Since the HO can’t leave a review until the sitter does…What would you do if the house was sooo NOT clean without insulting but being honest? I’m really bad at holding my tongue with these matters. This was the HO’s first sit. Maybe I just shouldn’t leave a review and let it go. This was our second sit (first one was great) and yes we saw the house prior but I wasn’t looking close. We don’t want a bad review but should I really care? I have three more sits lined up back to back and I believe they will be much better. I believe the dog has a worm/parasite based on her feces. She has not responded to texts as she is on a boat somewhere. Thanks in advance.
Hi @Denephew 
Just to clarify one point - THS reviews are blind during the 14-day review period, so owners can’t read your review before writing theirs, and you can’t read theirs either.
Personally, I think reviews are most useful when they’re factual and measured rather than emotional - especially for first-time hosts who may genuinely not realise their standards are below what most sitters expect.
You can mention cleanliness without being insulting. Something like “the home was not presented to the level of cleanliness we anticipated” gives future sitters useful context without becoming personal.
I’d probably separate the issues:
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cleanliness/house condition
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communication responsiveness
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possible health concerns for the dog
The possible parasite issue is more urgent than the review question, so if you’re genuinely concerned and can’t reach the owner, THS Support may be worth contacting for guidance.
Skipping the review entirely is also an option, but balanced honest reviews are how the platform improves for both sitters and owners.
@Denephew Just to be clear the HO does NOT have to wait for the sitter to review first. Both sides have 14 days to complete a review. They are published as soon as both reviews are submitted, or after 14 days. You each get one opportunity to respond to the review you receive (not time restricted)
@WeRPAWsome has made good suggestions on how to politely address the cleaning issue. Its always a bit uncomfortable having to write something negative but if there are also positives you can do the Sandwich approach- positive/negative/positive. Just keep it factual and unemotional. It will carry more weight that way. We, very occasionally, don’t give reviews, for various reasons, but the potential downside is a) the host does not get the message they need to up their Standards and future sitters don’t get a heads up either. As their first sitter- not giving a review leaves everyone in the dark. If I see a listing where there has been only one sitter who did not leave a review I’d see it as a potential red flag and likely pass on the sit. And b) There is also the possibility that the HO gives you a less than stellar review- justified or not- and you will likely regret not having your expressed yourself honestly too!
I think it’s more than likely in this case. OP asked HO if they would pay for cleaning so they already know cleanliness is not to their standards.
@Denephew, as you are not familiar with the way reviews work, it’s worth considering that if you don’t leave a review but they do, it will be more difficult for you to contest their review. You still can but your credibility may be compromised, while if you leave an honest, factual review, your response will be consistent.
Regarding
if they don’t have cell service, I would not mention that in the review. It’s not their fault.
The homeowner can leave a review before the sitter does. The review system is now blind meaning neither party can see the other’s review until both have left reviews or the two week deadline for writing reviews has passed.
You can write your review and there is no need to worry about the homeowner reading it before hand.
Regarding hurt feelings, if you never plan on going back to the sit and you want to warn others, be objective but don’t over describe, don’t eb emotional. Don’t talk about how much this hurt or effected you. Be a camera.
These review guidelines can be a handy reference point, they also largely echo the good advice that’s already been shared, including;
- Focus on facts
- (Reviews are public) Be polite
- Members have 14 days to leave a review
Did the HO leave vet contact info? Should be in their Welcome Guide (if they have one) or an unofficial written document hopefully. This leads to the next issue - paying for the meds or a visit to get a test/consult/meds, then getting reimbursed. While not a dire emergency, this is not good for the poor dog. Also since this is your second sit, writing down notes for future sits before they get going can help you avoid whats happening here. I am a HO but also a newbie sitter (only 1). I appreciate you sharing and I am learning too to get this info squared away up front.