Hello @lilac Welcome to the community forum it is so nice to have you here. I can see that you have got some great information already from our helpful community.
As this does come up often I can help a little further with some of your questions.
‘Inactive for now’ means a member whose plan has expired and needs to renew their membership.
‘Former member’ means anyone who has requested their personal information be removed from THS, as we have to meet the requirements for GDPR and UK data protection laws.
With the sitter’s free trial, I checked this one and should the sitter confirm a sit during their free trial their auto-renewal payment will be in place so that their membership automatically renews at the end of the free trial for the remainder of the year. Their free trial would then roll over into a full yearly membership. Membership Services is also happy to answer any questions about the free trial at support@trustedhousesitters.com
I am really sorry to read that you had this experience with your sitter and any concerns please do reach out to Membership Services for additional support.