Entirely agree!
2 Likes
Thank you, I totally agree with you and although it is possible for those more relaxed individuals it is definitely not for us. Our standards are way too high and unless the next sitter was our clone it would cause too much stress! 
2 Likes
Weāve done split sits three times but will not do so again. The first 2 went really well- easy handovers between us and the other sitters. And a positive experience for all. The third was negative- the first sitter (2 weeks there) did not clean at all for us. Especially the bathroom - really yucky. We reported to the HO about this and they ended up siding with that sitter (who theyād met) and gave him a better review than us (who they had not met) despite all going really well and us leaving their home pristine!
Its risky.
6 Likes
or if appliances are in good working condition, if something is missing or has been damagedā¦
3 Likes
Or if the home has fleas or smells
4 Likes
I always check out the ratings that pet parents gave to previous pet sitters. If I see a strange review I will not apply.
2 Likes
In England, Sterling Bank allows you to have a second āHelping Outā card on your account. The max you can put on it is Ā£200, and once spent the account holder needs to top it up. You canāt use it to get cash out, but you can pay for things. I leave this card and itās pin in the house for the sitter to use for, if required, for example trips to the vet.
4 Likes
Iām so sorry youāre dealing with this.
While we have not yet done this, after reading your post and others in this Forum, Iām thinking that when a Sitter arrives, itās probably a good policy to take pix of unacceptable conditions and to save proof of unexpected, unreasonable demands.
If your exchanges were in writing then itās easy to show the proof.
When they are verbal, a Sitter can still write a note via EM, Txt, WhatsApp in the nature of, āConfirming that in addition to staying an extra night, you are now asking me to further delay my 7 a.m. departure the next morning to do dog-walking at 8 a.mā¦ Unfortunately having changed my plans once, I am unable to change them a second time. Glad to know you have another person arriving shortly after I leave.ā
We have had only one bad experience, regret not doing pix, etc to protect ourselves.
However, there was enough written proof to provide THS Support that enabled us to adjust our situation.
The HO ultimately acknowledged some of their responsibility for what happened - but most of it was they say/we say dealing with THS customer servce and thatās not anything Iād ever want to go through again.
1 Like
Completely agree with this. Similarly, keeping conversations (i.e. via WhatsApp) between you and the HO is necessary for the duration of the sit.
Thatās very interesting. As HO we left cash and told the Sitters we had arrangements with the vet should any emergencies arise. We also assured them weād reimburse any unexpected costs.
None of that was ever needed - we gifted Sitters with the unused cash saying, āWeād like to pay for a nice meal out when you get to _____.ā
I really like your bankās system: makes perfect sense: a bit like a Visa/MC/AmEx Gift Card but with visibility for you.
4 Likes
You sound like a prepared and thoughtful host, @ASASG 
.
1 Like