Heck, I might become a dual member (I’m just a sitter so far) just to get pampered when I get home!
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That brings to mind the time @Huronbase was treated to dinner but was not offered wine when the HO poured herself a glass. It would have been a great opportunity to mention it in the review
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I don’t believe being offered a glass of wine is part of hospitality. That is the problem with the star system. A regular sit can be 5 stars for hospitality, when they offer a clean, comfortable home, comfortable sleeping facilities, equipped kitchen. But it is also 5 stars for those that offer their fully equipped bar, pantry, provide fresh fruit, salad delivery, cleaning services, hot tub, pool, sauna.
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I was just kidding. I thought the anecdote was very funny and @IHeartAnimals comment reminded me of it.
I agree both deserve 5 stars because nobody should be penalized for not going above and beyond. When they do, it can be mentioned in the review. Once again, the wording is what really matters.
What country is that?
I know you were kidding, but it just made me think about the differences.
I remember that post too. And he went to his car and got his own bottle 
UK… but does it matter?
I was wondering because I haven’t had a sit where I was provided a fridge of food, I had hosts who have said I could help myself with anything, but those foods weren’t bought for me
Interesting. Yes, I get that.
From this experience, I will now say what I need, at least for the first few days.
Perhaps I’ve been fortunate to have hosts who ask about my needs before I arrive, or that it’s a rural location so shopping is another chore, or that there’s a connection (friends or family)?
When the fridge is full of fresh dog food that is more expensive than most human food, it’s not unreasonable to expect some thought for the human caring for the pets 
It’s not unreasonable to have expectations, I think they just come naturally to us. What I don’t think it’s reasonable is to write a poor review because someone has not fulfilled our expectations. What we all need to fulfill is our part of the deal and that should guarantee a nice 5 star review.
she …I am a she.
Apologies!
@Demanda You wrote that “I will now say what I need, at least for the first few days.
If you’re going to tell HOs what food they must provide for you – enough for a “few days,” as you wrote – please make sure you address it upfront during the video chat – before the sit is confirmed. That way, HOs can decide if you are the right sitter for them.
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The other issue with the meal thing between hosts and sitters is I would never prepare a meal nor want one prepared for me (the sitter) unless we’ve had a conversation about food and what one eats. I’ve done this for people we’ve gotten to know a bit bc we’d discussed food, health, nutrition, etc.
I have not eaten any meat in 40 years so having a meal prepared for me by near strangers would be awkward and vice versa. I would not prepare a meal for hosts unless I knew they could eat the kind of food I prepare (90% vegetarian).
Your user name is quite appropriate. If you said that to me I’d offer to swing by the grocery store after picking you up (or point you in the right direction) so you can stock up (at your expense). If this was a last minute request we’d have a problem.
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Yes, please, I would likely unconfirm a sitter who gave me a grocery list as that seems very entitled.
If they sent me a list last minute I would ignore it and provide what I normally provide and just tell them I didn’t have time. Sitters need to realize HO are trying to pack themselves up and clean prior to the sitter’s arrival. We don’t have time to run to the store and shop for items the sitter wants. We have plenty of stores nearby and Instacart for delivery, that should be good enough.
HO shouldn’t expect anything on their return except a reasonably clean home and happy pets.
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I’m just curious: What’s the other 10% ?
@DieFledermaus the other 10% is fish.