Completely agree, plus what would this forum become if everyone and anyone could just blame others and name them?
@Cat-ophile, don’t you think that the very same people that should be kicked off would write here blame others?
We have actually had one case where identity was clearly inferred and the poster kept blaming the HO for all sorts of things, while most of what happened was really her fault in everyone’s opinion.
Your review is their feedback. No need to get into toing and froing with these sitters and giving yourself more stress.
We’re experienced sitters, with over 50 sits under our belt (many of them repeats). You wouldn’t need to tell us to act responsibly, walk Charlie according to his established routine, pick up his poop, keep the home safe and tidy, because we’d do that automatically and our reviews all confirm this. You took a risk with new sitters, so all the more reason to verbalise your requirements and specify expectations and requirements in your welcome guide.
You’ve done all you can, now. Put the kettle on, relax and try to let it go. Next time will be much better, you’ll see!
I agree with others that putting it behind you now is the best that can happen to you. I put it this way because, being an overthinker myself, I know how hard it is not to think about something when people and events keep reminding you of that. I hope that your house and pet are now back to normal, which will help you overcome this difficult sit. Perhaps it could also be a good idea to discourage other people from bringing up this issue.
I wish you good luck in future sits and I am really convinced chances are that you will have a great experience.
And it’ll probably continue that way. People don’t want to upset the other person with a bad review, but will vent here.
I’d think that if such info was disclosed on the forum, more people would use it to obtain such critical info. Maybe not, but it does get frustrating knowing a number of bad players continue hosting or sitting because individuals either soften their review or simply not write one.
I get your frustration, but doubt that would solve the problem.
Another dilemma. My daughter’s black hoodie has gone missing and we cannot find it anywhere. She has autism and very particular about the clothes she wears. On reviewing the ring footage as I already know the female house sitters had been wearing my clothes, not just one hoodie, it looks as though she was wearing the black hoodie also and I suspect she may have taken it.
What do I do? It has a very unique lip on the left zip. It may be she has inadvertently taken it, not meaning to, but I’ve tried to buy another, and it’s out of stocK
(Edited to be in line with our forum guidelines)
I would message in this case suggesting maybe she has taken it in error and pointing out how special it is to your daughter, worth a try to get something special back, but as a sitter they stink.
This is a reason that I am grateful to NOT have any sort of ring or other camera. You already know that the pet care was poor, based on your neighbors’ concerns, your own experience with the sitters on arrival, and the condition of your home on return. Watching the video now will only serve to upset you more.
I had one sitter who I’m 95% sure didn’t actually stay at my place for a lot of the sit, and even from their photos I could tell my cat was really stressed out. So was I, during the sit, from far away, but everyone lived. I am really glad to not have a way to watch and relive it.
Now you know to put your external Ring camera in your profile, so it won’t slip your mind leading up to the sit. It’s totally on you for not disclosing it, and a huge oversight for many sitters. But the behavior of the sitters is far worse. Please do leave an honest review.
I agree it’s worth trying, but don’t get your hopes too high.
Sorry this happened and with three kids and a camper this was the last thing you needed. I agree with folks - give an honest review without emotion. As far as the other 5 star reviews who knows they might have friends who are hosts and sitters and they gave them some quick reviews to build their profile quickly. Of course that cannot be proved but it sounds fishy… In any case, as folks said there are tons of great sitters out there with lots of 5 star reviews and perhaps make it a rule that you decline any sitter application that has no reviews of yet. Good luck!
I messaged them and as suggested asked if it had possibly packed by accident as we just can’t find it and advised of how distraught my daughter is which is me being honest.
I got a response!!! She is doubling down on how well she looked after the house and our dog and raging at the review, however I think she knows she has it and preparing us to tell us she does have it. I haven’t copied the entire comment as not relevant but she wrote this about the hoodie
‘I want to make it clear that if it is in our things, then it was completely by mistake and not intentional. We don’t need or intend to take anything from anyone.
I am going to trust that you understand that sometimes things get picked up or put somewhere accidentally without there being any agenda or motive behind it. If we have it, I will let you know and we will mail it back’
The rest of the message was distressing to read as they doubled down on their respect fore the house, care of Charlie and communication with us and it makes out that we handled everything wrong by writing the very negative review which will affect their ability to travel and housesit using the site it was hard reading and not responding with
My explanation as I have photo and video evidence to prove my statements at the
Moment I’m not saying anything as I think she may actually send ithe hoodie back and ultimately that’s all I want for my daughter
they do the right thing and send the hoody back, and you can all go with the “accidental mistake”. I really hope you get it back.
No, hosts clothing absolutely does not get ‘picked up’ - whether accidentally or not - by trustworthy sitters. What a ridiculous comment!
It really sounds like it.
I mean, who would go into all this “I want to make clear “ thing if she knew they don’t have it or if they didn’t intend to return it.?
Please let us know if you get it back.
I will do.
YES! You’ve done a great service for other HOs.
The ability to house sit should depend on the sitters doing a good job. Pretty simple really, do the right thing, get a decent review. Repeat 
Yes. Having not revealed the Ring camera, don’t be goaded to go there. I agree with crossing fingers & hoping they do the right thing re: the jacket. The rest is just white noise at this point.