Richmond dog care, river-city ready

Dog sitters who know RVA like locals

From James River trail runs to Belle Isle adventures, find sitters who care for your dog with genuine RVA spirit. $20,000 vet coverage included.

Find RVA Dog Sitters

150,000+

Dog lovers

Pet lovers from 40+ countries

$20,000

Vet coverage

Every booking fully insured

24/7

Availability

Real humans, always available

Dog care services across Richmond

Overnight Dog Boarding

Your dog stays in an RVA sitter's home with yard time, walks, and personal attention.

Daily Dog Walking

James River trails, Byrd Park loops, or neighborhood walks through The Fan and Carytown.

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 personal attention.

Dog sitters available in Richmond

Browse verified dog sitters near The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, and more

To browse dog sitters in Richmond, Virginia, please enable JavaScript or download the Petme app.

Best dog parks in Richmond

River trails, island adventures, and off-leash areas

Belle Isle

A 54-acre island in the James River accessible by footbridge. Rocky beaches, trails, and swimming holes.

Island park
River swimming
Trails

Barker Field Dog Park

Richmond's oldest and largest off-leash park in Byrd Park with open fields and shade.

Off-leash
Historic
Large

James River Park System

Over 550 acres of trails, rapids, and riverside parks running through the city.

550 acres
Rapids
Riverside

Phideaux Dog Park

A well-maintained off-leash park in Henrico with separate areas and water features.

Henrico
Size-separated
Water features

Caring for your dog in Richmond

Southern heat, river safety, and RVA tips

Virginia summer heat

Richmond summers are hot and humid. Walk during cooler hours and keep dogs hydrated.

James River safety

The James River has rapids and currents. Supervise dogs near the water and avoid areas after heavy rain.

Tick prevention

Virginia has active tick seasons. Keep dogs on year-round prevention and check after river walks.

RVA dog culture

Richmond is one of the most dog-friendly cities on the East Coast with brewery patios, events, and a passionate community.

Why RVA dog owners choose Petme

River City Care for Your Dog

Richmond is creative, outdoorsy, and full of character. Petme sitters share that spirit.

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

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

$20,000 vet coverage

Every booking includes veterinary protection through the Petme Protection Plan. If something unexpected happens during a stay or walk, your dog is covered — 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 Richmond

Everything you need to know before booking a dog sitter

How much does dog boarding cost in Richmond?

Dog boarding in RVA typically ranges from $25 to $50 per night. The Fan and Museum District may be higher. All bookings include $20,000 in vet protection.

Can my dog swim in the James River?

Yes, in calm areas. Belle Isle and Pony Pasture are popular swimming spots. Avoid rapids and post-storm conditions.

Are dog sitters on Petme insured?

Yes. Every booking includes up to $20,000 in veterinary coverage.

Can I find sitters in Short Pump?

Yes. Petme covers all of Greater Richmond including Short Pump, Midlothian, Glen Allen, and Henrico.

How do I know if a dog sitter in Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond include vet coverage?

Yes. Every booking made through Petme — whether it is overnight boarding, a dog walk, or a drop-in visit — is automatically covered by the Petme Protection Plan. This provides up to $20,000 in veterinary care if your dog is injured or becomes ill during a stay or walk. No separate insurance purchase is required, and there is no opt-in process. The protection is included in every booking by default.

Can I meet a dog sitter in Richmond 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 Richmond

Richmond is a river city with incredible outdoor access for dogs. The James River Park System, Belle Isle, and dog-friendly neighborhoods like The Fan make it a top dog city.

Petme connects RVA dog owners with local sitters who offer boarding, walks, daycare, and drop-in visits. Browse from Church Hill to Short Pump with zero booking fees.

Whether your dog loves Belle Isle, the James River trails, or a sitter's Fan District yard, Petme has the right match.

Sitters who know the James River

Coverage from Downtown to Short Pump

Same-day booking available

Average sitter rating: 4.8 out of 5

Dog sitters in other cities

Find trusted dog care in cities near you

Find a dog sitter RVA dogs love

Richmond dog owners trust Petme for river-city dog care with $20K vet coverage.

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