I started a sit a few days ago and unfortunately one of the cats I was due to sit took a turn for the worse and was brought into emergency, where they have been for 3 days, going on 4. The homeowners postponed their trip and hinted to the fact that they may completely cancel their trip (which was for two weeks - until Dec 9th) if the cat comes home and needs extensive treatment.
Of course I understand their situation but not sure what to do if that’s the case. It has been awkward to share a small apartment with them over the past few days. I bought groceries for them when they were in emergency - which they never offered to pay for or at least pay half. I’ve been looking for other accommodations just in case but in this area (Germany) at this time of year it will cost me 2-$3000 for accommodations. I’m just curious if anyone else has been in this situation and what they did, or what you would do? Would appreciate any thoughts.
Simple. Don’t leave for the duration of the planned sit. As far as you’re concerned you belong there until and unless it’s agreed otherwise. At which point the hosts can assist with alternate plans if they don’t want to be housemates.
If you are a Premium member you will be able to claim for alternative accommodation if the sit is cancelled . There are some T&Cs you need to comply with to make a successful claim . We have done this successfully and this thread is helpful .
If you are not a Premium member than you will need to go with your Plan B -
That could be looking for another sit in a different location / country .
For example are several hosts currently looking for sitters listed in U.K. with sits starting this week - so it may be worth exploring the possibility of getting a cheap flight to U.K. and getting a sit there which would be cheaper than 2-$3000 for accommodations.
To apply for another sit you will need to contact THS support so that they can change the end date of the sit that you are on now .
If they decide to stay at home, rehearse the words that you want to say, so that you don’t get caught off-guard.
So if they say they are staying, say something along the lines of:
“I totally understand, she’s such a lovely cat, but I feel uncomfortable not having a place to myself, a few days was fine, but longer is different. Would you mind paying for a cheap hotel for me. I know none of us knew this was going to happen, but I’ve already looked to see if there are other sits and there isn’t any nearby, so I’m stuck.”
In the meantime keep searching to see if there are other sits available, and have a look at workaway or couchsurfing websites, just so that you feel more in control of the situation, so you know all your options.
Also on the note of buying them food, personally I’d just let it drop, it’s just one of those things, you did a good deed by buying them food when their plans had changed. Their heads will be in a weird place right now, their cat is ill, and they probably just thought you were being nice. Don’t get me wrong offering to pay would have been nice, but their heads probably aren’t thinking rationally right now.
Suggest reach out to THS (website chat, call or email support@trustedhousesitters.com) to advise THS Member of current situation. As appropriate THS MS can advise you of Sit Cancellation Insurance eligibility.
Suggest use THS Search function to identify any alternative housesits in reasonable proximity to your current housesit. Or indeed within significant travel distance, as incremental travel costs may be less than local accommodation costs. There are relatively few housesits in Schengen zone so perhaps, as @Silversitters noted, you may need to consider UK as an alternative - not ideal at all.
Please note that Pet Parents are not under any obligation to assist you or financially contribute to alternative accommodation. That may seem harsh but that’s the reality of THS Terms. Some Pet Parents may volunteer. But encourage not assume their support.
That’s a tough situation. The HOs will need to make a decision as to whether they are going on their trip or not. I know it’s a difficult time for them, but it’s not fair to keep you hanging. You can’t apply to other sits until they formally cancel. As others have mentioned, if you are a premium member, you can request reimbursement for alternate accommodations (up to $150/night with a max of $1500 - or whatever the comparable numbers are in other currencies).
I agree with @Silversitters about looking for sits in the UK. There are typically lots of sits in the UK and flights there from Germany are cheap. Or you could look at going somewhere with less expensive hotel options (but keep in mind if you do plan to use the premium cancellation plan, your alternate accommodations must be within 20 miles of the sit).
If the HOs want you to stay until they figure out what they are doing, maybe they could pay for accommodations for you in the area. It’s not reasonable to expect a sitter to just stay there if the HOs aren’t leaving.
Let us know how things work out with the sit and with the cat.
A serious pet illness is an extenuating circumstance. I would also not leave in that situation.
Just as pet parents need a plan b in case something happens to the sitter, sitters also need a plan b in case the sit is cancelled. I know this is no help right now, you will really just have to see what happens and try and work out something with the HO.
Going forward please take this as a lesson learned. Before accepting a sit look at what local accomodations would cost in case of emergency, and/or upgrade to premium membership their is some financial help in case of emergency.
Sorry for the situation you find yourself in, and I hope it works out.
As pet lovers we understand their concern and they cannot be faulted. I would do exactly what they are doing if my beloved pet was ill. This is why pet sitters should always have a plan B. I keep stating having an emergency fund is a must. Things happen.
This really is an uncomfortable situation to find yourself in, and it makes sense that you’re feeling unsure about what comes next. A few thoughts that might help you navigate it:
A sit only really begins once the owners have left.
If their trip is postponed or cancelled, the sit changes too. You’re not expected to stay indefinitely if they end up remaining home.
You’ve already been very kind and helpful.
Buying groceries while they were at the emergency vet was thoughtful, but that’s not something you need to take on again. You’ve done enough on that front.
It may help to have a calm, factual chat with them.
Something like:
“I completely understand the uncertainty with your cat’s health. I just need to know your likely plans, because if the trip doesn’t go ahead, I’ll need to make other arrangements.”
If they do decide not to travel, you’re free to leave — but make sure they formally cancel the sit on their end.
This ensures your dates are freed up and you’re able to apply for last-minute sits. That’s not about being unkind — it’s simply how things work when a sit no longer exists in its original form.
If the cat comes home needing significant care and they still plan to travel, ask for clear expectations.
Extra medical care can be a big responsibility, and you deserve to know exactly what would be involved before agreeing.
And if accommodation costs nearby are difficult for you, it’s absolutely okay to say so.
Sometimes owners make a decision more quickly once they understand the practicalities on your side.
None of this is your fault, and you’re handling a tricky situation with a lot of grace. A bit of clarity and a gentle boundary or two should help give you a clearer path forward.
