House Sitting Van Meter
Find a loving house sitter to watch over your pets and your home.
Over 1 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.
“Claire was amazing with our two (somewhat high-maintenance) French Bulldogs, one of which is still a puppy. She cared for them and our home and sent us several updates and pictures each day. We’ll definitely be having her dog sit again!”
“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!”
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.
“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.”
“This was our first time using Rover and it was a great experience! Allison took great care of our house and our dog. She was responsive (sent lots of cute photos of our dog), followed the care instructions we left, and left our home in great shape! We are so happy that we found someone trustworthy to watch our dog. We look forward to having Allison stay with our dog in the future. We definitely recommend booking with Allison!”
“Jen house sat and stayed with the dogs over the weekend and did a fantastic job! She gave great updates and followed the house- and dog-related instructions perfectly. Highly recommend!”
“Stacey is awesome!! I'll admit that I'm not the most timely communicator, but Stacey is! She She always confirmed with me before our scheduled meet and greets, she was confident with our dog that isn't the best with new people, she kept us up to date regarding how our three pups were doing, and sent some sweet pictures. Our pups were clearly content hanging out with her. We will definitely be asking her to stay again! Thank you, Stacey!”
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.
“Elizabeth exceeded our expectations. She kept us well informed and went above and beyond. We have a older Great Dane as well as a puppy. She handled both and they loved her. I would highly recommend her for future jobs. Well done Liz! So much thanks”
“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!”
“Bella did an amazing job! She is a great communicator and went above and beyond my expectations! The dogs absolutely loved her. We will absolutely be reaching out to her again. I would recommend her to anyone!”
“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!”
“Jennifer took great care of our pup, Rocky! She spent quality time with him, made sure to only take him on walks in safe temperatures, and he was happy and tired when we got home!”
About: Growing up on a farm means I’ve been surrounded by animals all my life, including but not limited to: dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and even donkeys. I’m currently employed part time and looking to turn my love for animals into a side hustle. Right now my schedule is fairly open, I’m employed part time mainly working mornings and some weekends, may change but I’m always willing to be flexible. I don’t have my own place yet so I cannot board, but I will come to your house and care for the pet in whatever way is required, and clean up after myself before leaving. My belief is you shouldn’t even notice I was there!
About: I started in the veterinary field at the age of 15 as a kennel technician and cross trained in the clinic as a veterinary assistant. I then went to school for animal/veterinary science and graduated with valuable skills and education. After school I went into zookeeping where i cared for a variety of taxa including but not limited to carnivores and hoofed animals. After leaving the field and changing careers, I became a foster home for Oh My Dog Rescue based in the Des Moines IA area. As a Retail Manager my schedule is not consistent however I guarantee that I will check on your animals a minimum of twice per day unless otherwise agreed upon. I do best house/petsitting for clients who leave detailed instructions and emergency contacts. I bring structure and high quality care to the table in every home I enter.
“Rachael was great with my puppy! She picked her up for a stay at her house and sent me frequent updates with lots of great pictures. My puppy had the best time and I was very assured that she was well cared for!”
About: I currently don't have any pets of my own. In February 2025, my family and I sadly said goodbye to our beloved dog, Buddy, after 17 wonderful years together. I miss him deeply-our walks, cuddles, and the unconditional companionship he brought to my life every day. While Buddy will always hold a special place in my heart, Rover provides a meaningful opportunity for both pet owners and me. I can help families by providing dependable, loving care for their dogs, while also continuing to spend time with the animals I've loved my entire life. Caring for dogs fills a void left by losing Buddy and allows me to do something that brings me genuine joy. I've been caring for dogs since I was six years old. Having had dogs throughout my life and now into my mid-fifties, I understand how important it is to find someone who provides compassionate, loving, and trustworthy care. I know the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog is safe, happy, and well cared for when you're away. I've been surrounded by dogs my entire life, including dachshunds, beagles, german shepards and mixed breeds like Buddy - who was a basset / black lab. Every dog I've had has been treated as a cherished member of the family, receiving endless love, patience, and care - and I would treat your dog the very same way. You'll notice there aren't many photos of me with Buddy - I was usually the one behind the camera capturing all of his adventures and favorite moments. My goal is to make sure your dog feels safe, loved, comfortable, and happy while in my care, giving you complete peace of mind while you're away. I look forward to meeting you and taking care of your fur baby. Thanks for your consideration and the opportunity. Have a wonderful day. Because I work from home full-time, I can fit pet care into my daily schedule. I enjoy taking breaks for walks, outdoor time, playtime, and cuddles, which allows me to give dogs attention throughout the day. My flexible weekday and weekend availability means your dog won't be left alone for long periods and will receive compassionate, attentive care. I live in a pet-friendly apartment community with easy access to sidewalks in quiet neighborhoods and nearby trails, providing plenty of opportunities for dogs to get exercise, explore, and enjoy time outdoors. Because I work from home full-time, I can provide regular potty breaks, walks, playtime, and companionship throughout the day. Your dog's safety, comfort, and happiness are my top priorities. Dogs in my care will always be supervised, walked on a leash, and given a calm, loving environment where they can feel secure and at home. Having cared for dogs my entire life, I understand the trust involved in leaving your pet with someone else, and I am committed to treating every dog as if they were my own—with patience, compassion, and attentive care.
“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!”
“Chloe was the BEST I could’ve ever found to watch after our big friendly giant, Dutton in our home!! She had incredible communication and was so kind throughout the whole process. This was our first time using rover and we had to book somewhat last minute- I’m SO glad we chose Chloe!!! She took the best care of our giant boy and kept us updated with texts and photos the whole time. We’ll be booking her again without a doubt 😍”
The median cost per night for house sitting in Van Meter is $47
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 October 2026. Most bookings cost between $29 and $29 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 October 2026, there are 488 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 , 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 .
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 .
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.
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.
Connect anywhere with the Rover app
