We’ve sometimes pondered on the reasons why Pet Parent attitude towards us, as housesitters, varies a lot. Probably a simplification but we’ve come across four mindsets of Pet Parents.
- Friendly. Some Pet Parents proactively seek in-person time. They seek to converse, share experiences and perhaps build ongoing relationship. They invite us to arrive one, or more, day before or before sit start; and stay one, or more, day after sit conclusion.
- Gratitude. Some Pet Parents are clearly thankful and atypically generous. Perhaps we’re giving them confidence of worry-free travel; property confidence; pet care; savings them significant expense; or otherwise. They say thank you a lot.
- Transactional. Some Pet Parents see housesitting as a trade. They often choose not to meet in-person; schedule plans to collect/dropoff key. Communication is on as-needed basis. Easy come, easy go - next.
- Cold. Some Pet Parents just can’t get past lucky housesitting enjoying ‘free accommodation’ in their property. Pet Parent is doing housesitter a ‘favour’. Pet care seems secondary. Housesitter expected responsibilities are often higher.