I enjoy words with personality like that; I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
(I’m now the Italian-American aunt. 1st generation, full Sicilian on both sides. )
1 Like
We leave basics and also space for sitters to buy and bring in their own food. We also encourage them to enjoy all of the chicken eggs they collect during their sit. I honestly thought it was a rule that sitters supply most of their own food. We had one sitter, eat our pizza, ribs, ice cream and alcohol plus more. We were shocked to say the least, based on we honestly thought that it was known unless told otherwise you do not go through our freezer and help yourself. Communication is the answer. Thanks to all for a new perspective.
3 Likes
Yeah that’s absolutely not cool. I hope you reported the situation to Support.
You are not obligated to provide food. It’s lovely to receive a welcome treat, or a gift card if you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, but not expected.
Not counting condiments or spices, have only eaten anything that either:
-
i was expressly told that it was for me (typically wine, chocolates, once special root beer, and I’m in TN so lots of Moon Pies!)
-
i was invited to eat the perishables, such as any fresh fruit, veg or similar
-
had a note on it saying it was for me to enjoy if I like (I’m delighted to make my repeat sits’ non-Keto food gifts disappear)
-
I was 100% sure that I could replace it with another container/package of the exact same brand.
Even when the HO says, “feel free to help yourself to anything” I would never be able to do that!
5 Likes
Moon pies! I haven’t had one of those in years. Eat one for me, would you please @MissChef?
1 Like
Oh I’m a bit confused by this. I have my first sitter coming in August, and I will be on a sit myself at the same time. I was planning on making sure there was coffee for the machine, water in the Brita, and I have a full spice pantry and cooking oil. Is it typical to leave more for sitters? I wouldn’t presume to know what they want, so I guess that would be based on a conversation beforehand? I’m vegan myself, so I personally don’t think I would want to have food in the fridge that I would have to throw out. This would feel very wasteful…
2 Likes
I promise,
Cross my heart,
YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE FOOD.
Everything you said is PERFECT.
4 Likes
What you have planned is perfectly fine. I say that as a sitter.
1 Like
@Gabs There is no need to be confused.
Maybe some sitters have different expectations of what they should get food wise. However, you as an owner have no duty or obligation to feed your sitters.
That isn’t on you whatsoever. Sitters should be providing their own food.
Regarding food, you should be making sure they have space for their dry goods and the fridge. The fridge should be clean (Well the entire kitchen should be) Make sure there are proper utensils, pots, dishes, cups.
That’s it. If you want to do more, that’s because of generosity but that isn’t a rule. No need to be guilted into providing food.
3 Likes
@gabs you sound like a thoughtful & caring host wanting to do the right thing. Every sit situaton is different so it does also depend a bit on arrival arrangements… If you invite the sitter the night before because you have an early start it would be nice to share a meal or go out together to eat. But, if its just a straightforward short handover on the day, as others have said, you are not expected to provide food for the sit. What you have already plan to leave- water filter, coffee, oil, spices is always helpful. If your sitter is coming from afar, arriving late or on public transport you can always ask if there is anything you could get in for them as arrival basics, or if time, take them for a quick shopping trip in your car (if you have one)
You are right people have such a variation in dietry needs it would be hard to anticipate. Anything you offer is appreciated but not expected.
Most sitters, like ourselves are completely independent. If in our own car we always have everything we need on board and do some shopping en route.
What we really appreciate is a clean fridge with space for our own stuff. You do not need to empty it fully- especially if its a short sit- if you have condiments or food in date that you’d like to keep. You can also indicate if sitter should/shouldn’t use anything you leave. But do please get rid of any old stuff! And a bit of space in the freezer too is also really great. 
4 Likes
Thanks for the responses, all. I live in an urban area, so I just assumed folks would get their own supplies, but wanted to make sure! I will definitely make sure the apartment including the fridge/ freezer are cleaned before they get here.
3 Likes
I’m with you! I’m an owner and I believe it to be an unspoken standard to leave fresh food and cupboards full. You are caring for our babies. You are truly the ones giving the most and you need to be treated like the finest guests.
5 Likes
@Sandis311 thank you so much for your post. You have the same mindset as I in believing that we need to appreciate sitters for what they do. This is the whole purpose of the platform anyway.
6 Likes
In leaving food for the sitter, the rest of the fridge should be clean with plenty of open space.
I don’t want sitters to replace food I leave for them. It’s not the way I roll. It’s my thank you to them.
4 Likes
Hi @LBB. That’s not cool a sitter helped themselves. I’d not touch anything unless the HO said help yourself and even then I check what they mean by it.
It’s funny on my last sit the HO told me to feel free to eat anything I wanted in the house but they had non perishables of cereals and biscuits not opened that I didn’t want to be the one to open them (unless I was going to replace them!).
You are very considerate and did what I feel was appropriate!
Hi @Gabs. Please don’t feel confused. As a sitter the basics are the most important in a clean bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Basics like milk and bread, tea or coffee are nice but not expected. Anything else is a bonus.
2 Likes
How much is a night at a motel? I’m curious if the home you are staying in is worth at least as much?
I feel very strongly about this matter as a HO. I have only had 2 sitters in the last year. One person for a week and the other a couple for 4 weeks. I asked both times whether the sitters would like me to buy certain items for their stay for fridge or pantry. Both sits declined. I did leave perishables in fridge and said please use them, as both did. Returning home after first sit we were welcomed home with meals in fridge and items replaced - absolutely amazing, the sitter went above and beyond. The couple who stayed for 4 weeks left the kitchen in a mess and used many items from pantry and fridge, leaving literally a dribble left in bottles and jars. In my opinion I think it’s only common courtesy to replace items. Yes the sitter is looking after your pet but they have full accommodation free of charge in a location they choose to stay. I’m sure they would be buying food when at home so why not when doing a sit.
3 Likes
To be fair I’d rather start a new sit with a fridge completely empty, than what I got once, which was a fridge full of rotting food and stuff expired as early as 2009!
1 Like