On the site there are several “policies” hosts and THsitters should read.
https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb
Edited to make the link more readable.
If they invited you to the sit, you may be able to help them understand how TH works.
I had a young man reach out to my listing for a sitter a couple of months ago that was a bit off putting. He had just signed up. He had one external reference but it wasn’t about petsitting, it was about his work ethic. His photos were of him in his letterman jacket and working out—no pets anywhere.
I responded by emphasizing that the site was all about the pets and caring for them in interesting places. I suggested that if he really loved pets and wanted to be selected on TH, he needed to share his experiences with them (not just general work ethic), show photos of him with them, and ask for more external references from people who knew how he treated pets.
He could easily have blown me off but he didn’t. He wrote back how much he appreciated my insight and feedback. I don’t know what he ultimately decided but at least he gained an understanding of the passion for pets that’s necessary.
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Lol I just saw a new listing which was advertising you could stay in an apartment below his and help walk the dog while he is working in the property above, as well as when he goes on holidays.
THS, I beg you to adjust your marketing!
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I think it’s always a learning curve for new sitters and homeowners, but I agree some HO’s don’t seem to be able to put themselves in the sitter’s shoes.
I’m browsing London sits at the mo.
There’s a new HO wanting a Christmas sitter - their headline includes ‘fully furnished flat’, which is just odd and suggests to me they aren’t grasping who most sitters are. It’s also for a very very young puppy (2 months or so from the photos - they don’t tell us one single thing other than it’s a cockapoo and their first dog) There’s essentially no info on the home, location within London, puppy or responsibilities other than feed and clean the pup and ‘other things we ask you to do’.
There’s also someone wanting a sitter 24th -26th December, so travel Xmas Eve (nightmare in London), be there Xmas day, travel Boxing Day (limited public transport). What kind of Xmas would that be for a sitter? A bloody awful one.
Both are probably wondering why ‘prime’ location sits have no applicants.
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I saw that listing too , it wouldn’t suit me and I agree about the transport considerations on public holidays. However they have 3 applicants now so it’s a good match for someone.
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I could see it being useful for someone who needs to see their family but doesn’t want to actually stay with or spend a TON of time with them. oops, have to go care for the pet now!
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Yes it’s for a cat too .
1 night sits are the ones that get me. I always see them and think what’s the point? But people still apply - so different strokes for different folks etc. But I’m on the same page as you, that sounds like a rubbish deal to me.
@RR12345 one or two night sits are great for full time sitters filling a gap between longer sits
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Not everyone celebrates Christmas and maybe they’re open to the travel hassles.
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I have the same opinion as you @RR12345 . 1 night sit doesn’t appeal at all .
However, friends that we referred to THS have done several . Initially to build up their reviews but they choose carefully and stayed in luxury homes with hot tub , cinema room etc and where no cleaning was expected for just a 1 night stay . They now get invited back regularly when the owner has a night away and they treat it like a hotel spa break .
They also get 5 star reviews every time - just the same as we do for a two month winter sit with two dog walks a day 
……
Maybe time to re-think our house sitting strategy ? 
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I don’t generally do short sits, but they’re occasionally helpful when I need to fill a gap.
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