiety-inducing for some. I will always tailor each experience specifically to the needs of your animal and what will help bring them the most happiness :) Specific areas of expertise for me that may not be found elsewhere include caring for senior pets and animals who may have special needs. Through my studies, I have developed a strong foundation in primary veterinary concerns and how to properly care for an animal when they may not be feeling their best. As a current undergraduate student who pet-sits as my primary job, I am very flexible and open to caring for your animals! At most, I drive up to campus once a day for approximately two hours in the afternoon. I leave the rest of my day open to keeping your fur baby the best possible company. Pet safety is always my number one priority! I currently live in an apartment complex that contains a fenced yard, a dog park directly behind my apartment, and plenty of dog-friendly walking trails nearby. Our apartment is fairly spacious, and I have found that animals tend to love the large windows and amount of light we receive. For cats, I always ensure that all windows and doors are locked, and there are no possible escape routes (I know how sneaky cats can be)! I do currently have a very friendly cat living with me.
The median cost per visit for pet sitting in Santa Cruz is $28
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
Daniel and Allison got back to me in a timely manner and showed up at the expected time having no difficulty navigating our challenging road. Roland loved them and they did very well with his exuberant greetings. We’ve only met for a meet and greet but I feel comfortable that they can handle the job and will review again after some walks and overnights.
Samantha took good care of my two cats, one very fearful, and I came home to calm cats who looked very happy and content. Samantha took good care of my house and sent me pictures so I did not worry about my animals. I highly recommend her to care for your pets.
Kai did a great job cat-sitting for me! He was very gentle with Rose (which she needs as a slightly timid cat) and made sure to document her food intake as I requested. Rose is on the shyer side, but from Kai’s photos it looks like she really warmed up to him! Kai also went above and beyond in fully cleaning Rose’s food mat, which is a task I know I need to take on more often myself.
Anna was great! She checked in on our cat over several days and did an amazing job keeping up with her special diet and making sure her space stayed clean and she was happy and healthy. She was always prompt, kept us updated after every visit, and sent lots of great photos. We came home to a very happy cat and would definitely book again!
I'm so grateful we found Jasmine! I felt very safe leaving our pets and home in her care during a longer oversees trip. She is an excellent communicator, and has lots of experience with lots of animals and was confident with my picky eater and a cat who needed medication. She even ended up dealing with an ant infestation, and was resourceful and professional. We'll definitely work with 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.
How to book pet sitting
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 for pet sitting - Santa Cruz
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering pet sitting.Sitters in Santa Cruz average 6 repeat pet sitting clients
FAQs for Pet Sitting - Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of Pet Sitting in Santa Cruz is $22 per visit as of October 2026. Most bookings cost between $16 and $38 per visit. 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 4,728 sitters on Rover offering Pet Sitting across Santa Cruz. Enter your ZIP code to see which available sitters are closest to your home.
You and your sitter can agree on a care schedule that fits your pet’s routine and the sitter’s availability. Pet Sitting can be booked as a one-time or recurring drop-in visit. If you need overnight care or dog walks, you may also be able to book House Sitting or Dog Walking through Rover with the same sitter, provided they offer those services.
Before booking, confirm:
- the timing, length, and frequency of visits;
- the care instructions the sitter should follow;
- which parts of your pet’s usual routine should be prioritized;
- how often you would like to receive messages, photos, or other updates.
Not every sitter offers the same services, availability, or booking options. Review their profile and discuss the care you need through Rover before booking each service.
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 .
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 , 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:
- 83% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 88% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 93% 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 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 .
sitters on Rover set their own , 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.
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