I had a lovely chat with the HO. I have sat for them before. And they are aware of my intolerance for heat. It is quite obvious, unfortunately.
My profile says I flee the heat in summer. I would be happy to pay for the rental of an AC, if there are any to be had, and the electric. But I would not be able provide my usual excellent pet care due to feeling ill.
We came to an agreement.
You mentioned wanting to back out of several sits. If you were upfront with the hosts at the outset and they agreed to have you sit despite knowing that you might back out, then you’re fine and there’s no reason to feel badly.
I suspect by how you’ve worded things that that’s not the case. If so, then you’d need to discuss with each set of hosts and come to an agreement. Only the hosts can cancel with the cancel button once any sit is mutually agreed on.
If your hosts end up unhappy and decide to report you, then THS will become aware and you might encounter problems.
Will you be driving or flying to these locations? There are mini air conditioners you can purchase and take with you if traveling by car.
Or perhaps if you have a long stay you can order one.
I just spent a very hot 10 days in the S of France and had to sleep with a water bottle sprayer and a fan pointed at my head. I would spray my head with water and sleep with the fan pointed at me - not fun.
I ordered a small AC fan unit that you can fill with ice water - lots of ice - and it blows a cold mist. Not good for cooling an entire house but good enough for sleeping.
Coming from the US where AC is the norm, I also struggle with no AC in Europe.
We started looking for sits in Ireland for this very reason!