That is such a sweet post and very considerate. You want to make sure that you have sitters who are just as considerate, So my advice to you would be select people who are experienced, have good reviews and aren’t super demanding. Make sure you do video interviews before selecting a sitter.
We are now sitters and we sit because we love to spend time with animals now that we don’t have any, we also love to travel, but we don’t “need” sits.
(I don’t think gift cards or airport pick ups are Necessary, we have sometimes left small gifts at the end of a sit but at the end of the day you are exchanging services that benefit both.)
For us a clean house and a good bed and great communication are the most important things.
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This thread wasn’t about basics that are necessary, though. This host was asking about how to make their sit “as lovely as possible.”
Worth noting that that could help them with being more selective with sitters, if they widen their pool. That’s the case in general with sits, but especially with their puppy. Many sitters avoid sitting young dogs. This host is smart to consider how to go beyond basics, because sitting a puppy is also beyond a basic sit.
Some folks are more considerate and generous than most, whether as sitters or hosts. That’s often reciprocated beyond a transaction.
I’m on my way to a sit now and my host has offered to pick me up at the airport. And I’m going to sit two cats.
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We have become friends with many past hosts, have been asked back many times, and always go above and beyond. We often leave flowers or Framed photographs of pets… And have received same.
That being said, when people start saying that leaving gift cards, or airport pick ups, or paying for flights are the norm for a host who is asking how to make her sits with her puppy excellent, I don’t think that’s what makes a great host. I think the basics like great communication, cleanliness, and comfortable bedding are things that matter, I wouldn’t want her to get the impression that she needs to start leaving gift cards to be a good host.
Great that you’re getting picked up from the airport and “only” doing cats. Sounds like an easy sit, good for you.
We personally don’t think a puppy would be a turn-off, we would sit with a puppy and consider the extra work just part of regular sits for us. and oh the joy of getting to sit with a puppy 
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I’d consider those basics needed for any sit, though. Not what makes a sit “as lovely as possible,” which is what’s above and beyond.
For instance, if communications were poor starting off, I might suggest that a sitter not go on the sit, including canceling if needed.
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At this point I think we’re going to have to just agree to disagree. I don’t think gift cards, airport pick up or dinners have made for our “above and beyond” special sits; The ones who stand out in our mind and will always hold a place in our heart are not the material gifts but the hosts who are kind and considerate, who communicate well and give verbal appreciation of the photos/videos we send of their animals, the actual animals above and beyond everything who have now a place in our hearts, those are the things that make above and beyond sits for us.
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Gift cards, rides to or from airports are examples of what kind people do. Those folks express appreciation beyond words.
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Arrived today at my latest sit. Terrific host — welcoming, thoughtful, communicative and trusting. We’ve had friendly exchanges from the outset, well ahead of our sit.
Picked me up at the airport, which she volunteered.
Lovable cats — we’re already friendly, even the skittish one.
Clean, charming, cozy home, full of personality and within blocks of amenities. Robust welcome guide, shared well ahead. Host showed me everything I need during handoff.
Fridge and freezer space. Also lots of recommendations for restaurants and sights to see.
I’m spending the night before she leaves. Lovely guest room and bathroom. Comfortable bed, nice bedding and towels. Closet space. Luggage rack.
She also offered to let me choose between the master bedroom and guest room. Said she would sleep in the guest room if I preferred the master, because she wanted me to enjoy my stay.
Welcomed me with a grocery gift card and various chocolate treats. (Before our sit, she’d offered to pick up some starter groceries for me. I thanked her, but declined.)
Took me out for a delicious dinner in the neighborhood. Leaving me her car to use.
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I always appreciate an empty drawer or two. I have had sits with closet space but no drawers. I don’t like living out of a suitcase and can’t hang up underwear, gloves, etc. A clean house and fresh bedding including clean oven, kitchen sink, a toaster with a clean crumb tray. I want the host to tell me to feel free to use their spices. Refrigerator space is very important so I can do a weeks worth of shopping at a time. A little freezer space is also nice to see. The biggest thing is no surprises when I arrive. I had a host or two have a special instruction manual at the house which is different from the Welcome manual online. It makes me feel like bait and switch. My favorite hosts are those with a relaxed attitude and truly want you to feel comfortable in their home.
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Lots of good info here.
To make my stay memorably I need the basics and I’m happy.
All the information about your pets written down on a piece of paper I can find in an instance.
A clean and tidy house.
Room in the fridge, freezer and pantry. An empty drawer in my bedroom and some hanging space.
Clutter cleared from the bathroom I’m going to use. I do like room for my own clutter!
Clear instructions about what you expect from me.
A way to contact you if needed
Contact of someone who knows your pets and home well, preferably near enough to get there in minutes if there is an emergency.
It’s as easy as that to have a very happy sitter.
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Welcome to THS and the forum.
I am always grateful to HOs who let me stay over the night before, if they are leaving early. All my regulars have done this from Day 1. It’s not mandatory of course, and in some cases not practical. But if you can spend more time showing the sitter the pet’s routine, they will be more prepared, and the pet will likely be more relaxed with them. And you build rapport with the sitter. I am now good friends with my regulars.
I read about one sitter who turned up either the night before or with several hours before the HOs left, but the HO ignored them and didn’t feed them. And crucially, didn’t tell them they were getting no food!
That must be rare of course, but if you can make them a meal or get a takeaway, that is always appreciated.
And I don’t have a car, so I appreciate a lift from the station, and my regulars sometimes take me to the supermarket. Again, this is a big favour that I am very grateful for. If you are able to do this for sitters using public transport.
You are not obliged to pay for their food, but some do leave a half filled fridge. A small edible gift is always nice.
Room in the fridge is important. And room for clothes is appreciated.
Also if you can let them use things like shampoo and conditioner, especially people with no car, as every bit of weight saved is a help. A bar of soap as a gift is always nice.
Good luck!
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2 posts were split to a new topic: THS is not for me - any advice
A well groomed pet is nice. I understand dogs can be grose, eat poop, roll in sticky things or be slobbery and I am ok with that. However, if your pooch is stinky when we arrive or so dirty you feel like you need a bath afterwards petting them, it can be unpleasnt and mean less time I will spend on the floor snuggling with pooch. I dont mind bathing them durring the sit if needed, but not a good way to start a relationship with a new doggy friend.
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