As an owner who’s had 4 very positive experiences with THS sitters and one bad experience, this topic is really timely, and obviously continues to be interesting to both owners and sitters.
I was concerned about leaving a negative review for a young couple whose sit was filled with problems for me, when I was thousands of miles and 4 time zones away. And the issues continued after I returned and found a dirty home, dead plants and a stinking and messy cat litter box area. The cats were fine, but I worried a lot until I got home.
As a result of this experience, I’ve discussed this experience honestly with prospective sitters and I prepared a list of special instructions for sitters covering my expectations around: Communications, Emergencies, Cleaning and Housekeeping, and Plant Care. This was pretty helpful to the sitters, I think, because unvoiced expectations on either side can be a HUGE problem—frustrating and potentially disastrous. I think it definitely improved the likelihood of both the sitters and me having a good experience and outcome.
This list covers things that THS does not necessarily include in the Welcome Guide questionnaire/preparation. Things that many sitters and homeowners may take for granted, but are not a given when two sets of strangers are interacting for a house sit. It also helps sitters remember what may be a bewilderingly long list of instructions if only provided by the homeowner verbally. And most importantly, I think, it encourages the sitters to ask me questions while I am away if they are uncertain about anything!
If anyone would like a copy of my list, I’d be happy to share it.
@Jenny1
Sorry you had such an unsettling experience. I would love to see your list. It would probably be very useful if you shared it on here but if you don’t want to please message me with it.
Thanks
Jenny1 -I think your ‘list’ sounds perfect. Peoples expectations vary and as I get older I find that what we would call ‘common sense’ sometimes seems to elude people completely. I have only recently joined HS and still trying to ‘learn’ how the system works. With securing sits at the desired times/locations. Seems tricky to marry the two up. But most important is that the beloved pets are cared for as #1 priority in a way that makes them happy and not stressed and the HO house is respected & cared for. As a future sitter I would welcome a detailed list of ‘must do’.
Hi @EvieJ , Welcome to the forum and to THS! I agree with you and @Jenny1 , it’s best to have everything in writing. Then sitters can refer to your instructions instead of trying to recall what was said. Something good has come out of a negative experience.
@EvieJ , I recommend reading as much as you can on the forum to help you learn the ropes and feel prepared. Use the little magnifying glass and type in questions or topics of interest.
To craft the best profile you can, add your profile to your forum profile, and forum members will then be able to offer helpful feedback. Here are the instructions to do that: How to add your listing or profile to your forum profile
Please, Please leave an honest review. It’s the only way other owners can know how this sitter has behaved in the past. I would never want to leave my precious fur babies or my home with someone who blatantly disrespects the space by bringing in other people when specifically told not to do so. It is a safety and security risk for the sitter to be bringing other unknown persons in the home. THS is built on trust and part of that means trusting that owners write honest reviews. I would give this sitter one star and explain why they failed to be trustworthy. The truth is important.
@Jenny1 I’m a sitter, but I’d also like to see this list. Perhaps THS wouldn’t object to a general posting (provided you don’t). It seems to benefit everyone.
Please send me your email address and I’ll be happy to send you my Special Instructions for THS Pet Sitters. I don’t believe I can attach it to this response. A number of other THS owners and a few sitters have asked for it. It’s not intimidating…just covers things not ever covered in welcome guide! My sitters have all said it was invaluable in making sure unspoken expectations on both sides didn’t cause problems. I’ve found that it’s unreasonable to expect sitters to remember everything a HO says to sitter (during the tradeoff, if there even is a face to face one).
I would welcome a detailed list of ‘must do’.