Getting Pet Parents

Welcome & Getting Started
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Hello All

We are new to this type of pet sitting, but love the concept!!!

I created an easy profile for our Zoo of loveable pets!

My question is how long does it take to start getting applications for Pet sitters?

Our anniversary is in March and we would like to go away for a week someplace warm!

Any help is appreciated !

Ty

Gianna.

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I think now is a good time to post trip dates for March. I wouldn’t wait much longer. Have you already posted Live dates? If not, start with that. If you have but aren’t getting applications within a week or so you can add your listing url to your profile (use the search bar to find out how) and get feedback on your listing to improve chances of securing a great sitter. You don’t have to choose the first one, you’ll get up to five applicants at a time and should read their profiles and reviews and go from there. You want to respond quickly and politely, at least thank sitters for applying even if you’re not quite ready to invite them to sit. We always have a video chat with our favorite applicant before making any decisions. Lots of great advice here on the forum if you browse through :slight_smile: Also your title is misleading - technically you are the Pet Parent

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Welcome to forum @MyZoo !

If you have officially signed up as a paying member and created your listing, you need to publish your sit-dates (the period you are away).

After that you just wait for applicants. It can vary greatly how long this will take, depending on your location and how attractive the sit is.

If you’d like input on your listing from fellow members here on forum, you can add the link to the listing in your forum profile:

How to add a listing or profile link to your Forum profile!

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4

Hi Gianna — and a big welcome to THS. It’s never too early to get things moving.

As others have mentioned, adding the link to your listing in your forum profile can really help. It lets members here take a quick look and offer gentle feedback so you can fine-tune things and boost your chances of finding the right sitter.

When you’re just starting out it can feel like a lot, so take your time with each application. Once someone (or a few) catch your eye, set up a video chat. It’s a great way to share a little about your zoo’s routines and personalities, anything around the house you’d like sitters to know, and how you’d like things handled while you’re away.

And if you can get your Welcome Guide prepared early, even in draft, it makes everything smoother when you’re ready to confirm someone.

Wishing you the very best for your March anniversary plans.

:paw_prints::heart:

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Whatever you choose as your listing title, try and make it catchy, avoid words like pet sitter needed, as we know that

first thumbnail photo is all important to draw us in to read your listing, an unmade bed or a toilet picture, especially with lid up, have been proven on here countless times to be a big turn off.

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@MyZoo, welcome to THS Forum and congrats on planning your first housesit.
Encourage that you use magnifying glass ‘search’ function to explore past Forum threads as there’s a wealth of great information and advice.

  • Start ASAP. Some housesitters are already booked months ahead (e.g. we’re already almost fully booked until mid March)
  • Invest time & effort into listing. Good photos, comprehensive text, be honest!
  • Think about your listing from housesitter perspective. is it attractive?
  • Consider looking at listings of other pet parents in your area. that’s your competition
  • Remember housesitters need not apply. there is no guarantee that you’ll find housesitters. rather housesitting requires a fair trade between peers. the more attractive your listing/opportunity then the better quantity, quality and urgency of applications from housesitters
  • ‘zoo’ in name & OP suggests significant pets. housesitting community is diverse in terms of personal situations, listing preferences and housesit objectives. some housesitters may not apply to a housesit with many/complex pets but that’s ok - the objective is to find a great fit - and some housesitter may relish more/atypical pets.
  • good luck!
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