Hello! I just joined THS today. I had a few questions about getting started. We have plans to travel in a little over a week so I am really hoping to find a sitter in time (my parents usually watch my dog, but my mom just had a last minute job change and can no longer help us outšhappy for her, sad for me)
Anyways, Iām wondering what tips you have for getting applications. Iāve read that you can send invites to potential sittersā¦ but how do you go about that? Thereās a search for people in Portland already, but I feel like why would someone want to house sit in a place theyāre already living in. I wish there was a filter that has desired locationsā¦ otherwise I feel like Iād be sending invites to random people who may or may not be interested in Portland.
Also, is there a way to get my listing more visible for people. When I search for house sits in Portlandā¦ I had to scroll through several pages before I found my listing.
A little about me: My husband and I have been married 8 years and we have 5 kids aged newborn-7. We love to travel (usually road trips since flights for our whole family add up quick) we homeschool, and my husband works from home, so we have a bit of flexibility and like to travel during off seasons. We love bringing our dog with us, but it isnāt always possible. We joined this THS so that we could travel more freely knowing our sweet boy is being well taken care of.
Excited to be a part of this community
Hello @Kaleigh & welcome. So, you can do invites but theyāre hit and miss and your reasoning is right. You need a great listing with strong pics, clear responsibilities and a welcoming tone which is normally more effective in finding someone. Yours looks chilled and family friendly too which is a bonus. Itās quite a long time when you need someone on only a week or so. You can add it to last minute sits in 2 days time. Amazing you travel and home school with 5 kids Would be good to add how long Blazer can be left for (4 hours is the minimum most sitters will be looking for so they can explore the area); where does he sleep, some pics of the other rooms as you mention all the beds. Perhaps change the title to āChilled pooch needs last minute palā or similar. #bestofluck
Hey guys, welcome! Iāve been on THS platform for about 4 months as a homeowner with a dog and already needed sitters 3 times.
Search the forum using keywords like ālocal sittingā and you should see threads giving a range of reasons why people might be interested in sitting jobs close by to you. Make your listing as appealing as possible but be fully transparent about as much as you can think of. You might not think of many things worth mentioning until a Sitter brings it up. Iāve re-written my Listing many times as I go along. Thereās a Review category for āAccuracy of Listingā.
Also, Iām beginning to take the perspective that THS is like a ābarter-system Air BnB/ VRBOā. Yes, there are plenty of genuine animal lovers looking for furry friends who are happy to help. But based on the applicants Iāve interviewed (not that many - Iām new) there are people looking for a vacation themselves (short stays) or are digital nomads hoping to avoid rent (long stays). Itās just been helpful for me to keep this perspective to select applicants with a good fit thatās mutual beneficial.
As Cuttlefish and Sewerrat says, a strong listing is the foundation and the usual way would be to publish dates (not inviting). Although invites might occasionally work out, it would require so much to align to make it possible.
To be competitive in being chosen to apply for your sit - keep in mind why a sitter would choose to sit for you. There are many reasons to sit locally, but ofc you will widen your pool of sitters if you publish dates well in advance, making it an option also to international sitters. Many sitters have pets themselves (I do) and could choose to volunteer in a local shelter or similar if it was for pets only. The majority would probably be looking for opportunities to travel and to explore new places, living like a local. So do give a compelling reason in your listing to why a sitter should spend time and money to come to your area, and describe clearly what to expect and what tasks are involved. And ofc as mentioned - how long one could expect to explore your area without pets.
It might be helpful to describe transportation options. For example, how far are you from the airport and Amtrak train station?. Is there transportation from your neighborhood into downtown. Are there parks or beaches nearby. What are some things to see and do in Portland? I also like to know if your dog likes to ride in a car as I often drive to dog friendly beaches and parks.
Thanks so much for the inputš Iāll definitely add those details to my listing!
Yes, we are very blessed to live this lifestyle. Last year we traveled almost 4 months out of the year visiting 10 different states and several national parks. We plan to do just as much traveling this yearš My kids donāt know how lucky they are.
Thanks for the welcome and awesome advice! I will definitely try to better highlight why Portland is an amazing place to visitš There is So much to do here!
@Poppi thanks for the helpful insights! I will definitely add those to my profile because we are really conveniently located. Just a few minutes walk from the MAX (public transit) and only about 15 minutes from PDX. We have many restaurants, grocery stores, and parks within walking distance. I will get right on highlighting that on my profile.
I read your advert and that plus the nice impression youāve given here in your comments made me heart you for a future date despite us not having previously any plans to travel to your area also you offer a Boxer one of our favourite breeds! Our son learnt to walk in 1988 by leaning on a boxer called āBasilā (Fawlty Towers) who acted as a walker. What a great dog he was.
One of the best housesits we had was from a couple in Virginia that asked us to a long- term housesit while we were in Colorado. The reason they contacted us they said, we reminded them of friends. We were traveling the States in retirement and their friends were traveling Europe. Donāt hesitate to reach out. Reach out but itās up to you to play up any advantages of why a person would like to stay at your place. Iām not into becoming a farmer and I will not even consider a request if I hear words for example, āI need additional references.ā You never know what may be just what someone is looking for so donāt hesitate to reach out. By the way, although we were housesitting out west- we had friends in Florida. We did a great housesit in Naples, Florida and Charlottesville, VA prior to the long-term visit. If there is enough time, someone may be looking for some fun travel along the way.
Local sitters are valuable and available. Some live with roommates and want a break. Some canāt have pets in their current living situation, but love animals. Some do a staycation and just want a different view.
Doing local sits helps increase reviews for when you do want to travel. There are so many reasons for doing a local sit.
Would be good to add how long Blazer can be left for (4 hours is the minimum most sitters will be looking for so they can explore the area); where does he sleep, some pics of the other rooms as you mention all the beds. Perhaps change the title to āChilled pooch needs last minute palā or similar.