@Haylee, big hug. We have found mostly - but not all - positive exchanges through THS. As we gain experience (~50 sits) and as we learn from THS Forum then we have significantly enhanced the rigour of our due diligence. Initially we approached video calls with a mindset to sell ourselves to secure the sit. Increasingly we approach video calls as a two-way exploratory conversation to clarify targeted facts. We withdraw perhaps one-third of our applications following video calls - mostly as previously unstated facts are presented in the video call. We have also learned what features of Pet Parents, pets and properties bring us joy - and those that do not. Have concerns from listing? - state discussion topics in application. Want pet to sleep in housesitter human bed? - withdraw. Unable leave pet for reasonable duration? - withdraw. Clear pet behavioural issues? - withdraw. There’s a whole lot of housesit opportunities out there.
We’ve determined that fair exchange is subjective. Housesitter community seems very diverse in terms of situation, objectives and preferences. Beyond its policies, THS cannot police subjectiveness of fair exchange. So onus is on each person to identify great listings/applicants and to gain appropriate confidence through due diligence process.