However, I had this happen to me at a sit one time, it actually wasn’t the HO’s own kid, but a friend of theirs from college, who needed a place to stay for one night. It was sprung on me, and the HO assured me that “I wouldn’t even know she was there.” She would arrive late in the evening, sleep in one of the downstairs rooms, and be gone by the morning. I didn’t feel like I could say no.
But the friend actually didn’t arrive late in the evening; she got there at about 1 pm and stayed until the next morning. She was very sweet, but it was still quite awkward. Also, I wasn’t feeling well that day, and would have loved to have some privacy. But hey, these things happen, it could have been way worse, and I probably just need to have more firm boundaries next time.
Not in a trillion years would I accept this. Why did you? ‘No’ is a word it’s important to learn to say early on in life. No prevarication a simple ‘No’ without ‘sorry’ No…
I agree, whether just for a weekend or not. Unless someone becomes ill, or something tragic happens it is in my mind not acceptable. We do this as sitters not only for our love of animals, but to travel affordably.
However, if there is enough notice, hopefully it did not inconvenience you too much. I hope it was near your home and that you had not purchased a hotel for the turnaround time or a plane ticket.
TLDR;
Sitters - don’t invite people to the property without the knowledge and consent of the pet parent.
Pet Parents - You must ensure the property is vacant for the duration, and notify the sitter of maintenance people who are expected to pop over e.g. gardeners, cleaners etc
While it hasn’t happened to me, conversely diets aren’t allowed guests unless the HO okays it. So when interviewing your potential sitter why not broach the subject? If your kids are going to be at home, then perhaps you don’t need a TH. But if the kids are popping in for a day or two ask the sure if they are okay with it. I wouldn’t mind if I knew when and for how long do I can be prepared.
Oh dear. I have two wonderful mature sons but I wouldn’t have wanted to “gift” them with this responsibility. They love animals and are respectful of others but when they were 22 years old they were, well, 22 year olds. I think it takes a bit more to really comprehend what someone’s home means to them.
Sorry off topic, but had to comment: Please don’t make assumptions about other people’s motives.
Yes, saving money is nice, but the reason we use THS is to keep our animals at home. We’re well able to afford boarding them, and have done so. It’s way easier for us (and not actually that much more expensive), but not good for our pets. So, we use THS.
I recently had a sit where they had regular cleaners. Before the sit I asked the HO if the cleaners were coming when I was there and they said no. Then I got a text the day before I was leaving saying the cleaners would be coming and “not to worry, they have a key.’ They didn’t. So I had to wait in for them. It was pretty disruptive on my last day. Normally it’s been great to have a cleaner the day before leaving but these cleaners were rubbish. They created their own rubbish and left it dripping in the recycling bin that I’d cleaned and they weren’t thorough at all and it wasn’t even that dirty, a few pet hairs . They left all the windows open in the conservatory too. I ended up cleaning up after them!
I ended up mentioning it to the HO who said they knew they weren’t great but felt sorry for them!
It’s made me rethink about having third parties visit such as cleaners now.
I don’t see this as free labor, it’s an exchange. So far both we and our sitters have been happy with this. I also feel more at ease with THS sitters and the equal relationship we have, as we can actually get to know each others.
Paid in-home pet sitting is also not really a thing where we live.