We have had sitters care for our cat and home many times over the past 4 years we have been with THS, and I’ve never had applicants withdraw their application after a request for a video call. But with our recent post for a 5-week sit, I’m having difficulty finding a sitter, as 3 recent applicants s…

As a sitter I also like video calls, for many of the reasons already stated – gives both sides a better picture of each other. I actually prefer that to a disembodied voice on the phone; you can see the body language. (Even though I know I look crap on video :rofl: ) (taking advantage of the litt…

Video calls are not intrusive, it’s perfectly reasonable to do one before letting a stranger into your home! If sitters refuse to do one, perhaps THS isn’t suitable for them. I do video calls for most of the sits I’ve done and it’s the best way to connect with people short of meeting in person. Good…

@ABGM I have to be very careful what I write, but I also wondered what a ‘bunny HO’ was…

@Katie Is it common to abbreviate it like this: bunny HO, horse HO, dog HO, etc.? This was the first time I’d come across the expression. My creative mind is already running wild with it… But if it’s perfectly normal, I’ll remember to put on my ‘this-is-completely-normal’ hat next time.

I do not appreciate this bullying and pile on. Please remove the tag immediately and do not address me again.

[image] EmilyDickinson: Is it common to abbreviate it like this: bunny HO, horse HO, dog HO, etc.? This was the first time I’d come across the expression. My creative mind is already running wild with it… I used to use “HO” as short for “Homeowner,” until I started noticing how calling someon…

[image] CocoMom: one went on about this being a community of people helping each other, and that a video call is intrusive. A bit of a contradiction here. People who help each other usually communicate with each other. If asking for a video call is intrusive, what would they call getting in…

I used Hosts for a while - I like it better, it conveys the exchange of the arrangement, and I think it helps decenter the idea that the people posting sits are automatically wealthy folks swanning around the world for fun. Lots of people on THS don’t own their homes. Got pushback on the forum (thou…

A “host” can also be referring to an organism that is supporting a parasites. So, that wouldn’t shed a nice light on sitters.

Applicants withdrawing after request for a video call

Owner Questions, Advice & Chat

Silversitters 2 August 2026 22:41 41

@EmilyDickinson

A link to the thread where members were asked to vote on what term should be used

Topic		Replies	Views
Videocalls again Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat	57	880	30 July 2026
HOs who believe an application is an offer to sit Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat	57	1503	2 April 2026
Owners, what do you hope to achieve by having a video call? Owner Questions, Advice & Chat	67	1303	27 June 2025
Owners who opt out of video calls Owner Questions, Advice & Chat	60	1087	14 September 2025
Video calls Owner Questions, Advice & Chat	35	648	18 September 2025

Applicants withdrawing after request for a video call

Related topics