We were recently in a bind due to a sitter (about half a dozen 5-star reviews) canceling on us 3 days before we were to leave for a 2-week holiday, which meant accepting a last minute sitter who only had one prior review (5 stars).
Now that we have returned, one of our two cats has an eye infection that was not noticed or reported, both seem a little too eager with food and they are both down slightly in weight, and the litter boxes don’t seem like they were cleaned daily.
How can we do a better job trying to spot red flags? At this point due to this experience, we are talking about only taking sitters with significant numbers of 5-star reviews (10 or more) just to feel more comfortable. Do folks have other ideas?
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Also just to mention: we do video interviews with EVERY sitter.
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Did you interview more than one person initially? Maybe that could be a good strategy in the future, so in case the first choice bails on you, the second choice would take the job even though they know they weren’t the first choice,
Perhaps during the next interview process let each person know about your prior experience and concern about “cancellations” I think it is entirely ok for you to express this during the interview process, just like in real job interviews, interviewers ask questions of interviewees to best cover their butts in case of future problems. And then ask each applicant “if you are not chosen for this sit and our first choice cancelled, and you are available, would you be willing to take this job?” Then they would have the context from which this question is coming from…
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There shouldn’t be an ‘interviewing’ process. It’s an exchange. Nobody is applying for an unpaid job.
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I think your interpretation of ‘interviews’ is too literal. I like to have a WhatsApp video call with hosts, to check that their expectations align with mine, It’s a form of due diligence, for both parties.
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But of course it is. I interview and expect applicants are interviewing me. Each party’s attitude or demeanor (as revealed by the interview process) outweighs semantics every day.
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Noted. Might one enquire what the package entails; pension scheme, bonus, dental, carriage..the usual works?
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Well, I don’t attend ‘interviews’ for unpaid work, but whatever works for you.
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I think red flags flap less when HOs are in a last minute fix and wanting to get any ‘ok ish’ sitter….
It’s not just about THS reviews but also maturity and experience you’re looking for.
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I’m sorry to hear about your kitties. It does sound like they experienced some hopefully minor neglect, which is always hard. Hopefully some eye drops and a clean littler will have them back to usual in no time.
As for red flags, it’s not always easy to spot them so I look more for amazing reviews. Brief reviews that simply say “NAME was great, thanks for looking after things” or similar are a warning for me. I want to see over-the-top expressions of gratitude and rave reviews of coming home to happy pets. I want reviews that say “I’d have them back in a heartbeat!” and “If you’re lucky enough to be chosen by these sitters, confirm right away!”
That said, I’ve had fab newbies with zero reviews and mediocre sitters with dozens of 5* reviews. My worst sitter was one of my closest friends, who upon arriving said “I’m scared of cats!” How did that not come up? Why did she offer?? My cats were neglected to some degree and I will always return to THS from now on.
Anyway, for me, the info I need comes from the conversation (obv the word interview gets some hackles up 
). I need to feel that the sitter is actively interested in our location and our pets, not just looking for the next place to stay. I look for sitters who love cats, who ask questions about their behavior and schedule, who have experience with cat health and behavior, and are generally lighthearted and even-keeled. Most important maybe: a sitter who goes awwwww when the cat pops his head onto the screen during a video chat 
In the end, you really have to trust your gut, never choose someone out of desperation, and hope for the best.
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I absolutely would not accept a sit without a conversation (not a text or email) with the owner. It’s a 2 way opportunity to get a feel for the extent of the situation, and for me to ask any questions not included in the profile. I like to think I’m a good judge of character. Also I want the HO to feel free to ask questions and get a sense of who I am.
Just want to mention - if a sitter cared for our dog, she has a fit when we come home. Every single time. The sitter could have hand fed her liver and rubbed her belly on demand. Our girl likes to be dramatic. My point being, do you really know your pet wasn’t happy while you were away? Or do you think it’s projected on them?
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I wish I could “like” your reply a bunch of times!
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If you’re in a location where many people want to visit, you’ll likely get many applicants. Acknowledge each application that comes in so that you can reach out to them in the event you have a last minute cancellation. Sometimes it’s hard to tell who is going to be great or just so so unless you see applicants with lots of great reviews. I would also have backup local sitters just in case everything else fails. I once received a “your family sounds great but we decided to go with another sitter.” Personally, I wouldn’t sit for someone who rejected me in the past but there’s probably others that would.
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And in doing so you’re eliminating yourself from many great sits. |But so be it, it means there’s more available for me. I don’t view a sit as unpaid work either.
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I’m most interested to hear from other hosts rather than sitters on this topic, hence why it’s posted in the forum section for hosts
(I’m also baffled by people who don’t seem to understand why it might be important to speak with someone and see if you feel like they would be a fit prior to trusting them with your home and your pets.)
Good points. How do you suss out those things when speaking to a potential sitter?
I completely agree and it works both ways.
Reviews only work to a extent. Wording is much more helpful than stars especially when specific information is given.
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I’ve done over 40 5 star sits, so no I’m not eliminating myself from anything great. But happy interviewing!
Well, it’s a public forum, so don’t mind me if I jump in with some feedback.