No worries 
No in a word. It’s allowed me to travel more to see places on my bucket list in sometimes truly amazing properties and to gain some fury friends. For instance I’m currently sitting for an elderly cat in a huge townhouse on the edge of central London that I would need to win the lottery (maybe more than once) to own! Even on airbnb a place like the HO’s place would be in the 5 figure range per week no doubt!
It let’s me dream!!
6 Likes
No, it doesn’t bother me, because it’s true that we don’t pay for accommodation.
What does bother me is people who see their awesome house as such a privilege to stay in that they feel free to treat you like a servant. But that’s another story, and thankfully these people are in the minority.
12 Likes
I wouldn’t like it at all if a host said that to me.
3 Likes
I agree. THS markets itself to potential sitters as “free accommodation”. It isn’t free. It’s an exchange.
4 Likes
This is one of the reasons that as a sitter, I love to sit for HOs who are also sitters. And vice versa.
4 Likes
I do definitely see it as a major benefit to me as a sitter. I get to go somewhere I want to go, stay in a home rather than a hotel, and get some furry company.
I also see it as a major benefit to me as a homeowner. I get to travel without worrying about my home or my pets.
Even exchange, for me, in both cases.
3 Likes
That’s because the vast majority of sits include dogs.
1 Like
We’re sitters and fortunately the owners that we have met have been lovely and there’s been a very mutual level of respect, we benefit and they benefit. It is definitely not a free holiday, because there is no switch off with dogs in particular, but the owners we have come across have not seen it in that way anyway. We love our pet sitting life, so glad we discovered THS, love it!
4 Likes
That parting comment would have spoiled it for me! How arrogant(or ignorant) to think that with all the responsibilty of taking care of a home, (probably large and fancy in this case) and many animals and also sending regular updates etc that this should be regarded as a ‘free vacation’!!
I, or more likely my forthright hubby!, would have immediately corrected their understanding of the THS ‘mutually beneficial exchange’ and informed them we take our responsibilities very seriously and this is most definitely NOT a free vacation!!
11 Likes
I do agree with you, especially for people that are new to this world. I think the veterans have a view of sitting as an equal exchange, but some (new?) people are definitely attracted by the word “free”.
4 Likes
The home was beautiful, but relatively small and rustic - that’s more me than somewhere grand a palatial anyway…. But the animals were a lot of work and I spent more time than I anticipated with them but that’s in part because I formed good bonds with all of them and so I was happy to just hang out and enjoy their company.
I did have a pretty magical sit but it certainly wasn’t a ‘vacation’ and it wasn’t ‘free’ - unfortunate choice of words I think.
5 Likes
Don’t get me wrong. These HOs were amazing too, good people leading an extraordinary life and besotted with their animals. We clicked from our first exchange of messages and were still in contact. That’s why their comment was surprising. Maybe I’m reading too much into it.
4 Likes
No, I don’t think you are reading too much into it. From your description it sounds like a lot of work and commitment on your part and their comment undermined your efforts…imho
6 Likes
In my opinion, it sounds like you enjoyed the experience despite all your hard work and it feels you felt under appreciated for your dedication. I would be too and have felt this in some situations. Some remarks at times have been insensitive.
We are for the most part only in these people’s space for a blip in time and I understand now how advertising us as “free help” can be interpreted by some as they’re doing us a great service.
It’s an assumption often made, that we are “less than, “broke, “homeless” “people trying to get something for nothing” etc etc.
Some of us really enjoy the experiences. And doing what we do is not without it’s challenges.
I think and make effort not to take the comments personal but make a mental note and well as wonderful as it was, I won’t return.
Good discussion.
4 Likes
The home owners who regret paying the fees should tot up how much kennels/catteries cost, and not just monetary value, but the animal welfare. Sitters who don’t want to spend lots of animal time should choose animal sits where the animals are more self sufficient. I wish I’d found this site (maybe it wasn’t around 15 years ago?) years ago.
1 Like
Absolutely spot on. That’s why I object to the whole ‘sitters get a free place to stay ‘ marketing…. I rent my home, I already have a place to stay. If I want go on vacation I’m more than prepared to pay for my accommodation. I wouldn’t be at the location of the sit if it wasn’t for that sit - and sit in itself requires the sitter to stay in the home.
Incidentally the HOs who made the free vacation comment were very appreciative - but again that’s why the comment really surprised me.
5 Likes
I was just tallying up my expenses on this « free vacation » never mind the anxiety of some events beyond anyone’s control.
Bringing up this awareness is good.
We need to be more mindful of the words we use. So yes, it’s a difficult situation for a business trying to expand and attract more owners.
I had someone ask me if I would sit for them for an extended period while they look to buy elsewhere because there were too many Hispanics in their area now.
Hola, soy Latina!
4 Likes
We completely agree @Amparo 
This. Both are taking a risk. Both are gambling that risk will turn out well.
4 Likes