Potentially yes - sometimes good enough is good enough.
We find that newbie pet parents seek an extensive process … many video calls, declines->reapplications, lots work. Sometimes a preferred housesitter may have already given up and chosen an alternative listing.
Rather than commenting on specifics of video call questions, we’d encourage you to reflect on whether you’d be happy that one of the applicants would provide appropriate pet care and property oversight during your brief trip. And whether there are any aspects of your needs (e.g. medical matters, property specifics, arrive/depart logistics) that are important to you.
If your sit/pets are straightforward, then it would not concern me if the sitter didn’t ask questions about the pet on the video chat. If there are no questions, why invent random ones? As long as they seem responsible/capable to care/feed the pets all is fine. I do expect my pets will get attention from sitters while they are caring for them. I don’t expect my pets will become the focus of whole lives during that time.
Actually, when I’m sitting, the pets ARE the focus of my life during that time. That seems to me the deal. But do I feel the need to prove that by Asking Questions About Them in the initial chat? No.
No, this doesn’t have to be strange. It is only strange when you think we all have the same communication style . Some more introvert quiet people, might be the best pet- and house sitters you will have. I am more extravert which is for some people a bit annoying, but don’t get distracted by this as I have a very soft spot for the special needs of each individual character of a pet.
It might be interesting to be aware of yourself what you need to feel assured when someone is going to be a pet sitter at your home.
Some people need daily contact and photos/videos of their pets to be sure that their pets are ok. Especially in the beginning of the sit. It helps if you know what you need and can accept that this works best for you, so you can mention that in your profile. You can check this with the people you have contact with like this: I know that it is in the profile, but I want to be sure that you understand what I ask as this is important for me. Is that ok that we go through a little list?
Wishing you lots of great travels and great pet sitters!
I think it’s possible you may be over-thinking things.
The frequent & best advice amongst THS members with regard to choosing sitters & hosts is “go with your gut.”
If something about one or more of these potential sitters didn’t click with you or felt ‘off‘ then don’t confirm them: period, end of story. There’s no need to tie yourself in knots trying to figure out what about them was disqualifying. It doesn’t have to be a specific question they did or didn’t ask; you don’t have to justify it to them or to yourself, or parse it into something that seems logical. It simply didn’t feel right, and that’s OK.
Re-post the sit & wait for an applicant that clicks with you. (Just like looking at new houses, you’ll know immediately when you’ve found the right one.)
4 out of 5 times, the sits that go wrong end up being a situation where someone had a gut feeling but ignored it. (And FWIW — I’ve found it to be exactly the same with interviewing people in professional scenarios, no matter how good their resume or references.)
I don’t think it’s about not having much to ask because the listing and guide are thorough. It’s about how someone wouldn’t be curious to know more, or at least want to chat, about the pet in question.
IDK, maybe some just assume that if you apply for a sit, you are obviously interested in the animal(s).
In my case, I do video calls (I’m a sitter) mainly to see if the poster gives me a good feeling and inspires trust, rather than to find out more about the pet. I usually just ask if there’s anything specific I should know about the pets, where the vet is, and how to get there in case of an emergency. Surprisingly, many pet parents seem to think nothing will happen and leave out these really important details.
I’ve completed 50 sits through the app and I’m +30yo btw.
We’ve all had a first time with zero reviews.
If your concern is the sitter’s age, you could always arrange another call or ask them directly. But if your gut is already telling you something doesn’t feel right, there’s no point forcing it.
As for the option who didn’t want to do a video call, if that’s important to you, I’d probably rule them out.
As an extra option, you can also receive 5 new applications.
Quick question, are you planning to show the sitter around the house and introduce them to your beloved cat when they arrive? If so, the video call be more about building trust (and giving them confidence too), and simply knowing who you’re inviting into your home to look after your pet?
That’s admirable, but while I love my pets and love to love on them - they are not the central focus of my life. Just part of it, part of my family. A healthy life is a balanced life, but I understand and so appreciate your point of view of taking such great care of the pets left in your care. Bravo!
. Some more introvert quiet people, might be the best pet- and house sitters you will have. I am more extravert which is for some people a bit annoying, but don’t get distracted by this as I have a very soft spot for the special needs of each individual character of a pet.
