I just had a request to confirm on a sit I would really like for 6 months from now, but she said we did not need to meet face to face until I am IN the UK (this, after a long post about my health & plans, etc).
Since HO are not subject to background checks as we are, I would still prefer a f-2-f to make sure the person is who they say they are.
Am I paranoid? She has great reviews, and sounds perfectly sane in writing. Am I being unreasonable?
I am afraid since she put out the ‘confirm’ button to me that she might not read my later post that I would like a f2f before confirming.
I don’t want to miss the sit! What to do?
Do you mean a video call, since you are not in the same location?
Just tell her you always do a video call before confirming. She will either agree or you get to decide if it’s a deal breaker for you.
Yes, that’s what I meant. WhatsApp or Zoom.
1 Like
@Sandi hmmm…I would not expect a face to face before hand unless it was a video call in the initial meeting…or if I was local enough to meet a dog(s) in advance…or I was arriving the day/night before for a hand off.
If I am understanding your post correctly…I would say that your request to meet face to face before you confirm sits is going to be a barrier to getting sits.
You can always request it…but you may not get your desired result…and then you will have to decide to accept or not.
I would say it is not unreasonable but not usual or concerning if a HO questions/declines the request.
@Sandi I think its perfectly OK to request, and even insist on, a video call if that is important for you. Sitters post a lot of pictures and info about themselves in their profiles- so she may not feel the need to meet you ‘f2f’ But most hosts do not post a picture of themselves in their listing and some don’t write much either. You could point the differences out to her- that you do not even know what she looks like! Perhaps she’ll be more understanding. Have you had a phone call yet? Or only messaging?
Its also important that you exchange phone numbers and/or email address as soon as possible & don’t rely on the app for communication.
If she refuses outright to have a video call- for no valid reason- then I would see that as a red flag- like she is hiding something and I would pass on the sit. Transparency and good communication are everything.
1 Like
All, I meant FACE Time (I was thinking of that as f2f, not in person). No, only messaging.
I want to accept so I guess I should just trust my gut and do it. She has my email and phone number, but I ONLY have her THS link. Maybe I’ll wait a few hours and see if she replies to my request for a call (which would be ok) or face time.
I would want a video chat beforehand and do them before every sit, regardless of if I’m HO or HS, before confirming.
I want to see the house, the pets, meet the people and ask questions.
If someone declines this, I let the sit go. Not everyone requires it but I do as it puts me at ease and I’ve heard too many horror stories of expectations not matching.
Do what you’re comfortable with.
Although I always want and suggest a video call before I accept a sit, there are a great number of petparents who feel comfortable offering me the sit without a video call first. (My profile is super detailed, and I am a good communicator.)
I know it is prudent and within my rights to insist on the video call before accepting, but if I am comfortable with the situation I will go ahead and accept prior to the call and either make sure there is a call later or at the very least that I have the house manual. It is risky, but it has worked for me so far. (Cross fingers.)
What would make me uncomfortable so that I would not accept the offered sit without a video meeting?
- Low-information in the listing or in our messaging so far. That includes not enough pictures, not clear on expectations for keeping the house or caring for the pets.
- The pets have unique or special needs. e.g. can never be left alone, health issues, etc.
- Questionable or no past reviews from other sitters.
- Pet parent seems high maintenance/particular. (In my experience, this kind of pet parent absolutely wants a video call.)
Just thought I would offer my perspective since so many sitters here in the forum insist on a video meeting first (rightfully so).
A 6-month sit is gold. I would take it. But I would also try to get a call with plenty of lead time. It is a long time. You need to know what you are walking into.
Thank you for this. It is confirming that I am not crazy or paranoid.
It WOULD put me at ease since I will be traveling so far.
My other confirmed sits in UK and I stay in contact via WA at least monthly which eases my concerns that they are not inclined to back out. I know THEIR plans and they know mine.
2 Likes
It is not a 6-month sit. It is a sit 6 months from now.
Thanks for your input though.
HAPPY ENDING and thanks everyone!!!
She just responded to my others posts with her phone number and happiness to connect for a face-time in the next 2 weeks.
No offense taken with my request, so I DID accept and confirm the sit. Yipeee
5 Likes
That’s good news. Have a great sit!!
1 Like
edited bc I didn’t read all the way down 
Glad this has all worked out and I hope it’s a fruitful call and a great sit!
1 Like
I think a video call before accepting the sit is perfectly reasonable or at least a phone call.
I recently accepted a sit without a call and later ended up having to cancel because of the dietary restrictions that would be placed on me.
I should have known better. I’ve been doing this for a long time. The house and the pet looked fabulous. Fortunately the sit was months away and the HO understood my concerns.