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: Dogs Are My World – I have extensive hands-on experience with dogs: Worked at an animal shelter, caring for many different dogs with a variety of needs Served as a personal babysitter for a puppy and adult dogs Provided ongoing care for a senior woman and her dog Successfully trained my own dog, who is now wonderfully well-behaved Every walk I work on leash training and have watched my techniques turn into success in stopping leash pulling and better leash manners. I’m extremely responsible, reliable, and patient. Whether it’s daily walks, playtime, training reinforcement, or just giving your pup lots of love and attention while you’re away, I treat every dog like my own. I am versitile in dog psychology and really understand how do give them what they need. Your dog’s happiness and safety are my top priority! I am currently fully available days and nights. I live in aptos in a studio with my boyfriend and I am missing the doggie love in my life right now! I would NEVER leave your dog alone. If they're under my supervision we are now bestfriends on a playdate all day. I can accomadate any kind of activities you would prefer your dog to do. Wether thats beach time, socializing with other dogs, NOT socializing with other dogs, hiking in the woods (If they're tick and flea vaccinated), or a day of training and playing in the park. I would love to accomadate what is best for your dog's needs.
About: I’m a 21 year old college graduate looking to fulfill her hopes of pet setting once again! Being a full time student meant busy weeks, leaving no time for pet care. Something I actively did before transferring to UCSC. But with this newfound, post-graduate freedom, I’m eager to get back into the gig. Besides caring for my own kitties, I’ve worked with 7 clients over the past four years. All of which have been dog sitting gigs, with one job including an additional 3 cats (if that makes sense haha). And in my time as a sitter I’ve had four consistent clients. Additionally, I’m more than willing to sit for most dogs/ cats regardless of age, size, energy level, etc. It is my job (and such a privilege) to ensure their needs are met! Worth a mention - I’ve not had any experience in pet training, but I’m committed to being the best companion to the little loves! I can’t wait to connect with you and your fur-babies! I’m hoping to fill my week days (which are fairly open as of late) with pet care! Connecting with animals is truly such a rewarding job. Knowing I can make your life easier, and also that your pets are happy fills my heart with oodles of joy. My housing agreement unfortunately states that I can’t allow pets on to the premises. However, I’m extremely comfortable staying in/ visiting other spaces. Being respectful of your space is one of my top priorities.
About: I’ve been taking care of dogs since I was a child. I’ve raised my Weimaraner, Púca, from when she was just eight weeks old. Púca means the world to me, and I treat her (and every dog) as such. I enjoy walking and meeting dogs of all breeds, and would love to take care of your pup. Also! I am trans, and go by the name Tim (he/him). Unfortunately, I can't change my name on Rover, so it still shows my deadname. Please refer to me as Tim-- thanks! I'm looking for dogsitting opportunities in SF for the weekends when I’m not in class. I can start in the early evening on Fridays and end in the early evening on Sundays I will make sure that your dog’s needs are met by showering them with affection, playing with them, making sure they take water breaks, feeding them the appropriate amount, and taking them on lots of walks.
About: I’ve always had dogs and cats growing up. Being with animals is a passion of mine! I am currently working at Animal Hospital of Soquel as a kennel tech. I Wouldn’t mind caring for other kinds of pets! I am currently working at Animal Hospital of Soquel, Im available for drop ins and dog walks most days, currently working Sunday through Wednesday and some Saturdays. I will update my schedule as much as I can! 🫶✨ If you have a certain schedule you follow at home, I can follow that no problem! Just let me know what needs to be done and I can do that for ya!
“Miranda did a wonderful job taking care of our dog. She was very professional and attentive when we met. Our dog was happy and healthy after several days under Miranda's care”
“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: Hello! My name is Leo, and I have been in and out of dog-related jobs since I was fifteen years old. I am only twenty years old and a college student; however, my passion for animals (specifically dogs) is what drives me the most, and I would be as committed as necessary to your pet in all cases. I would provide your pet with premium care to the fullest extent! I worked at AlphaDog Lodging (a dog boarding/daycare) for just under two years, followed by a 9-month unpaid intership at Camino Alto Veterinary Clinic. I have also recently been dog-sitting quite a bit, my longest stay being two weeks. My experience in animal care is to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a Veterinarian, and Rover gives me the opportunity to keep working hard for you and your pet! June 23rd - July 26th: Free every day, anytime. July 28th-August 28th: Downtown Santa Cruz, available all day Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun. Unfortunately, gone from 9am-4pm on Tues and Thurs (can stop by at noon though). Can do any night, if you are comfortable with your dog being alone for four hours at a time. August 28th-September 23rd: Downtown Santa Cruz, free any day, any time! Santa Cruz: I live in a studio attached to a house with a large front and back yard. Our backyard is fenced in and quite exciting for dogs to explore. We get lots of birds and squirrels, and sometimes a neighbor's cat comes by to visit. I would have your pet stay in my room on a cot, bed, or crate (I only have a cot and a small dog bed here). Kenwood: I live on a large property with my parents, where I could bring your pet home, and they could run forever. Everything is fenced in here; however would prefer bringing a smaller dog home. I am very open to staying in your home as well, for a greater price.
“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!”
“Mámoo is absolutely wonderful with Kato (my high-energy female husky). It’s easy to see the care and enthusiasm they bring to every visit. Kato gets excited as soon as she sees them. Mámoo plays, runs, and engages with her in a way that matches her energy. It’s clear they enjoy spending time together. I am confident Kato is in such loving hands and capable hands.”
“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: 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: I have experience with dogs of all sizes and all ages! I grew up training and caring for a strong and stubborn German Shepherd. In the past few years, I’ve lived with a Retriever puppy - training him to be a sociable young man that goes potty outside. I’m the go-to for my friends and family when it comes to pet sitting. They trust me with their fur babies and appreciate how I maintain the routine their pet is familiar with. I work fully remote, so I have lots of flexibility when it comes to walks, playtime, and housesitting! On weekdays, I’m most available after 11:00am PT. I’m occasionally available on weekends! I want to care for your pet in the way you do! Please fill me in on their routine and their sensitivities! I want them to care for them in a way that feels familiar and safe.
About: I personally love taking care of and spending time with all animals, especially dogs! I’ve had three dogs and several cats since I was 4 and my first dog was especially very special to me and really started my love for dogs of all shapes and sizes. I’m comfortable with performing any and all tasks that come with caring for pets and it makes me happy just being around them! I have experience with house-sitting, walking, drop-ins, and vacation care. I’m also experienced in special care that you might request for your pet such as medicine. I’m looking forward to meeting so many cute new pets and I’m so excited for this opportunity! If you have any other please questions contact me! I look forward to meeting you, and of course your pet(s)! I am currently working part-time and am able to set my hours so I have more hours in the day to care for your fur babies. I have a fenced yard and two loving and playful dogs in addition to a very calm and laid-back cat. I make sure every animal I am with is comfortable with my presence before I approach them with loads of love to ensure both of our comfort is respected.
The median cost per visit for pet sitting in Santa Cruz is $27
Pet parents share their Rover experiences - Santa Cruz
We recently contacted Dylan on short notice to look after our 2 cats and we couldn't be happier with his service. He responded quickly, gave recommendations, and stayed on top of everything when caring for the kitties. We recommend Dylan's care to anyone in-need of a visit! Dylan, we are so grateful for your care over the last week!
Miranda was great communicating what was going on with each cat on a daily basis while we were away. She also took some fantastic photos of them and shared them each visit. It was a sweet surprise to find a picture of each cat printed when we returned. Will definitely have her back for our next trip.
Shylynn took wonderful care of my sweet shy cat while I was away for four days. She sent lots of great pictures with her daily updates, and it was reassuring to see him having fun and making a new friend. He was calm and happy when I got home. She also very considerately took initiative to water my plants because the weather had been hot. I hope to have Shylynn take care of him again the next time I need a sitter.
Kit took great care of our two cats! She met with us beforehand to review everything, communicated well throughout our trip, and sent lots of photos to keep us connected. I would definitely recommend Kit to anyone looking for a reliable and caring pet sitter.
We were delighted to have Scotia cat sit our new young cats while we were on a trip. She previously provided excellent care for our senior cat so we knew she would be easy to work with, reliable, and sensitive to the cats’ needs and personalities. She won over both our cats even though they can be nervous around new people.
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.
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?
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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
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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 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.
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