I think everyone has covered all but one item. You said you did not bring a raincoat because you thought there would be one. The typical HO won’t have extra coats for a sitter, and you definitely should not be wearing their personal clothes, even if outerwear. Just to keep in mind for the future.
9 Likes
Yeah, you can’t have any expectations of being provided with clothing (although I did appreciate a loan of wellies once as they are quicker to put on than my own walking boots). But you need to be equipped for the local weather conditions.
It is a bit unwelcoming not to have a few food basics like oil, bread, milk on arrival, it’s doing the bare minimum otherwise, but it’s not expected.
1 Like
Sorry to read you are in this situation. Yes, it is unwelcoming and quite uncaring of them. Yes, you could have asked a few questions, but if you are new here, the hosts could have explained things a bit better. I prefer warm, kind encounters to businesslike ones and hope you will have lots of these in future.
3 Likes
yes, it was my choice. and yes, it is logical.
I think you didn’t get my point, anyway.
and also: you can check the prices of dog hotels and all this service and you will see, that’s housesitting is win-win for both sides, not just for sitter.
yes, scenery is priceless and I am really enjoying stay here.
all good.
2 Likes
Thank you everyone for your feedback. It was helpful.
It never happened to me before that I arrived to air b’n’b house instead of home of pet, so I was surprised. I got different experiences and wasn’t sure if its OK that HO didn’t mention it in their post. As some sitters told me, it was written in one of review of that place, I just didn’t see it.
I am doing housesitting for over 4 years, but mostly in Canada and via another platform. There is less petsitters, different rules, so (perhaps) different standards. That’s why I was surprised and needed to hear this is OK.
And how I see now, that is nothing I should feel unwelcoming about. And also this should not have impact to my review.
For future I will insist on video call and ask preciously about conditions.
Also I will update my profile to specify I am light traveller 
So thank you everyone for your responds and for your support.
7 Likes
I always leave quite a bit of food in the kitchen and if a sitter is coming from far away on public transportation, I offer to buy some groceries for them in advance. But I would be OUTRAGED if a sitter came and expected to borrow any of my clothes, even a raincoat.
7 Likes
I am learning that it is very important to conduct a thorough questionairre on the firs video chat as well as asking the homeowner to give a tour of the home and areas where petsitter will be using to have an accurate assessment before agreeing to move forward on the sit.
1 Like
It’s great to see you’ve been able to take feedback on board after sharing your experience 
- it sounds like you’ve taken some lessons away from it that you can use when you’re applying to future sits
2 Likes
KarJam, I am brand new to THS, just finished my first pet sit (local) to get my feet wet. You cannot know how much I appreciate your sharing this experience. I am much more prepared to ask in-depth about situation of a sit and the power of a video call with HO. And reading other sitter reviews.
One question comes to mind that was mentioned by another participant about the Welcome Guide: I’ve been accepted for a 2-week sit and have requested the Welcome Guide but the HO has not sent it; and I think the icon for it in the listing is greyed out (not available?). Should this be a red flag for me?
Tom
2 Likes
It could be that the HO is not opening THS app or site. If you have an alternative contact, you could ask them. That’s what I usually do. Some people take a bit longer to complete or update the guide but you should have it well in advance so you can clarify any questions and there are no surprises.
2 Likes
Some of my HOs have found it easier to write the WG outside the app, say in Word or Libre Office Write, and then send it to me. If this is the case, I provide them with headings from the WG in the app, as a starting point.
3 Likes
I am very glad my experience help you for further Housesitt.
And about your question: I am not sure if Welcome Guide is necessary, but I would insist in conversation about at least, to clarify all details. Not just about care of pets, but also about using house.
Since my question, I have received the WG and am more comfortable with the HO. This will be a great opportunity to live in a tiny house and see how we can adapt!
3 Likes