I’m curious what sort of reviews @BeKind ‘s sitter had previously. No red flags for attitude?
I don’t recall if the sitters’ terms say “thou shalt provide daily updates” – I didn’t know – but people joining as sitters only aren’t going to see that in the HO terms. Definitely something that should be discussed in the video chat or preliminary conversation before confirming. Sounds like you have it sorted now in your listing, and I hope things don’t end on a sour note with the sitter.
Depending on the outcome, you should definitely mention this in your review of her.
IMO sitters should ask, if the HO’s don’t mention it. On my first sit (hers too) I asked “do you want updates?”; she shrugged and said “nah…” Well, after about 4 days of radio silence, I thought, “Geez, if I left a stranger in my house with my pet, I’d sure want updates”, so I sent her a quick e-mail with a photo and “we’re fine” sort of message, and she was happy with that.
Another way to look at it is to let the HO know that the sitter is OK and still there. If they’re out exploring, silence could mean they got creamed in a highway accident or hit by a bus. Maybe they had a heart attack or are immobilized after falling down the stairs. As a sitter, I want the HO to know I’m still here “on the job”. @BeKind , if she is going to be all “don’t you trust me” you could suggest, “Hey, as well as hearing about the pets, we just want to know you are OK as you explore the area.”
I agree with everything you say. I had a conversation with a sitter recently that wanted to walk my dog in the afternoon only. My profile states 2 walks, big one in morning and small one in late afternoon. She wanted to combine both walks into one. Not the sitter for me.
We’ve always found an appropriate time in the “getting-to-know-each-other-are-we-a-good-fit” journey to throw in this line:
“While You’re Away - We love keeping you updated! We usually send multiple photos and/or videos throughout the day so you can see how everything’s going. Does that work for you?”
It lets the HO know what we’re comfortable doing, gives them the opportunity to think on what actually would work best for them, and then together we arrive at a fair and practical balance. Each HO’s journey is different, we know that, we respect that, and it helps us to meet them where they’re at. And as @Felinelover quite rightly points out you can snap 30 pictures on day 1 and just send them a day at a time
A HUGE thanks to everyone for your replies!!! I think it’s very unfortunate that sitters and homeowners are not seeing the same info from THS. BUT, I do agree that it is the responsibility of both sitters and homeowners to communicate their needs very clearly and before a sit is confirmed. Lessons have been learned. Again, THANKS!!!
Quoted from the house sitter guidelines: “Agree on communication during the sit. Find out how often the pet parent would like to hear from you during your stay and in what form they would prefer to receive updates - whether that’s via email, photos or maybe a video call.”
Note about the suggestion to take a bunch of photos on one day and send them over successive dates: Some phones and cameras automatically embed meta data in photos, and some recipients might know how to check for the time, location and such about how a photo was taken.
If updates are something you’re worried about as a host, I suggest checking reviews for such references. Like my previous hosts frequently mention that I communicate strongly and regularly.
To me, doing updates is dead easy. I take lots of pet photos anyway, because I find them sweet and fun. I typically update every morning, from whatever time zone the sit is in.
As a sitter, I raise this at the outset, in my application and sitter profile — I’m on a bunch of comms apps and am happy to give regular updates. I pursue one- or two-week sits and usually update at least daily, depending on hosts’ preferences.
I didn’t need THS to tell me that this matters, because as someone with a pet, it was easy for me to put myself in a host’s place from the start. When traveling, I love seeing updates about my own pet. Whether he’s with my husband or a sitter, I miss my dog.
I was unaware of this requirement and after your post, I searched Terms,responsibilities and even asked that electronic idiot Frankie. As far as I was able to determine, that video is the only place that promise is made.
I think the answers above are best (and are consistent with terms): the frequency is whatever you agree to in advance.
As a new sitter, this was helpful to remind me to get explicit agreement at one of the three or more contacts prior to the sit.
Like most here, I wasn’t aware that pet-owners are promised this by THS.
However, I almost always do send a daily snap/message. It takes literally 30 seconds, and, as a couple of you have mentioned, I do enjoy taking great pics of the pets. I know for sure (most) owners appreciate that, and have often commented on what nice pics I take.
I think there was only one time that a pet-owner told me not to bother sending any pics - ’’I know what Tiddles asleep looks like’!’’
My last sit was 51 days’ duration. I send lots of photos as I am very snappy happy! I was unaware that it was expected every day though! I can send several at once if the pets are being newsworthy. I also include pet topic photos to lighten up and add variety and humour to my frequent updates.
My last review was fab but I didn’t realize
“ he sent photos almost daily “ could be construed as a criticism!
One sit I saw advertised in Spain wanted a daily video at a certain time and set place on the property! I think that’s getting a bit over the top . I’d be interested to read what other sitters thought about that. Also it was located very much in the countryside and there was a two hour limit to be off site.
Sad we are heading this way it kills the joy if you start thinking help I’m 30 mins late with a posting!
A balance is what I strive for. If they ask for more I don’t treat them like Oliver Twist was treated.
.Of course they love and miss their pets! I find the pets equally adorable. I would never say, “ You’ve had your quota for today! “
Had no idea about this either, but it fits perfectly with the broader marketing strategy; One that suggests far less that sitters are voluntary, paying members and far more an in-house staffing operation.
They’re certainly dancing rather close to the legal line, and seem to enjoy the flirtation by making such claims. The fact that members are rated on “communication” only adds to the oddity. One wonders whether the next promotional step will be sitters chauffeuring people to the airport as well, an all-inclusive courier service, perhaps.
Evidently, this only highlights the blunt indifference to the current imbalance…no concern whatsoever about the overwhelmingly little amount of people vs the large number of “purple” listings.
I’m very happy to send plenty of photos, but would absolutely not be up for a daily (or even regular) video call. I work quite a few hours a day online, and then like to get out with the pets walking etc. I don’t want to be looking good and feeling mentally sharp for a daily video call report.
Seems funny that experienced housesitters have never even heard of this seeming expectation. There is no such content on the housesitters section of THS. If you are upset then suggest raise with THS Member Services rather than housesitter.
In our experience, Pet Parent preferences for communication during housesit varies a great deal. There is no “right” frequency, but there is definitely upside in proactive discussion during the handover prior to housesit start. Most Pet Parents seem to prefer daily updates for first few days (everything’s ok) then a brief update every few days (all good) and perhaps daily updates in final few days (chat re PP arrival).
If you use magnifying glass Search function on THS Forum then you’ll find some challenging threads in regards THS Marketing efforts. There are clear examples of THS setting expectations that are frankly fanciful, at-best questionable and suggestive that Pet Parent has unlimited access to free employee labour of their choosing. Housesitters take such nonsense with a deep breath. Guess Pet Parents should do likewise.
The main point for me as a HO is just a daily check in, so I know all is well (sorry but I do get paranoid and if I don’t hear anything for a couple of days I start to imagine the sitter fell, hit their head, and are slowly bleeding out unconscious on my kitchen floor. Yes I know that is slightly deranged but that is what goes through my head).
When we’ve occasionally had sitters go radio silent for a few days we check our outdoor camera. It invariably shows that the house has not burned down and the sitter is coming and going. Minds are put at ease and we go back to sipping our margaritas.
And, yes, the outdoor camera is declared on our profile and in our Welcome Guide.
Yes, but I’d rather not have to check cameras (mine are disclosed too) when it’s easy enough to send a quick text.
I don’t need a currently dated “proof of life” photo of the pets (if they text all is well then I assume that means the pets too). A photo makes us smile but I don’t care if the photo was taken a week ago.
I think I send way more photos than I need to. I’m very keen on photography and as the animals relax with me the opportunities for some great snaps arise. Some comments I get in reviews are “we’ve never captured such great photos ourselves”.. “or you’ve really got an eye for a great shot. “ “
what camera do you use?”
One Home owner said “no photos please. I know what my pets look like!”
He just wanted contact if things were going pear shaped. That’s fine I don’t want to be a pest on their relaxing holiday.
One Home owner was in Africa in a bush lodge with no internet so said there would be no contact possible.
Horses for courses
Whatever they want I try to provide. I keep the photos myself to remind me of my happy times with each and every pet. Perhaps I should create an album!
One lovely Home Owner took photos of each pet sitter with her brood to remind them later how lucky they had been in their selections of sitters. It made us feel appreciated, and yes, almost family !
But I don’t think it should expose me to comment in a review if the balance wasn’t quite what they wanted! I have enough stress trying to deliver my best as it is!
If a host is unhappy about anything please be frank and it’s important to be Ernest! Lol
“What a healthy treat! “
The forum contributions provide lots of great examples. Maybe as a marketing featute(!) something could be displayed on the website.
You shouldn’t have to explain this. My family literally had an experience where my dad went out for a haircut and the cleaner died of a stroke in our house. So yes of course I want a daily “proof of life” not only for my pets but for the sitter.
I shouldn’t have to explain. I shouldn’t have to give that detail.
Most professional sitters will give a daily update. I get it. Sitters here aren’t professional and they aren’t getting paid. But homeowners aren’t professional inkeepers either and if they didn’t respond when there was a leak or a power outage, or didn’t provide clean linens, etc then they wouldn’t be doing their job and they aren’t getting paid either.
Here’s how this works:
The sitter does their best to take care of your pets and home.
The host does their best to give the sitter a good “home” experience by cleaning the house, providing fresh linens and towels, making sure stuff like the internet works, having some room in the fridge, etc.
Both sides communcate with each other and let them know what they need for this to work.
