Just a side note- please check that buses at the location allow dogs on them. Being English I assumed everywhere did, but in Perth Australia they’re not allowed neither are they allowed on the metro. 
Yup Australia not nearly as pet friendly as UK, outside all good, but inside it’s often a no.
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There was a whole thread a while ago about this very topic, very interesting to see the cultural differences about pet travellers but I’ll not add to it here as off topic. 
From a newbie, I love that you brought up the cameras. Whilst I have nothing to hide, it does creep me out a little that owners may have cameras that I am unaware of, I will also be adding this to my profile.
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Do you know that there should not be any undisclosed cameras? It’s in the rules that all cameras must be disclosed to the sitter and any internal cameras must be disabled: Camera and Recording Devices Policy | TrustedHousesitters.com
Im aware that not everyone reads/abides by the rules, that’s why Im telling you about them so you can quote them if necessary.
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A most PERFECT answer, thank you! I do think she’d worried I’d be gone all day, when I mentioned the bike, because of her location, and her dog is 11 or 12 and accustomed to her being with her much of the day. I oftentimes think HO’s don’t even read people’s profiles and reviews, which is most odd to me, I’d want to know everything about someone who was coming to stay in my home with my beloved pets! I’m going to follow your suggestion and see what kind of response I get from her. Contrary to what a number of other people have said here, I don’t think she has an entitled attitude at all, that’s not her vibe, and I think you’re right in that she probably has a little anxiety because it’s a long sit and it’s been a long stretch since she’s last had a sitter. Thank you for being a rational voice in a sea of many overly emotional responses!
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Thank you! You and @WeRPAWsome have lent some very solid and helpful advice here and I will be taking bits from both of you and applying it to a follow up message to her today! I honestly don’t think she’s being irrational and/or “entitled” as some have said, I do think you’re spot on with her feeling I might be planning to be gone the entire day, she did actually say that at one point when we were talking about the bike and I did reassure her that I don’t do that to pets, even cats, I’m never gone for more than 4 hours and even 4 is a lot for me!
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Oh wow, I always trust that HO’s don’t have internal cameras going, particularly when that goes against platform rules, but perhaps I need to toss that bit into my profile as well. How do you have it worded? @hayhay123 this is for you as well!
Unfortunately I of course can’t provide a full transcript of our conversations and have done my best here but she’s not entitled, if I felt she was I would have seen that in the very first interaction and I would not have confirmed the sit. She didn’t actually use the word “job” anywhere, I have that in there and in quotes because those are my words, I think she’s simply concerned I’ll be gone all day long biking!
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It’s interesting that the homeowner said she’d noticed from your profile that you have a problem with cameras; as internal cameras are against THS policy there shouldn’t ever be any question about sitters being OK with them!!!
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Haha ask if the bicycle has a dog basket on it for picnics in the hills!
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I should have clarified that. They didnt have cameras, but Alexa can record audio, and they have their lights and music set up on Alexa, so she went out of her way to inquire about that since I had included it in my profile.
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That’s unfortunately quite common, it doesn’t sound unfamiliar at all. Though it doesn’t make sense or add up financially, many thinks travelers are not paying members too, but rather an in house operation - hired staff send by THS. Those hosts will treat you and review you accordingly.
It’s marketed that way and they believe it.
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Yes I understood that. My point was that she shouldn’t have commented that you had a problem with cameras- because they’re against THS policy. Why would any sitter be ok with them?
I phrase things in a much friendlier way than those examples you shared, because a blunt tone or wording would turn off hosts.
For instance, I say I appreciate fridge and freezer space, because I live on takeout. And I say (toward the end of my profile), here’s a friendly heads up about THS dealbreakers, in case anyone is unfamiliar as a new host.
Because THS undermines sitters by giving the impression that they’re at hosts’ beck and call, I try to strike a balance in my profile and applications — I make my priorities clear and friendly and mention doing a video chat, to see if there’s a mutual fit.
I don’t want to sit for anyone who misunderstands the balance needed for a healthy exchange.
To me, reading the tone of listings and looking for a sense of hospitality and reciprocity already go a long way. I avoid all sits without warmth and reciprocity. For instance, if a listing focuses only on the hosts’ and pets’ needs, I pass, no matter how good the location, etc.
To me, sitters who are too eager or desperate to sit borrow trouble. Being selective and able to take or leave sitting helps with healthy exchanges.
And contrary to what some sitters experience, my hosts read my profile. I can tell by what they raise and ask when we video chat. And I think my hosts do that, because I screen listings (and reviews they write and receive) for healthy reciprocity. I look for signs of thoughtfulness, generosity and care.
I also keep my standards consistent, no matter if a sit is for popular locations like London or NYC. I always pay attention to red or yellow flags and don’t talk myself into ignoring iffy signs.
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Not allowed on public transit in most of the US either.
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Not allowed in the US generally except for service (not emotional support).
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I would 100% Toto that dog around town!
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You can always mute the Alexa device, I always do that when I see one in a home!
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I’m actually still going to do the sit, good clear communication is everything and after some advice from a @WeRPAWsome and @MerryPuppins I’ve sorted it all out with her. She was simply afraid that I would be out all day long on the bike and didn’t want to risk her wee pup being neglected. She’s actually pretty relaxed and isn’t dwelling on it, just needed to know that and moved on. And she’s gifted me a ticket to an opera performance the week I arrive, so everyone who claiming she’s entitled might reconsider such emotional reactions and responses!
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