Verified dog lovers
Every sitter's profile shows their experience with specific breeds, real photos with dogs they've cared for, and reviews written by actual dog owners in your city.
Real profiles, real trust
Dog sitters in Iowa's capital
From Gray's Lake loops to trail walks on the Des Moines River, find sitters who treat your dog with heartland hospitality. $22,000 Protection Plan included.
Find Des Moines Dog Sitters0% owner fee + cashback
$59better off on Petme
$420
On Petme$407+$13 Cashback
Typical platforms$466+$46 Owner fee · 11-15%
Petme adds 0% owner fee and pays cashback (capped at $20 a booking). Typical platforms charge between 11% and 15% owner fees. Sitters set their own rates, so totals vary.
200K+
Dog lovers
Pet lovers from 43 countries
$22,000
Protection Plan
Protection Plan included
24/7
Availability
Real humans, always available
Dog care services across Des Moines
Overnight Dog Boarding
Your dog stays in a Des Moines sitter's home with yard time, walks, and Midwestern warmth.
Daily Dog Walking
Gray's Lake loops, river trail walks, or neighborhood routes.
House Sitting
A trusted sitter stays at your home while you are away, keeping your dog in their own familiar environment. Daily feeding, walks, playtime, and companionship are included throughout.
Drop-in Dog Visits
A sitter visits your dog at home for a check-in, feeding, fresh water, and a short walk or play session. Perfect for dogs who do best in their own space when owners are at work.
Doggy Day Care
Full-day care at a sitter's home with play, rest, and attention.
Verified pet sitters in Des Moines
ID check and background check on every profile. Rates and reviews when you open one.
Dog parks in Des Moines
Lake trails, river walks, and off-leash areas
Gray's Lake Park
A 167-acre park with a 2-mile lake loop, beach, and city views.
- 167 acres
- 2-mile loop
- Lake
Greenwood/Ashworth Dog Park
A popular off-leash park with separate areas and community atmosphere.
- Off-leash
- Size-separated
- Popular
Des Moines River Trail
A multi-mile trail along the Des Moines River connecting parks.
- River trail
- Multi-mile
- Connected
Raccoon River Park
A 640-acre park in West Des Moines with a lake, trails, and nature areas.
- 640 acres
- Lake
- Nature
Caring for your dog in Des Moines
Iowa seasons, river safety, and heartland tips
Extreme seasons
Des Moines has hot, humid summers and bitterly cold winters. Adjust outdoor time and gear.
Ice and salt in winter
Iowa winters mean ice and salt. Protect paws and limit exposure in extreme cold.
River and lake safety
Des Moines River can have strong currents after rain. Supervise dogs near water.
Growing dog scene
Des Moines' dog community is thriving with new parks, patios, and events.
Why Des Moines dog owners choose Petme
Heartland Dog Care
Des Moines is friendly, growing, and dog-loving.
No kennels, ever
Your dog stays in a real home with a real person. We believe dogs deserve comfort, familiar routines, and one-on-one attention - not concrete floors and barking echoes.
Home-based care only
$22,000 Protection Plan
Every booking includes the Petme Protection Plan. If something unexpected happens during a stay or walk, your dog is backed by the plan, at no extra cost.
Peace of mind, built in
Meet before you book
Schedule a free meet-and-greet so your dog can get comfortable with their sitter before the booking is confirmed. Chemistry matters - for dogs and their owners.
The sniff test
Common questions about dog sitting in Des Moines
Everything you need to know before booking a dog sitter
How much does dog boarding cost in Des Moines?
Dog boarding typically ranges from $25 to $45 per night. All bookings include $22,000 in Protection Plan.
Are there off-leash dog parks?
Yes. Greenwood/Ashworth Dog Park is a popular off-leash spot in Des Moines, and local sitters often use it for walks. Tell your sitter your dog's usual places and walk length when you book so the routine fits.
Are dog sitters on Petme insured?
Every booking in Des Moines is covered by the Petme Protection Plan, with up to $22,000 for eligible expenses if your dog is injured or falls ill during a stay. There is nothing extra to buy, and no booking fee for dog owners.
Does Petme cover West Des Moines?
Yes. Petme covers Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, and surrounding areas.
How do I know if a dog sitter in Des Moines is trustworthy?
Every dog sitter on Petme completes identity verification before their profile goes live. Most sitters also have reviews written by dog owners in Des Moines who have used their services. You can browse each sitter's full profile, view their photos with dogs, check their listed breed experience, and read every review before getting in touch. You are never obligated to book - messaging a sitter is always free.
Does every dog sitting booking in Des Moines include the Petme Protection Plan?
Yes. Every booking made through Petme - whether it is overnight boarding, a dog walk, or a drop-in visit - includes the Petme Protection Plan, which may contribute up to $22,000 if your dog is injured or becomes ill during a stay or walk. No separate purchase is required, and there is no opt-in process. The plan is included in every booking by default.
Can I meet a dog sitter in Des Moines before committing to a booking?
Yes. Every Petme booking starts with a free meet-and-greet. You and your dog get to meet the sitter in person before any booking is confirmed. You only go ahead when you are both comfortable - and most dog owners say the meet-and-greet is the step that gives them the most confidence. There is no charge for the meeting and no obligation to proceed.
Dog sitting in Des Moines
Des Moines is Iowa's capital with Gray's Lake, the Des Moines River trail, and friendly neighborhoods with big yards.
Petme connects Des Moines dog owners with local sitters who offer boarding, walks, daycare, and drop-in visits with zero booking fees.
Whether your dog loves Gray's Lake, the river trail, or a sitter's big Beaverdale yard, Petme has the right match.
Sitters with Midwestern yards
Coverage across central Iowa
Same-day booking available
Average sitter rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pet Sitting in United States
Explore all the pet care opportunities across United States. See local rates, find pet owners near you, and join a thriving community of pet lovers.
Explore United StatesAverage rates in United States
Dog Walking
$15 – $30/walk
Drop-In Visit
$15 – $25/visit
Boarding
$35 – $75/night
House Sitting
$45 – $85/night
Day Care
$25 – $50/day
Dog sitters in other cities
Find trusted dog care in cities near you
Find a Des Moines dog sitter
Des Moines dog owners trust Petme for heartland dog care with $20K Protection Plan.
