House Sitting Van Meter
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 2 pet parents in Van Meter have booked house sitting
Van Meter, Find top rated house sitting
Prices are estimates per night. Pricing may vary based on your search. A booking fee of 11% and taxes will apply.
About: I’ve had cats and dogs my whole life, so I know how to take care of pets. I help take care of our current pets, a 17 year old dog and a cat with medicine. I’m a big animal lover (I have a degree in Animal Ecology) so I’ll be happy to sit for your pet! I usually work 2-6:30 around 4 times a week, sometimes working the full day (which I mark on my schedule). Outside of this timeframe I am available! I’m not able to keep pets at my house, unfortunately, but I am able to visit with your pet at your home and take care of them there.
“I booked Angie to stay overnight for 9 days with my 3 chihuahuas mix for my travel to Europe. She was very responsible and communicative with me. Also, my dog felt very comfortable with her since the first time! I would recommend her!”
“Jocelyn took such good care of our fur babies and we got so many pics and updates throughout the weekend. We will definitely entrust her with our fur babies again. Would recommend her to anyone looking!”
“Brianna was great with my dog. She responded quickly, sent me photos, and did everything I asked. She made it easy for me to relax while I was away from my home and my dog because I knew he was well taken care of.”
About: Hi! I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember and have grown up surrounded by dogs. I currently have a Golden Retriever named Sayde who lives with my parents back home, and although I don’t have a dog of my own in my apartment right now, caring for animals has always been a huge part of my life. Throughout the years, I’ve cared for pets belonging to family, friends, and members of my community. While attending Iowa State University, I joined the ACE Project, where I had the rewarding opportunity to foster several dogs who had experienced trauma or needed extra help with socialization. Working with these dogs taught me so much about patience, compassion, and the importance of creating a safe, loving environment where every dog can feel comfortable and thrive. I currently work at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Des Moines, where I care for and handle animals with a wide range of medical needs, including critically ill pets. This experience has given me valuable hands-on animal care experience and a strong medical knowledge base, allowing me to feel confident caring for pets who may need extra attention, medication, or specialized care. I truly miss fostering and spending time with dogs, and pet sitting feels like the perfect way to continue doing what I love! My goal is to make every pet feel safe, loved, and comfortable while their owners are away. Whether your pet is energetic and playful, shy and still warming up, or requires a little extra TLC, I’m happy to meet them where they are and give them the individualized care they deserve. I can’t wait to meet your furry family members! I work three 12-hour shifts at BluePearl Emergency Pet Hospital in Des Moines, and my schedule varies each week. I receive my schedule monthly, so planning ahead is helpful, especially for overnight stays. On my days off, I have plenty of time to dedicate to your pets and am available for drop-ins, dog walks, and spending quality time with them. For longer stays, I appreciate at least a month’s notice so I can coordinate with work and ensure I’m available. I always want to be upfront about my schedule to make sure your pets receive the time, attention, and care they deserve! I focus on keeping pets comfortable and sticking to their normal routines while their owners are away. I follow feeding schedules, make time for walks, playtime, and cuddles, and provide plenty of attention. I live in a spacious, pet-friendly apartment in a great neighborhood for long walks, with nearby hiking areas to explore. I’m also happy to crate your pet when I’m away if that’s part of their normal routine. Through my work at BluePearl Pet Hospital, I have experience caring for pets with medical needs and am comfortable following medication instructions. My goal is to make sure every pet feels safe, happy, and well cared for!
“Traci was awesome! Jovi loved her and Jovi is picky. Traci sent lots of updates while she house sat and watched our dog for a week. She was all we could hope for and more. Came home to a clean house and wash done on everything Traci used. Top notch and we highly recommend.”
“Zoe was amazing! We were getting married on NYE 2022 and we had a dog sitter cancel on us a few days before our big night. In a panic we signed up for Rover, found Zoe and she was a life saver. She came over and met with us and Jackson two days before our wedding night. She followed all of our instructions, checked in with us via text when she got to our house on NYE and sent a few pictures during her stay and based on those pictures her and Jackson became best friends. She left the house in perfect condition after her overnight stay, and even left a beautiful wedding card for us. We highly recommend Zoe and we'll definitely be using her again!!!”
“Travis was exceptionally quick to respond and very attentive to my three dogs. Two of my dogs can be hyper and he never once seemed put off by their behaviors. I got photo updates from him without having to ask and he was on time to get to my house before we left out of state. If we needed a sitter again, we’d definitely book with Travis.”
“Tiffany did a great job taking care of our pets and small hobby farm. She communicated regularly before, during, and after our trip. Tiffany was also flexible when unexpected things came up. I will definitely be booking with her again!”
About: I don’t have any pets of my own due to the financial commitment but I love furry friends!! I’ve taken care of friends, family, and neighbors’ pets for the past 10 years. I work a full-time weekday job, so pet care fits best into my evenings, early mornings, and weekends. I’m happy to build my schedule around your pet’s routine and will make sure they receive the attention, exercise, meals, medication, and companionship they’re used to. I’m dependable and communicative, and I’ll keep you updated while you’re away. I treat every pet like an individual and take the time to learn their routines, personality, comfort level, and any special instructions before caring for them. In your home, I’ll respect your space and follow your directions carefully. Safety is always my priority, including secure doors and leashes, supervision, and keeping pets comfortable in their familiar environment.
“Melanie was amazing!! She was wonderful with all 3 of my pups and took excellent care of them. She even took them on walks in the cold!! She kept me apprised every day and also sent me pictures of them each day. I wasn’t worried at all and was able to enjoy my vacation!! The pups loved her and we appreciated all she did for them!!”
About: I've taken care of three dogs of my own for the last 3. My oldest pup turned 10 this year. I love learning each pups love language to best take care of them. I'm available for drop ins at your home as well as short or long in home stays while you're aware to ensure your dogs are well taken care of. I look forward to caring for your pets like you would and keeping them safe, snuggled and well cared for while you're away. I will make sure they are loved and taken care of like I would want mine to be.
“Justus did an AMAZING job of watching my 1year old German Shepherd, Violet! She was there for 3 days and she sent tons of photos and updates so I didn't have to worry. She played with her a lot, left my house spotless and was respectful of everything there. I know Violet will love having her back next time I have to go out of town with her. Lastly, if she can handle my puppy and her energy for 3 days.. she can handle anything!”
About: I am very versatile. Adaptable. I have always tended to lean toward older dogs and have had older dogs up to age of 18. I have an absolute love of all animals. I work 2 days a week Wed and Friday. Friday is an 8 hour day in Ankeny. I am available after 445 on Fridays. I love all living creatures but I am allergic to cats. I have owned dogs, my last one passed away last year. I am a nurse and am very comfortable giving meds, injections and recognizing illness in dogs. I have done all of these things with past pets and dog sits. It would have to be in clients home. My current living situation does not allow for sitting in my home. I am well traveled and adapt well to many situations. I grew up in Des Moines and am very familiar with the area and surrounding areas.
“Sierra was amazing! Such great and fast communication which I really appreciate, sending us photos of the dogs, and left the house super clean and intact when she left. We would definitely book her again!”
“We’ve had Angie watch our pets for about a year, and we always have a positive experience. We have a couple of special of needs animals, and we recently added an 8 week puppy to the mix. Angie took it all in stride, and it’s comforting knowing we can rely on Angie when we’re away from home.”
About: I have been pet sitting since I was about 12 years old! I have pet sitted dogs, and cats! Each pet deserves as much attention and comfortablity when their owners/parents are away. I am very organized, dilegent, and cautious when it comes to pet sitting. I strive to give a great experience for both the pet and the parent so do not hesitate to reach out! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and I will respond as soon as possible! :) I am currently working part time, so I have lots of flexibility when it comes to pet sitting! I am also able to adjust my job based off of your pet's needs! I am able to take care of cats inside of my home, if they get along with other cats!. For taking care of pets in your home, you should expect them to be fed at their normal times, played with, and being taken care of using the expectations of the owner!
The median cost per night for house sitting in Van Meter is $46
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 - Van Meter
Select a filter and find qualifying sitters offering house sitting.Sitters in Van Meter average 5 repeat house sitting clients
FAQs for House Sitting - Van Meter
Frequently asked questions about Rover
The average cost of House Sitting in Van Meter is $29 per night as of November 2026. Most bookings cost between $29 and $34 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 November 2026, there are 502 sitters on Rover offering House Sitting across Van Meter. 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 Van Meter 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 Van Meter 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 Van Meter 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 Van Meter. On Rover:
- 90% of sitters can help with special care needs
- 95% can help with giving oral medications or injections
- 96% 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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