Sitters are in very high demand for this time of year for both THS and paid sits .
Many people like to see family at this time of year . If you are open to the idea of your sitter having visitors over and the dogs would be ok with that , it might swing it in your favour.
great point… it definitely attracts a certain type of HO
You did well to reply in such a genuine manner to the sitter’s honest review. Well done to that sitter though as previous sitters hadn’t been as honest. I think you’ve got 2 major problems… and you know what these are- pet behaviour, and a noisy dusty housing development being built. So how to fix these issues is the question? You could pay for a daily dog walker to help the sitter out …. or I think you might need to pay for a professional sitter eg Rover. What would be cheaper and better is to pay a dog behaviourist to work with you to overcome these issues then relist and include the behavioural progress that’s been made since the last sit.
There’s nothing you can do about the housing development I’m afraid only time will improve that issue.
@ellieh Are you aware you can remove your dates briefly then re-list them? This will make your listing New (not Low Applications) and sitters will see it. You can do this as often as you want to.
It might be worth finding out whether the work on the housing development will stop over the Christmas/New Year break which could work in your favour to attract sitters.
Unfortunately your dogs’ behaviour is what is probably causing potential sitters concern, even though you have explained clearly why they are like that. Two people rather than a single person might be best for your dogs when it comes to walking them.
It’s always advised for all members to have a backup plan in case a) no sitter is found, b) a sit is cancelled just before it is to begin, either by an owner or a sitter, especially for the busiest period of demand for sitters. I would be looking into that to see if there is an alternative option as it would be very disappointing to think you might have to cancel your trip. Sadly there is no guarantee of securing a sitter or sit when using THS.
It does, and those hosts tend to attract -usually request - someone steady and local… which in turn fuels more cash-in-hand arrangements.
It’s a marketing-created spiral that ultimately means these members are unlikely to extend their membership either
Hi, you can only hear the building work when the patio doors are open. The last sitter was here during a hot spell so doors were open all the time. I can’t see that happening in December.
I am also vigilant when walking the dogs, a lead in each hand and phone in my pocket. The last sitter regularly sent me videos when out walking, so two leads in one hand, and probably more attention on phone than surroundings. Two people would definitely be easier, but I have also had numerous single sitters who have never seen it as a problem.
I was going to remove the dates and resubmit them in a few weeks time.
Thanks for your response. I have also updated my listing earlier today to reflect some of the other comments. I usually try to do a dog walk with the sitters when they arrive, another reason why I always have them arrive a day before I leave.
@Catkins - I know. This was basically my question, as we are the same. We have managed to secure what seem like really good HS for our upcoming trip but from another site, not THS.
Cheers for that map screenshot. I only use my phone for THS but perhaps the laptop would offer more possibilities. Have found it very frustrating checking for all the random countries I am curious about.
wow very well said!
many sitters have moved on to other platforms. Sadly there is an imbalance of how they are treated on THS sits. It’s a shame because it is such a great idea/platform.
I agree with you (re moving to other sites). I have had a couple of applications from THS from nice people now (10 days on) but an outstanding application from an experienced couple on another site. People just want somewhere nice to stay, without too much aggravation and certainly not a long list of chores to do or difficult animals to look after.
You are very welcome; I wish you much luck.
Maybe post here in the forum? post a link to the sit on Facebook?
Yes, posting on the forum is always a good option. But my original question still stands - are there simply just less sitters these days?
Honestly, sadly… I think yes. There are less sitters now 
NB ‘fewer sitters’, sitters aren’t ‘less’ ….well unless they’re shrinking 
Sitters are saying there are fewer sits .
Hosts are saying there are fewer sitters .
Yes! Fair enough!
I think sitters are saying there are fewer good sits not fewer sits over all @Silversitters
Once again I am struggling to find a sitter. We have had a cancellation for 2 weeks in May (citing world situation), I am now desperate as we have a holiday booked to Greece.
We have a beautiful house with riverside garden with 2 dogs to care for. 5* reviews every time. Rural area but close to village, I can’t understand why we have no enquiries even though my listing says urgent.
Can anyone help or make suggestions please? I don’t know what to do!