I’m completely gutted. My sit’s been cancelled just three days before it was supposed to start, and suddenly I find myself in Portugal, totally lost with no plans for New Year’s Eve. It’s in moments like this that I start wondering if I should reconsider my lifestyle. What do you guys do when things like this happen?
1 Like
Thousands of hosts are still looking for sitters for the holidays. Use the unexpected downtime to find another sit. A desperate or compassionate host may help cover your last minute travel costs.
If you’re unsuccessful, find inexpensive lodging such as in hostels and enjoy the sights of Portugal.
3 Likes
You’re in Portugal though- I can think of worse places! Have you secured accommodation? Are you safe? Once that’s sorted enjoy the City streets on NYE and people will find you!
7 Likes
Unfortunately this type of risk comes with choosing to travel this way. I hope the PP had a good excuse. If I was in a desperate mode I would ask the PP if they have any friends or relatives that may need a sitter. Also look on Facebook. If they have Nextdoor.com have the PP post on it or on their Facebook community. My first sit in Canada came about when visiting a friend and she posted on her Facebook community that I was looking to house and pet sit. I was surprised how many replies we got. I wound up sitting in a lovely house on the beach with easy pets. I had no references as that was my first time not sitting for people I didn’t know. You have references, just show your THS profile. Good Luck!
6 Likes
Great ideas here. Yes this can happen to any of us for a variety of reasons.
Look for the silver lining. Last min sits also appear- check that section. I usually join a congregation at local church so that can be a way to find someone needing help and
this offering accommodation.
No room at the inn ? Look at stable sits!
5 Likes
I’ve just come across this. It’s an equally sad situation in that the sitter has been let down very badly. It’s NOT a THS sit. So why am I sharing it?
Well lots to learn here and to remind sitters to tread warily! Sometimes things don’t work out for a good reason. Sometimes we dodge bullets. Sometimes we get rescued too!
Keep calm and carry on!
Maybe this should be a new thread? But your situation could have been much worse!
Pet Sitting has its pit bulls and its pitfalls.
In this scenario the sit wasn’t cancelled but worse- started badly and was aborted, that is much worse I think. It would put me off for life!
Back up and plans B’s are very important, I find.
2 Likes
Check your travel insurance. Mine covers cancelled accommodation regardless of whether it was payed for or not. A premium travel insurance is a must for any sitter in my opinion. I hope it works out for you.
5 Likes
Thanks! I hadn´t considered travel insurance, but I will from now on. 
2 Likes