New sitter, just getting started. Is there a way to save sits without the pet owner knowing? Have saved a couple as “favorites” to look out later, but sometimes it seems they think it is an application. Sometimes, I just want to save and look at my calendar later to see if it conflicts with anything else we might have going on. Also, is there any way to block out dates on your calendar for times you are not sitting, but not available?
This is how to update your calendar
But is not very clear to hosts which are the dates you are available as there is no key to the calendar, so updating your calendar with your availability likely will not stop hosts from contacting you .
Hosts can see when you have favourited them - but getting into a dialogue with them is very beneficial in my view . If they contact you , you can explain “I have favourited your listing because I’d love to sit for you in the future , unfortunately I am not available for these dates” …
This opens up a conversation in your THS inbox and means that you can contact them in the future (even if they already have received 5 applications and the listing is paused ) or they may contact you directly and give you first choice on future dates .
Most sitters would favorite a listing if they are not able to do the published dates. I think experienced hosts know this (?). It seems hosts reaching out to random sitters are either newbies not sure how it works, or they are getting desperate to have a sitter (often a rural and/ or demanding sit) based on the invitations I get.
If it is a sit you consider in the future it is a great advantage for you being contacted by the host. This is because you are not able to contact them without published dates and you applying as one of five applicants. If you don’t get in that window you can’t reach out. But when host has reached out to you, you will be able to message them later.