Just saying as I’m new here. Well not really new to THS I’ve been a member for almost a year and have done a few sits but I’m also thinking of using sitters although I’m still not sure I can trust a total stranger with my fur babies. I normally ask family to do that but there’s always a downside to that! Anyway I’m new to the forum. Hoping to pick up some advice etc
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Welcome!
Yes, the forum is very useful when starting out. I’d suggest you use the spyglass above to look for topics of interest.
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Thank you so much. I have lots of questions as I’m still finding my way here
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Devina, think about it from this perspective: Can total strangers trust you with their fur babies? 
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I know right now you see everyone as strangers, that’s totally natural, but believe me, they won’t be strangers for long, when you find the perfect person for you, you will click very quickly.
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Well that’s their choice. I’m not forcing anyone to use me as a sitter. I have only used family to look after my fur babies when I travel and that is bad enough I can’t imagine what it’s like inviting a complete stranger to do it but I think I have to be brave and try. Maybe I’ll get used to it. Plus it’s free so that’s a bonus.
Hey there!
I would definitely recommend that you feel 100% confident in your choice to use THS for sitters before ever creating your listing. Owners who still aren’t quite sure whether they trust it or not often come across as rather anxious in their listing or obvious that they’re quite nervous & unsure, which can lead to low applicants (because sitters may feel that you will potentially change your mind or won’t fully trust them). So if you do decide to use it, make sure you’re fully comfortable, committed & confident in your decision 
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I hope so. I know I’m going to need a sitter for my niece’s Halloween wedding in Chicago. I’m hoping to find an easy sit there for that so I don’t have to pay hotel bills and all.
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Oh okay thanks. That’s good advice
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Right now it looks like there’s only 1 sit advertised in Chicago during the time period you mention, and it’s with 2 dogs.
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I don’t like to sit for more than 1 small dog. Cats are my preferred option as I I can leave them. And want to enjoy myself on this trip!
A friend of mine who was very nervous about leaving her fur baby with strangers finally joined THS last year. She was also nervous about finding someone where she lives as the climate is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. I encouraged her to join and she’s had three great experiences with sitters and had no problem at all finding them. It’s definitely worth giving it a try.
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Strangers today are often friends tomorrow 
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Welcome to the forums.
Luckily, there are a lot of good reliable sitters on THS and I’m sure you’ll be able to find one.
Good luck.
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Welcome! I think that it will more likely be succesful if one feels comfortable. It will probably influence communication and expectations if there isn’t mutual trust. A possibility for you finding a sitter could be a short sit with a local sitter, so you can meet in person before a sit is confirmed. A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met, yet. Best of luck!
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Meeting them before if they’re local is great idea! Thank u