Yes, but a LOT of HOs tick that box, so it shows as an Amenity…… But the car isn’t really available. It shouldn’t be necessary to repeat it, as you say. But as a sitter, may I plead with you to do so? Just to reassure us, so we don’t waste our time - and yours.
I am using Android in the US, and there is no option to filter by use of a car on the app
I will modify our listing and add that a stick shift car is available for qualified drivers and we’ve cleared it with our insurance company.
That much said, I’d think that a sitter who sees the vehicle listed as an amenity but there’s no further clarification would bring up the subject on their own prior to the sit.
But as I write this I realize at that point the sit has probably already been confirmed and it’s a bit messy if there has been a misunderstanding about use of the car.
Great idea
Thank you - this helps a lot!
Love this!
Yes I can’t see this on my Samsung android phone either. I have to go outside the app and go on the website to see it or use my laptop. Its weird I have no idea why that is . I have tried uninstall and reinstalled the app and that still dont work.
Hi @AnitaandLam & @Jackievw
I’ve just merged your topic into an existing discussion.
The same issue was shared a few weeks ago and escalated with our product team, rest assured we’re on it - check out my earlier post here.
Also, welcome to the forum @AnitaandLam!
Hi
My owner advised the car was no longer on the table 8 days before the sit.
I didn’t complain because I could manage without it but thought it was a bit unfair as that was why I had picked the sit in the first place to see a bit of the island. Fares to get there cost me €300 so it would have been nice. Has this happened to Other sitters? A last minute change from the pet owner months after booking sit?
Has not happened to me, but I empathize with you.
Changing the amenities of a sit 8 days before the sit, when the owner knows that you bought a plane ticket in order to help them. Sheesh. Wrong.
You are within your rights to notify the owner that you are no longer going to do the sit. But I understand if you carry on anyway.
Just another example of the inequitable power dynamic between sitters and owners.
Worthy of mentioning in the review and deduction of a star or two under Accuracy of Listing.
The problem with a sitter counting on a car and having the hosts retract is, if a sitter can’t afford to rent a car or to make reasonable alternative arrangements, then they might be stuck with an exchange they wouldn’t have made in the first place. So I’d suggest letting the hosts know that and asking how they can rectify. If not, maybe cancel the sit. Even with nonrefundable airfare, there might be the option of credit from an airline. Or maybe the sitter can get a replacement sit nearby. Or stay with family or friends.
Personally, I would automatically cancel a sit if the hosts don’t provide what was agreed on or offer a reasonable alternative. To me, if you make an agreement, it’s not reasonable to change significant terms. And I’d wonder what else the hosts might change last minute.
@HollyMoon, that’s very unfortunate indeed.
We’re not sure whether this change would trigger, if you should so choose, THS Sit Cancellation Insurance.
Perhaps have an open conversation with the Pet Parent to discuss why vehicle is no longer available. If they are reasonable people then, given late change, they may cover say half of your now-needed car rental cost.
@HollyMoon, perhaps atypical but we have experienced this multiple times with varying situations and outcomes.
- Vehicle use withdraw at property arrival. Seemingly pre-planned. Ugh
- Vehicle available only if we pay insurance premium. Unsure if pre-planned. We paid but felt duped as last-minute request (we’d probably have willingly paid if asked before sit confirmation)
- Vehicle withdrawn after sit confirmation but well before sit date. Pet Parent voluntarily funded cost of basic car rental
It is our impression that underlying reasons vary. Some were honest. We have adapted our approach. Surprises after sit confirmation are generally bad. Solution is to accelerate discussion timeline to before sit confirmation. If we have applied for a sit where we deem use of vehicle to be important then we require pet parent discussion with their insurance company before sit confirmation. This is especially the case in UK summer. As UK non-residents then renting a UK vehicle during summer months is very expensive at peak tourist rates - for rural properties this would be a dealbreaker for us.
We are reasonable people, and find that an open conversation often yields win-win outcomes. For example - a few times, Pet Parent expressed concern about use of vehicle because they wanted to drive to local airport. We offered to drive them to/from airport and then use their vehicle - problem solved - saves them parking fees, provides us vehicle.
Interesting response thank you.
My sit booked 6 months prior with car offered then 9 days before it was cancelled reason being she got a new car and could not endure me on it. However my car insurance travels with me to cover me driving. But her new car was a Porsche so I kinda understand 
Anyway I managed fine without car and she collected me and dropped me to airport on return. Just 1 of those things it can happen.
Ah I coped and didn’t mention she was nice
@HollyMoon, never heard of this in international context - may I ask the country/jurisdiction of your own car insurance policy?
Ireland and UK only