Complete codswallop @Itchyfeet - agree they have no idea of who or how many hosts prefer double verified sitters 
And alerting booked hosts that you might want to overlap their sit (if you get it) is a really bad idea. Just spooks or annoys them that you’re not fully committed. Another “feature” that no one asked for. #halfbaked
6 Likes
What isn’t clear from this pop-up is whether the host of the first sit is informed at the application stage of the second overlapping sit–which really wouldn’t seem necessary as who knows if the sitter is actually going to book it–or once a sitter actually confirms one.
By agreeing that you are okay with THS informing the hosts, I interpret that as a general FYI that they do this rather than it happening right at this point of the process. Also they say informing of the ‘overlapping sits’ which also implies the notification would happen once there were officially overlapping sits booked. But I could be totally wrong of course!
I would hope that it would be only after it is confirmed as if sitters apply to multiple sits either at once, or over the time period before the first one starts–which could be months– these notifications would be very bothersome.
As far as the second sit goes, I always mentioned right upfront that it would only be one of us at the start. I imagine the ‘second sit hosts’ really wouldn’t have any issues with splitting up as long as someone arrives at the requested time. But it is something that I think was always good to share as there may be reasons they would like both people present from the start, such as feeling it is important to meet both sitters in person.
I think that it will be important to get a host’s thoughts on overlaps prior to confirming regardless of how the process plays out as knowing ahead of time will make it easier in many respects.
Hi @KC1102 and @Silversitters
I thought I’d pop on and confirm that the owner you already have a confirmed sit with is notified when the second sit is confirmed. We would encourage sitters to signpost their intention to utilise duo sitter wherever possible. 
(btw happy cake day @KC1102 - that cake beside your user name means it’s your forum birthday - you’ve been here for four years as of today! Glad to have you here 
)
5 Likes
Thanks for the confirmation Jenny…I figured that was the case as it wouldn’t make sense to notify the first host of mere applications.
Like I mentioned in my other post, I think it is probably best for sitters to ask hosts right upfront whether they would be okay with the overlap rather than only bringing it up if they happen to see an overlapping sit to which they want to apply. In the latter scenario, I would be concerned about the host feeling put on the spot and saying yes even if they really didn’t want to.
This is why just a little bit ago, I emailed a host whose sit I confirmed two days before this feature went live letting her know about this change and asking whether she was okay with this possibility. I let her know if she wasn’t it was totally fine. She had no issue with it.
3 Likes
Maybe THS is basing those numbers off a survey(s) among a sample size of hosts. Companies often do that sort of thing (and betas) before building full fledged features, because that’s much less expensive and time-consuming than jumping right in.
Thank you for the confirmation @Jenny .
2 Likes
@Silversitters, yes we were part of duo beta. Yes, we applied for one overlapping housesit - with 2 day overlap - and confirmed that housesit (currently executing). We clearly laid out our plan. Neither Pet Parent expressed concerns.
1 Like
I completely agree. And, can you imagine if you were to apply for more than one overlapping sit? The confirmed HOs who were receiving multiple notifications would surely wonder what on earth was going on! Surely they only need to know once an overlap has been offered (but possibly before it’s confirmed)?
1 Like
Thank you , @GotYourBack .
It’s good to know that it worked for you. Thank you also for explaining a bit more about how it works (which is not made clear in any of the Help articles ) .
My thoughts, exactly! And, perhaps not just bothersome, but also concerning.
But, if overlaps are now allowed on THS for sitters who sit as a couple (if they subscribe to the scheme), will HOs be made aware that this is something which can occur if they appoint a couple? Or, will sitters still need to run this by the confirmed HO before accepting another sit? What if the confirmed HO voices they’re not happy with the proposed overlap arrangement? If it becomes a policy, surely that means couples sitters do not have to consult with HOs?
1 Like
Incidentally, reading this thread today is the first I’ve heard of it.
I wondered how this would work if a duo couple hadn’t informed the hosts of the planned overlap and the first the host hears is is when the sit is confirmed- I assume that this would be a reason for them to cancel the sit .
1 Like
If this policy update is well publicised (I suspect it currently isn’t, since this is the first I’ve heard of it), it might well influence some HOs to choose single sitters, or couples who haven’t subscribed to the overlap option.
Previously, I noticed another nice sit, within easy driving distance and with just a 24 hour overlap. I okayed it first with the confirmed HO, who even adjusted their sit end date so that I could apply. I explained the proposal - that we sit as a couple so one of us could arrive before the other - but it was not well received and the 2nd HO seemed to view it as a bit underhand!
1 Like
Someone from THS confirmed earlier on in the thread that the notification is only sent once a sit is confirmed.
Being that THS notifies hosts that a sitter has confirmed a sit that overlaps with theirs–something they inform sitters of both in the email that welcomes you to the ‘duo sitter’ feature and in a pop-up that comes up when you apply for a sit with overlapping dates–I imagine a sitter would only apply and accept an overlapping sit without discussing this with the host first if they somehow overlooked this information.
Doing this without the host knowing is no longer an option and I am sure this was something that may have been commonplace, not necessarily because sitters were trying to hide it, but because they may not have felt it was necessary to inform them as it would not have any sort of negative impact.
So it would come down to at what point a sitter would broach the subject. I noted in an earlier post that I think it is best to mention it right away prior to confirmation and see if they are okay with this possibility. I would rather know right upfront so I could get right to applying and confirming another sit should the opportunity present itself.
Also, I would be concerned that if I only brought it up if I found a sit to which I wanted to apply after confirming theirs, that some hosts might feel put on the spot and say yes even if they were uncomfortable with it. I imagine most hosts would not mind but some could.
And for sitters who think they would make use of this feature more depending on their schedule, the types of places they sit,etc…asking right at the outset would be the smart thing to do.
I just confirmed a sit two days before this feature went live and I don’t have anything booked after their sit. So I emailed them this morning informing them of this change and asked if the opportunity should present itself, would they be okay if my husband and I split up for the last one or two days. I stressed that if she wasn’t comfortable with it, that was totally fine. But she was.
In all the years we have been sitting, we actually very rarely did overlapping sits–when sitting in the US in particular, it was very easy to find back to back sits that started and ended the same day– so when they took this option away, it really didn’t have a material impact on our experience. But now that they brought it back, I figure it can’t hurt to have the double verification and the option as it could be helpful.
4 Likes
I’ve noticed that the T & Cs have changed to include the Duo Sitter add on .
However the wording of term 5.3.10 doesn’t cover joint sitters who haven’t chosen to add the duo sitter feature ???
5.3.10. not allow any other person(s) to participate in the Sit unless they have been approved in writing by the Pet Parent or the person is a Co-Sitter who has been registered to attend Sits with the Sitter under the Duo Sitter feature of the platform;
What about joint sitters ?
4 Likes
Or indeed anyone else who sits with the main named sitter, for example my children.
Although I suppose if they are on the sitters profile and mentioned in the application, it could be argued that they had been approved in writing. However the same applies to a Co-Sitter so it seems odd to single them out in this way.
2 Likes
Hello,
The update to the T&C’s was just to include a reference to the Duo-sitter feature.
It’s always been the case that pet parents must have informed consent about any/all people taking part in any sit - our third-party policy.
For example, I’m arranging to sit for someone with my partner; I’m verified, but my partner isn’t. In this case, I should confirm that the pet parent is happy that we’ll both be staying in their home and not assume it’s ok (even if it’s mentioned in the application).
However, if both my partner and I are verified via duo-sitter, then written confirmation from the pet parent isn’t required (but should still be clearly communicated during the application process).
Jenny
So if I am understanding correctly- all joint sitters - who have joint profiles and apply as a couple now have to additionally specifically ask for written confirmation that they can both be on the sit ?
If so , this is a new policy that I was not aware of it . When will joint sitters be notified by THS that this is now a requirement ?
4 Likes
@Jenny This has never been the case in the 10 years I have been a member that a partner, for example, has to have informed consent to be part of the sit. After all, only one member could have the account. How the update in the T & C reads is that all joint sitters really need to be Duo sitters where, in fact, that is an option and should have no impact on those who do not want that feature.
5 Likes
Hi @Silversitters and @temba
I should have clarified that my response came from feedback from the team - let me take your comments back to them and see if I can get some more clarification for you!
Jenny
1 Like