Hi
I have published a listing today for a sit in April next year, I wanted to post early as it is over the Easter holidays and know this can be busy for some people!
In my listing I have included information about one of my cats who is currently recovering from a minor leg injury. It’s looking like the injury is healing nicely and he is improving but there is also a chance he may need surgery in the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately I don’t know the timescale of this situation but of course there is a chance that it could impact the sit (surgery complications or otherwise).
I’m worried mentioning this will put people off - he could well be back to normal by then and I would really hope so! But I also want to be as clear and open as possible about the situation.
I have said I’m happy to update and talk through any concerns the sitter may have. Would this put people off applying? Should I wait a few more weeks to see what happens?
Thanks!
Depending on where you are or other factors, you could probably wait a couple of weeks to get a better sense of what is happening. While airfares may go up around Easter, it is not the total chaos of Christmas when it is really hard to find a sitter.
That said, as a catsitter, it wouldn’t put me off, but I might have questions during the chat about what the picture would look like if the cat had surgury in terms of recovery. Frankly, I think finding a sitter with experience who can roll with the punches and is willing to take this on in is your best bet as opposed to worrying that full disclosure will discourage applicants. It will rule out the applicants you don’t want.
Thank you, that’s really helpful to know!
I have already had one application that I’m looking at and they seem to have plenty of experience which is promising.
I’m glad to know as a cat sitter it wouldn’t put you off so I will keep the listing live and go from there.
I completely agree with @Marion, better to put off the sitters you don’t want. The longer in advance you list your sit, the more chances you have to find a good match.
I am also a cat sitter and it wouldn’t put me off, I just would need updates about the situation.
In my opinion a host that disclose info is important. It is also important to you, as that would give you a sitter that is prepared for it. The alternative would be a sitter that is not prepared and might withdraw close to your departure date. You don’t need many applications, just one that is right.
If the “one” has good THS reviews, experience, good communication skills, etc it would definitely be worth talking to them sooner rather than later and confirming if no red flags got raised in a video chat. Waiting for X number of applicants could cost you the best one.
Thank you everyone. This has made me feel positive we will find the right sitter!