I’m not sure what conclusions you are coming to with that information but, to me, it all points to there being more sitters than home hosts.
The truth is, unless THS ever divulge the statistics, we’ll never know for sure.
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I would love to know if there is any up-to-date info available on that ratio, of sitters to HO’s. I live outside a major city (Denver, and Boulder), and just joined THS last year. I immediately had 5 applicants for our first house sit in early-mid October. Things worked out well, I was very happy! I recently posted (a few weeks ago) for dates in late May/early June this summer, and have not had 1 single applicant. I’ve even invited about 10 people now (very kind and personalized messages to each and every sitter), all local to me. Either they cannot commit yet, or have other sits, which is not obvious on their calendars (a big frustration of mine, in addition to the very limited filters).
I’m scratching my head now… it is my profile? my pet (one dog)? is it the time of year – that everyone is going on vacation and needs sitters now? are there really way more HO’s vs. sitters at this point?
It’s been really tough this time around, and I can’t wait another few weeks to list as “last minute” because we have a non-refundable hotel lined up (30 day cancellation policy), and don’t want to lose that money. I could possibly find a paid sitter at this point (as in the past) but that’s exactly why I joined THS, to engage in these ‘exchanges’ instead (I take the same risk with any new paid sitter as I do with one from THS).
Any information on sitter vs. HO numbers would be helpful - I’m on the brink of cancelling our trip and will need to make a decision soon. Plus my membership is renewing in a week, so there is that too 
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Not really, but you can get an idea.
Find-a-house-sit results in “334 house sits in Denver, CO, US accepting application”.
Find-a-sitter results in “There are 1550 house and pet sitters from Denver, Colorado, US”
There are certainly more listings that do not accept applications at the moment.
And only very few of those sitters will be available the whole year around.
In your listing you state that you prefer local sitters, you require a physical meeting beforehand, and some other things that would restrict the number of applicants. The listing creates the impression that you are looking for a solo sitter.
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@janistowns I’m based out of Denver and have been using THS for about a year. As @pietkuip pointed out moments ago you can get an idea for the approximate supply/demand in an area but there isn’t any released statistics from THS. And of course it is dependent on sitters keeping locations updated as well instead of simply listing Denver, Boulder, etc as their current area.
I’m a full-time sitter and can only make statements about my personal observations from the last year. I have kept close tabs on Colorado, Denver in particular, as I weigh options on renting vs sitting full-time. Luckily there are plenty of options for me in the area which also then allows for repeat opportunities rather than me having to search for new homes in the city.
Anyway, as THS is expanding in the US, the mountain west/west coast particularly Colorado, California, & Washington, seem to be adding homeowners at a higher rate than other states. Which isn’t surprising if you look at population/real estate trends as well. It’s unfortunate you are having a difficult time but as more HOs join the platform it will take time to balance the scales as more sitters join the site. Obviously this platform being free compared to paid sites is a bit of a deterrent for sitters but I’m hoping word of mouth helps the supply and demand.
Best of luck and hope you find someone soon!
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thank you for your reply, and info. Interesting, I didn’t think to compare the number of house sits to sitters in my area. It’s a place to start I guess.
I totally understand the reality that locals would probably not want to house sit locally (makes sense, this platform is about traveling!), but the people I’ve been “inviting” are strictly sitters who either state they want to get local sits under their belt (as they get started with THS), or their profile shows them almost exclusively sitting in-state (not traveling the world). However, I do realize there could be a real preference for staying in the mountains, for instance, vs. non-mountain towns, like mine.
As far as wanting solo travelers only, I will re-read through my profile yet again (thank you for that impression). I did just book a couple for later in June (by invite), so that is certainly not what I was hoping to convey. I have always had a meeting beforehand (with paid sitters) as I know it has been helpful for my dog, but I can see how this will deter many sitters who do travel and can’t arrange for that. I knew that when posting, but perhaps requesting a sitter to stay one overnight before we leave will suffice.
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Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate your observations and insight! There are so many factors involved with this situation, on both the sitter and HO side. I find it very interesting. Despite the frustration I feel now, I know things can change at any time, and since I do hope to be on BOTH sides soon enough (my dog is 12 and my kids will be grown in no time), I will be turning to this forum for current information regularly.
And as luck would have it, just as I was disappointed in the lack of any applications for my home sit, someone that I was going to “invite” today (because I noticed they ‘favorited’ my profile a day ago) just applied to my sit! I hope it works out, and I’m feeling hopeful once again 
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Concur with Marion. This is not a paid sitter site. If you are looking for paid pet sits in the Tampa area, I recommend establishing a profile on Rover. I have been sitting for owners all around Tampa for more than 2 years. Rover has been how I found them all, and it’s been a great experience.
Edited to remove the link as per the posting terms
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I’ve been a paid member as a sitter now for three years and honestly feel it’s been worth it. Since partially retiring I only sit in the fall, winter and early spring. As others have mentioned professional pet sitters can cost a lot as I also do private sits and charge $65.00 a day depending on the pets. THS has afforded me the opportunity to sit in places that I otherwise wouldn’t of had the opportunity to do so. Of course the cost of airfare and accommodation can add up, but getting to stay with fabulous pets and see new places definitely helps to keep traveling costs down. For me it’s a perfect exchange. Granted I’ve incurred a fair bit this winter in airfare around 1650.00 total, yet have still saved money. The most challenging part is the in-between sits and navigating accommodations, airbnb vs hotels and transportation to and from, yet overall I’ve been very happy with everything.
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Hi, I joined (UK) in January and have done 2 sits already with another 4 lined up. Even though I had the initial outlay upfront I see it as I will save money. The money I saved on not having to pay for accommodation for a weeks holiday when I did my first sit more than covered the membership cost. Yes, the hosts are searching many possible sitters, but the sitters are also applying for numerous hosts for the same dates. I accept the first host to accept me. You don’t buy the first car you see!
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I traveled from April-December with 13 confirmed sits. I am headed to England next week and have 4 more scheduled when I get back. It is DEFINITELY worth it. I was not chosen for some and chosen for some. You can travel as many as you can get or as few as you would like.
Think of the money you will save either on pet boarding or hotels/Airbnb’s!
This site has changed the way I travel around the world!
Cheers and good luck!
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Totally depends on the individual And how much time and effort you want to exert. For me it’s totally worth it. I’ve done some amazing sits all over the US Canada and Europe. Overlooking the Ocean, Scottish Castles and Swiss alpine lakes. It’s tougher these days since there is so much more competition than when I joined, but it also depends on how picky you are and as a bigger with no THS references you have to expect some reaction. Your best chances are local and you Need those references. I retired so I can do last minute sits. I have certain sits that I do semi regularly since they always ask me first. Next week we are doing a week at one of my favorites on one of the lovely San Juan Islands in a beautiful waterfront home.
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As the commenters point out, participating in a sit has associated costs. If the membership fee is a barrier, this might not be the right time for you to join TH.
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Not sure if the OP has left this discussion after realising you don’t get paid?
I may be wrong
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I totally agree about having to pony up for the whole year. Like many of us, I’m not in a position to be a year-round sitter; I have a “normal” job for six months of the year. Which means I’m paying THS for six months I can’t possibly use. Although I’ve had some great sits - and was successful in being offered almost all those I applied for - I won’t be renewing next time. I might come back, but as things are, it’s just too expensive.
But then, I think you do have to be very financially - er - secure to sit year-round and thus get value for money. It’s kinda ironic.
If you don’t feel its worth it for you, then it’s quite easy, simply don’t join, or renew in your case.
Its a choice we all have to make.
In your ‘normal’ job, do you not get any holidays during the six months? You could petsit then.
How do you see a person’s listings from this forum? I see nothing when I click on their profile.
We would be happy to take a look at your Boulder listing, although we have applied to other sits for around that time.
@janistowns had given the THS link in the forum profile. When forum users do that, then it is easy to read their listings. At least in the web interface.
I do get leave, but it’s accrued. So obviously, in just six months, I don’t get enough to make a sit of a week or more feasible.
Yes, of course we all have the choice whether to join/renew or not. I was merely putting my pennyworth into the discussion.
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In the UK (not sure where you are), 6 months should accrue 10-12 days holiday, which should present opportunities for petsitting.
How come you only work for 6 months and what do you do for the other 6 months?