# Introducing a booking fee to support every sit **URL:** \ **Category:** Product Updates\ **Created:** [8 December 2025 11:50 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721 "2025-12-08T11:50:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 33
**Author:** ![Crookie](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/crookie/32/17987_2.png) [@Crookie](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Crookie)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:30 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/709 "2025-12-09T12:30:22Z")
@ziggy join the rest of us by muting him ---
**Author:** ![ThePetProfessor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f07891/32.png) [@ThePetProfessor](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/ThePetProfessor)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:34 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/710 "2025-12-09T12:34:19Z")
Hard to express adequately how awful this tawdry cash-grab is. ---
**Author:** ![Chrissy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/858c86/32.png) [@Chrissy](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Chrissy)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:37 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/711 "2025-12-09T12:37:23Z")
Yes I’m going to do exactly the same, my renewal date is February and I have to cancel all the sits up to October 2026 to stop it. A couple of owners yesterday contacted me to do this off site so I will be sticking to people I know in future and have become friends with. Owners are equally appalled by the charges. There is a storm of comments all over the Internet maybe someone will take some notice. Sad to leave after 12 good years but enough is enough ---
**Author:** ![ThePetProfessor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f07891/32.png) [@ThePetProfessor](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/ThePetProfessor)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:42 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/712 "2025-12-09T12:42:11Z")
I saw somewhere that THS has likened this new charge to a boarding pass for your sit. It’s a great analogy! Did it ever occur to them that being charged for a boarding pass after you’ve already paid for your flight might not be the most popular or justifiable idea? ---
**Author:** ![Driftwood](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/driftwood/32/41560_2.png) [@Driftwood](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Driftwood)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:46 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/713 "2025-12-09T12:46:53Z")
THS have scored a Home-Goal with these charges. Like most sitters I have profiles on more than one house sitting site, primary MMH which is a Way cheaper. I had been planning on letting my MMH profile slip when the next renewal comes up. But these new charges have made me reverse that decision. Instead I’ll be turning off the Auto Renew feature on THS. Shame on you THS ---
**Author:** ![Crookie](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/crookie/32/17987_2.png) [@Crookie](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Crookie)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:47 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/714 "2025-12-09T12:47:14Z")
It’s good to see you back again @ziggy Welcome to the melee! ---
**Author:** ![Kaardiffboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b487fb/32.png) [@Kaardiffboy](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Kaardiffboy)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 12:50 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/716 "2025-12-09T12:50:26Z")
The Elon Musk School of Management approach adopted by THS to this fee debacle is a brave stance to take, especially as it has had the effect of bringing numerous other petsitting platforms to my attention of which I was previously unaware. Will THS become the Tesla of petsitting sites? Time will tell, but I don’t think I’ve come across many '“initiatives” which have sparked such an adverse customer reaction. ---
**Author:** ![ExploreDreamDiscover](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/exploredreamdiscover/32/10030_2.png) [@ExploreDreamDiscover](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/ExploreDreamDiscover)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 13:01 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/717 "2025-12-09T13:01:32Z")
@ThePetProfessor ThePetProfessor And our membership is a passport. ( What is the booking fee? Each time a sit is confirmed, a booking fee is applied. This is paid for by both the owner and sitter and helps to fund the services behind each sit and encourage commitment from both sides. This fee is separate from your annual membership, which gives you access to our trusted community, member support, and verified platform features - your passport into the community. Think of the booking fee as your boarding pass for each sit. A simple, transparent way to help keep everything running smoothly for everyone involved. The booking fee and membership fee together make up the total sum you pay for joining and enjoying the TrustedHousesitters community and platform. Trusted tip: If you love travelling or welcoming sitters often, our premium membership keeps things simple, no booking fees, just seamless, worry-free sits. You can upgrade your plan anytime from your account.) ---
**Author:** ![idocsteve](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/idocsteve/32/41617_2.png) [@idocsteve](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/idocsteve)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 13:04 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/718 "2025-12-09T13:04:33Z")
> [@ExploreDreamDiscover](#): > > Think of the booking fee as your boarding pass for each sit. A simple, transparent way to help keep everything running smoothly for everyone involved. Soon they will be charging extra for luggage. ---
**Author:** ![Denice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d78d45/32.png) [@Denice](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Denice)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 13:12 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/719 "2025-12-09T13:12:38Z")
Thanks MaggieUU, I had just confirmed a sit for April next year so will continue for now until the next renewal date. I have had a response ecplaining the charge will not start from that date but Its not that clear to me. I will wait for THS response. ---
**Author:** ![andrealovesanimals](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/0ea827/32.png) [@andrealovesanimals](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/andrealovesanimals)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 13:18 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/720 "2025-12-09T13:18:40Z")
The booking fees will apply for sits you confirm after your renewal date. Sits you confirm before the renewal date will be free. ---
**Author:** ![cat.tails](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@cat.tails](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/cat.tails)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 13:25 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/721 "2025-12-09T13:25:45Z")
The new booking fee comes as quite a shock. My current membership will expire on 30 June 2026. I have already confirmed several repeat sits with regular hosts for July-Oct 2026. Will I need to pay a booking fee for those? Last night I read all of this thread and I think I read somewhere on this thread that we do not pay booking fee for any sits that have been confirmed **before** our current membership period expires, even if they take place in the next/following membership period. I’m getting confused! ---
**Author:** ![Lassie](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/lassie/32/2769_2.png) [@Lassie](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Lassie)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 13:57 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/722 "2025-12-09T13:57:04Z")
> [@ExploreDreamDiscover](#): > > Think of the booking fee as your boarding pass for each sit. A simple, transparent way to help keep everything running smoothly for everyone involved. I wonder if anyone is actually fooled by this BS from THS 🤬 . The comparison with a boarding pass is laughable and completely inappropriate. ---
**Author:** ![Lassie](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/lassie/32/2769_2.png) [@Lassie](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Lassie)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:00 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/723 "2025-12-09T14:00:39Z")
I don’t know the answer. I am a lawyer, but not a UK contract lawyer. I hope you get it resolved. ---
**Author:** ![DarrenB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/35a633/32.png) [@DarrenB](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/DarrenB)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:06 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/724 "2025-12-09T14:06:34Z")
Booking fees are just hidden charges dressed up as “booking”. They add nothing to a service we already pay for. I’m extremely disappointed to see yet another fee introduced. Since the site was taken over by private equity (Mayfair Equity Partners), it’s been predictable: more fees, more monetisation, and ultimately a worse experience for members. If anyone has good alternatives, please share. At this point moving to another provider shouldn’t be difficult. ---
**Author:** ![kaliom](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/kaliom/32/36547_2.png) [@kaliom](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/kaliom)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:17 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/725 "2025-12-09T14:17:09Z")
It doesnt explain why i should 10€ for a one day sit and 10€ for a 1 month sit. ---
**Author:** ![Christopher26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a183cd/32.png) [@Christopher26](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Christopher26)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:22 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/726 "2025-12-09T14:22:35Z")
Just adding my name to all the disappointed users. Will also be making far more use of alternative sites now. Just an example - I recently did “3” sits; it was actually one, but they’d initially listed as three separate ones. Whilst this would be an easy change by the owner, saving an unnecessary £18, it’s yet another complication to add to all the other changes over the last few years (see: controlling who you message based on submitted sit dates that may not match reality). Now, what happens if a sit is cancelled, or part cancelled? Not hard to guess. Or if a sit is totally unsuitable and a sitter has to leave? Or something useful like anonymous animal reactivity reports given the huge number of frankly near-dangerous animals being dumped on sitters? No no, just give THS more money it’ll all be fine… 😑 ---
**Author:** ![moguinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@moguinn](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/moguinn)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:30 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/727 "2025-12-09T14:30:22Z")
This is an awful idea and the roll-out is horrible. I was informed after my auto-renewal. I have been a member for 8 years, and no longer. There are other platforms that aren’t just about a money grab. This will also kill short housesits, as what housesitters are going to pay to get to a short sit and also have to pay a booking fee? And what are these ‘smooth service’ changes? The only changes this company has made over the past 8 years are bad and purely in the interests of the shareholders and not the community. Already, the five application limit makes it impossible to even find a sit unless you are constantly refreshing the app. And now we get the bonus of paying for volunteer work? Unbelievable. I’m embarrassed I used to recommend this company. ---
**Author:** ![massy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@massy](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/massy)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:30 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/728 "2025-12-09T14:30:30Z")
Hi ABGM, I suspect it is an OS issue. My phone isn’t too old and I can still use all other applications on it (banking, airlines, travel, etc….). I just use the web app, even on my phone. ---
**Author:** ![ExploreDreamDiscover](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/exploredreamdiscover/32/10030_2.png) [@ExploreDreamDiscover](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/ExploreDreamDiscover)\ **Post date:** [9 December 2025 14:40 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721/729 "2025-12-09T14:40:28Z")
@Lassie Lassie yes, so condescending, “think of the booking fee as a boarding pass” [Previous page](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721.md?page=32) [Next page](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/introducing-a-booking-fee-to-support-every-sit/71721.md?page=34)