I travel exclusively for work. Im not on vacation
@systaran, agreed. We’ve completed several housesits of between one and three months. As we reflect, all related Pet Parents kindly offered - during video call, often proactively - that it was ok if a family member or guest visit us. Such early proactive offers speak volumes about the mindset of the Pet Parent 
. Frankly they are ‘green flags’ that motivate us to press the ‘confirm sit’ button.
That said, if OP wants no visitors then this is wholly their choice. All good. It may well impact the number/quality of applicants.
5 Likes
We have had similar experiences - one host who had a large dinning table that seated 12 insisted on showing me how it extended further in the event we invited friends over . They also stacked up the very large fire pit ( which a dozen people could sit around ) with wood so we could invite friends over to enjoy the garden . They generously left us 6 bottles of wine , and showed us where their spirits were to share with our friends .
We had no intention of having anyone stay overnight but they offered the multiple guest rooms for our friends or family to use.
The clearly enjoyed entertaining guests and expected that we might want to do the same .
We had no desire to host such a gathering but they welcomed it if we had wanted to.
Not all hosts are the same .
7 Likes
Gotta laugh . Maybe you seemed extremely sociable people? 
4 Likes
I am sorry that you are having to deal with this while you are away with stressful work schedule.
The sitter is clearly wrong on several counts, but what is the easiest solution, right now?
I would call her and explain that your number one priority is your dogs, their safety and security. As long as the boyfriend is actually helpful and not hindering her ability to provide for the dogs, he is welcome to come over X times per week. What you really need is a sitter who does not leave the dogs unsupervised when they are outside. Reiterate whatever you discussed prior to the sit, in terms of pet care. AND…you would really appreciate a text with photo and brief update of the dogs once a day. This is not too much to ask.
Maybe let the boyfriend limitation go. Perhaps the sitter is feeling bitter about the restriction.
I am not trying to defend the sitter. She is absolutely wrong. Just trying to move forward with an alternative solution.
7 Likes
Rest assured not all sitters are like this, you will be feeling this was a mistake, but unfortunately just not the best sitter. Careful screening on both sides results in the best sits.
4 Likes
Yea I’m definitely learning that local isn’t better…I was hoping a local person who had their own vehicle would feel more comfortable but I was definitely wrong.
1 Like
I truly am now more concerned that about my dogs running across the street unsupervised that anything else and now I don’t know how to approach that without seeming creepy. Just lots of things to not make me trust anymore..
If it were my dogs and home, I’d figure out alternative care and boot this sitter out. Untrustworthy. And I say that as a sitter.
6 Likes
We’ve also experienced this, on several sits. Even when there’s no intention of taking them up on the offer, it conveys absolute trust, doesn’t it?
4 Likes
If this is just 2 weeks into a 59 day sit, I’d tell the sitter - and her boyfriend - to leave, and revert to my Plan B. She’s clearly taking liberties just because she already has her feet under the table. @Aelin Do you have friends who could mind the dogs for a short while, until you find another sitter? Did you receive many applications when you listed your sit (am wondering how successful a re-list might be)? With a considerable length of time left, you could well find a replacement sitter. You shouldn’t be feeling stressed like this.
Wishing you luck.
3 Likes
Perhaps say that a neighbor contacted you when they saw your dogs outside. That is awful! I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this.
4 Likes
What have you decided to do @Aelin ?
Are you going to allow them to stay or end the sit and find a replacement sitter who respects your rules ?
1 Like
If you saw it on a camera that you previously disclosed to the sitter, it’s not creepy (or, at least, it’s no creepier than any other bit of today’s ubiquitous surveillance state).
You appear to be stuck between a rock and a hard place here. It’s terribly irresponsible of your sitter to let your dogs out unsupervised which, imo, trumps any creepiness about how you know that.
You have contacted THS already and received no useful assistance. The THS helpline is reported to be very hit or miss and may require that you escalate the issue. Have you tried the Member Dispute Process ? I believe it can be done entirely online which should be less of a time sink than getting on the phone.
2 Likes
If she already knows about the cameras, it should not surprise her that you noticed your dogs unsupervised outside.
You don’t necessarily have to admit that you saw the error. You can simply reiterate her most important responsibilities, and then keep an eye on the activity.
And like I said, maybe if you relax on the boyfriend restriction (if he seems OK), perhaps the sitter would take her responsibilities more seriously? Again, not trying to defend her. She is wrong. Just an idea.
2 Likes
This is my plan B unfortunately. None of my
Family will help me. I’m going to be in my home area again for a day off soon and will be stopping by to pick up my mail and a new mail hold form. I want someone else lined up but idk how I can do that while having an active sitter
1 Like
You’ll need either cooperation from your current sitter or help from THS. I think you’d need help from THS anyway if you want to cancel a sit midstream.
3 Likes