I’m a Premium sitter and fairly new to house sitting (this would be my first sit). The pet owner has mentioned there’s a possibility they may need to cancel due to unexpected circumstances.
I’ve already booked travel for the sit, so I’m trying to better understand how the Sit Cancellation Plan works in real situations, especially when it comes to making a claim through the platform.
Has anyone here successfully submitted a claim under the Sit Cancellation Plan after a pet parent cancelled within 14 days?
What was the process like?
How strict are they with the requirements?
Was the reimbursement process smooth?
Any tips on what to do (or avoid) to make sure everything goes smoothly would be really appreciated.
@Rena, if you’ve not already done so then read the terms of THS Sit Cancellation Insurance. It has some coverage quirks and significant limitations.
We’ve faced two last-minute international sit cancellations by pet parents. One was eligible for THS Sit Cancellation Insurance and we successfully progressed a claim.
To answer your Qs
Process was fine. Fundamental to start is determination - by member and THS MS - of eligibility under THS Sit Cancellation Insurance. We confirmed eligibility before booking alternative accommodation
Requirements are strict. Read policy carefully. THS is insuree, not insurer, so we believe that underwriter will void any claims that are not within policy coverage
Reimbursement was relatively easy. We submitted receipts and received funds a month or so later
In terms of broader tips, we do not rely on THS Sit Cancellation Insurance. It’s better than nothing but could be materially improved (lots related Forum threads). Rather we mentally accept that once in while we face situations that require us to creatively pivot.
Ugh. Assuming sit start date is within 14 days, and assuming that pet parent cancels sit, then you may be eligible. Suggest that you scenario plan pet parent cancelling sit - work through your desired outcome (e.g. stay at home, still travel?), possible real-life options and whether they’d be covered under THS policy.
Also suggest determine ballpark number of active listings in same geographic area of current confirmed sit (read terms).
Thank you so much for your reply — it’s really helpful.
I believe my situation should fall within the eligibility criteria, but this is actually my first house sit, so I don’t have prior experience handling situations like this.
My sit was in Auckland, and I had already booked round-trip international flights in advance. About 10 days before the start date, the pet owner had an unexpected emergency and had to cancel the sit. They communicated this with me in a timely and considerate way, which I really appreciate.
Although I completely understand the situation, canceling my flights would result in a significant financial loss, likely even higher than the accommodation cost. At the same time, there are relatively few listings in the area, so I wasn’t able to find a suitable replacement sit.
Because of this, I had no practical option but to arrange temporary accommodation locally.
I’ve now submitted all the required documents following the email instructions, and I’ll share an update here once I hear back about the outcome.
It’s also worth joining kiwi house sitters and looking for more sits as you’re already in NZ, they have more choice than THS. Enjoy the adventure and good on you for rallying #upsanddowns
@Rena, sorry that your first experience as a housesitter was a last-minute cancellation of an international flight. That seems very bad luck indeed. Probably like your situation, our successful claim was from a last-minute cancellation by a pet parent in a country with few THS listings (ours was in a Schengen country with zero alternative active listings).
Suggest call THS Member Services. They are likely able to confirm Sit Cancellation Insurance eligibility - may give you comfort.
New Zealand seems a heck of a fabulous spot for a first housesit - jealous! Not sure of your source geography but hope it’s a great experience. As @Cuttlefish wisely notes, some THS Forum threads have positively encouraged kiwi house sitters platform for incremental opportunities.
Given experiences, we mitigate some cancellation risk by confirming sits only after pet parent has booked their trip. But we accept that sometimes life happens and people can change plans for medical or other valid reasons.
Good luck with the claim. And hope fabulous visit.