It doesn’t specify on their profile this is a requirement, so had I known I wouldn’t have applied.
The sit is for less than a week.
I’m not sure if I am correct to think this is quite a big demand - What do others think?
Baring in mind I have 17 positive reviews on my account and years of experience.
Nope. In my 10 ish years of sitting, I’ve only met in advance twice. Once I happened to be doing another sit in the same city, so why not. The 2nd time I happened to be driving past the area anyway and they were a first time HO and it was a 6 month sit so it made them feel more comfortable. Neither was required. I would absolutely NOT do it unless it was only minimally inconvenient.
I’d planned to do it for a different sit (again, new HOs and this time a doggo) because, again, I was going to be driving by and the HOs really wanted it, but I got offered the 6 month sit in the mean time so I pulled my application. I did let them know that requiring that was going to drastically limit their options as most people wouldn’t be willing/able.
Nope from us too @RR12345 doubly so for cats and such a short sit. It’s just not a fair ask. And yes, the HO needs to request a meet & greet as part of the sit if that’s a deal breaker. #sticktoyourguns
Just don’t do it !
It is what video chats are for.
@RR12345 I don’t think that it’s a reasonable for the host to expect that all sitters will be available to do this . It might work if the sitter is local or in the area on another sit . Maybe this host is familiar with using Rover (or another similar website ) where a meet and greet is usual practice and recommended before a sit is confirmed . However, those platforms are set up for arranging for local paid sitters.
If the host is a new member explaining how THS works might help them understand that a meet and greet before confirming a sitter is rarely possible for a THS sitter.
Is the host aware of your current location and how long it would take you to travel there ?
You could inform them that it will be too far to travel pre-sit , but you can meet them on the day before they leave . Refer them to your reviews and maybe suggest a video call ?
We have done a pre meet up a couple of times with new members . However that was because we were already in the area on another sit and it was more for our own benefit ( checking cleanliness , pet behaviour etc ) and it wasn’t a prerequisite of confirming the sit.
It’s your choice of course , if you do decide to go ahead with the meet and greet- keep in mind that this host may still not confirm you as their sitter . If that happens how will you feel about the 3+ hours of your time spent doing this ?
Nope, nope and definitely nope 
You are not being paid to do this sit @RR12345 so asking you to visit where they do not live close to you and for such a short sit, is definitely a No from me. All you need to say is it was not in their listing and that is what you both have agreed to (make sure you have a screenshot of the listing in case of any difficulties down the track!) Have you been invited to arrive the evening before as this could solve the problem or you could offer to do this if it suited your plans?
I let them know it was too much a stretch, but could do a video call. They read it last night but haven’t replied :-/
Just lining up to say that would be a «no». I have myself suggested a meet up before, both times I was in the area on another sit and it wasn’t any bother (or extra expenses. Driving three hours is a considerable expense here).
Thank you everyone. Grateful for the forum, because sometimes you feel like you’re going a bit mad with some of these HO’s 
No, we discussed doing an in person handover the morning they leave, and I said I could do that. I think they want to meet before even confirming.
So it’s not even confirmed @RR12345? I would not be making the drive there unless it really suited you and they paid for your petrol! Stick to what you have offered. Are they new to THS?
They’ve had one sitter before.
The home looks quite untidy to be honest, and their first sitter gave 4 stars for cleanliness. I also noticed their written review only really mentioned the cats were nice, nothing else (red flag?) and they’re a very experienced sitter.
I’m between moving house so a bit more in need of sits than the average traveller.
Still, it feels a bit off. Does anyone know how you withdraw on the app? I can’t seem to see the option
Is the sit soon @RR12345 and is it one you REALLY want to do? Not sure if you are a full-time sitter and need it to fill a gap. If not then I would take it away from the HO if they still expect you to visit prior to confirmation and say it doesn’t work for you and you are withdrawing your application.
@RR12345 Click on the button that says View all applications then click on which one it is. Click on Conversation, then on the arrow for All dates & updates on right hand side. You will see the dates and the word Cancel.
Withdrew. The sit starts a week today so couldn’t sit around and wait for them to decide if they had to do a meet up before!
Go to your sits
At the bottom of the page are sits you have applied for
Click into the sit and I think it says “manage”
From there you can withdraw your application.
@RR12345 Definitely the right decision! On reading your OP I was going to say ‘Definitely do not do a pre-visit!’ As its unreasonable request for such a short sit with only cats & the time & cost involved! Now, having read the whole thread, and seeing as you had not even confirmed I too would have withdrawn the application. Sounds like you have followed your gut feeling - based on the previous (experienced) sitter review plus your impression of lack of cleanliness & unreasonable demands.
Good for you. Always follow your gut feeling!!!
No - wouldn’t do it. Have a FaceTime if you must.
It’s so frustrating because I’m looking for regular London sits at the moment. I have to constantly refresh the app relying on luck, because my saved search notifications only appear once sits have gone because of the 5 application rule.
Then I write a thoughtful message, chat with a HO, get my hopes up …. Just for them to be flaky, change their dates, make unreasonable requests. So deflating 
this site used to be great.