I’m an old hag with all the technical skills of a beanbag. So:
I often find HOs don’t mention in their listing something which I very much need to know before applying. e.g Right now, I’m very drawn to a sit, but my ability to do it depends on whether the dogs are OK in cars. The HOs don’t address this (I know, I know, they can’t cover everything!)
Would it be acceptable to message them as an “Application” to ask this question, with the rider that they can then “Reject” me …And I’ll then apply formally - unless the listing has filled up and closed, which would just be my tough luck?
I don’t want to take up part of an HO’s ration of applications. But nor do I want to put a lot of time and effort into an application if there’s one element which means I couldn’t really do the sit. I don’t want to waste the HO’s time either.
I’ve a feeling the answer’s staring me in the face. But this is really starting to bug me, so please keep the laughter to a gentle rattle.
I have done this several times. I just say that, before I submit a more detailed application, I would like clarification on a couple of points. I include that if I decide not to go ahead with the application I will withdraw it so that others may apply.
I also think it’s a good way to check on how responsive the homeowner is, if I don’t get fast responses I usually withdraw anyway.
Yes they can reject one by one. It would be stated before you apply if you need to drive the dog someplace like the dog park and if you use the PP car or yours. Otherwise you don’t put the dog in your car unless you ask the PP if you can take him with you some places.
Thanks. That was my aim. The sit’s in a rural area, so it would be really nice if the dogs could come with me when I’m out and about. But I will have to drive (my own car) - so if the dogs aren’t cool in cars, it’s a deal-breaker, sadly.
Since the only way to message them is to apply, you would need to apply to ask the question. Your application is the start of a conversation. In the unlikely chance that they offer you the sit based on your application alone, you would still need to accept it – which you are under NO obligation to do, so no worries.
It is very common that sitters may read a listing and have questions and need to have those questions answered before they move further.
There is no “ration” of applications. The homeowners can decine your application and open up the space for another one.
Rather than asking the specific question, I would just “apply” formally and suss out the details when you talk to them. You can always decline the sit if it does not meet your specifications.
It tends to raise suspicion when anyone is too focused on one particular aspect (i.e. if the dogs like to ride in the car). The host might think that you are planning on being out and about constantly rather than at home, where the dogs feel most comfortable.
I don’t mention if they are okay in a car because I don’t want someone taking my dogs off my property unless they need to go to the vet. So a better question would be are you okay if I take your dog places.
@fledermaus I do exactly the same as @CathyCat in fact I sent a message just like that today. It was for a long 2-month sit which is lacking some important- deal breaker- info needed for us to consider it seriously. So I ‘applied’ in order to ask my questions and stated that I’d apply properly if/when I know more. The HO has read it but not responded yet. If they don’t respond by tomorrow I’ll withdraw anyway and the application place will be freed up for others. THS does not provide any alternative contact option between sitter and host so your only chance for contact is to ‘apply’ before the listing goes to ‘reviewing’ when the window for contact closes.
Another thing I did today was to ‘apply’ to an interesting sit overseas which I cannot actually do now (its too short & we are too far away right now) but would be very interested in longer dates in future. I sent a short message stating all of the above and then immediately cancelled the ‘application’ to free the space up. My message remained. A few hours later the HO responded thanking us for getting in touch and said they have now favourited us, as we have them. The good thing now is- having made initial contact- we can now contact each other anytime.
Sometimes its worth ‘applying’ just to make contact for future opportunities.
Some members disagree with this process and that’s their perogative. But until, or unless, THS opens another option for contact many of us will continue to hit the Apply button for asking questions or showing future interest.
I think it’s an acceptable thing to do as long as the application is retracted speedily to allow others to apply. With the 5 person application rule in force those 5 opportunities are previous.
@CathyCat Yes its important to know that if you cancel your ‘application’ to free up the space your message remains. There is no need to block a space any longer than necessary. I used to wait till the HO responded or until I saw ‘read’ (so I know thev’ve seen it)before withdrawing my app but now I know thr message part remains I withdraw immediately. If my ‘application’ includes a few questions, for which I need answers to proceed, I will leave the App pending. The HO may decline me anyway based on my Qs or, occasionally, they might answer the Qs and send an invitation to sit therefore bypassing the whole application process!
@fledermaus In such situations, I always begin my “application” with, “This is not a formal application. Before I can proceed, I’d like to ask you …” and end with, “Once I have sent this note, I’ll be withdrawing my ‘application’ to allow other sitters to apply.”
Typically, hosts reply almost right away. Then, we either say goodbye to each other, I formally apply, or, if there are more than five applications, the hosts send me an invite.
I recently applied to get more clarification. I opened expressing my interest and a very brief paragraph about myself, which described why I would be a good fit. Then I said if you are interested in me, I would appreciate clarification about X and Y before I formally apply. I got a response, applied formally, chatted and got the sit.
@rayray it is interesting what different folks see as “normal”. We are approaching 50 sits, and I can only think of one where we didn’t take the dogs out to walk in different places in the car. Many homeowners encourage it, telling us their favourite places to walk the dogs and often providing seatbelt clips for dogs or a travel crate. We have taken dogs to the beach, up mountains, on a steam train and on a boat! So what you see as normal, I would see as unusual.
We often take the dogs we sit almost everywhere with us.
I suppose cultural differences will also plsy a part. What is normal in one part of the world may be less so elsewhere
I guess it all comes down to communication (doesn’t it always!) and being clear in listings.
@fledermaus, absolutely.
It is perfectly acceptable for a housesitter to apply for a housesit and to include specific questions in the application text. Indeed fabulous, demonstrated that you’ve read listing and likely have identified key topics that are relevant to your situation.
Or … another approach is to apply to the listing and ask questions during a video call.
Pet Parent listing and housesitter application are non-committal. That comes after any video call when Pet Parent offers, and housesitter accepts, the housesit.
Good luck on your applications.