Can we please request HO´s to mention: “We kindly ask sitters with a dog not to apply for this sit.”
Unfortunately we have had several denied applications because we have a dog.
It will safe time, energy and hope…
Thanks!
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Not sure I agree with this. It opens the door to the same disclaimer for cats, Guinea Pigs, tarantulas, giraffes etc etc. kidding aside the HO may have never considered the possibility until you ask and sitters traveling with pets, I’m guessing is small minority
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Although a sitter with a dog (which I do not travel with, so haven’t really been in your shoes) I would think a host that can choose between sitters with or without own pets they would more often choose a sitter without.
I would say that would be understandable. Using THS would be to let the pet stay in known surroundings, and bringing another pet - especially dogs and cats that might be mindful of their territory - could possibly cause disruptions or even conflict, or the host could think their pet will have less priority than the sitters pet.
Ofc in addition to the fact that all sits has a chance of decline (for 5 applicants it would be an 80 % chance of decline). So it is about beating the numbers and knowing what the host would be worried about. There are sitters here that do travel with pets/ dogs, I’m sure they can give some insights.
The general rule is to apply for sits that are less competitive. Rural sits, more animals - or locations in UK and USA where the ratio is in favor of the sitters.
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I would expect the default is that a sitter is not planning to bring their own pet, so it’s on the sitter to mention this upon applying.
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@Hellen As HOs, we state in our listing that no other animals are permitted in our home. That way sitters who travel with their own pets don’t apply. 
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It’s sometimes just worth asking the question instead of writing a complete essay.
I have never pet sat with my own pets but I have sat with grandchildren (during school holidays)and I have asked if the HO would consider me bringing two well behaved bairns with me. It’s surprising how many have never considered the idea. I ask the question politely and if I get a yes then I write a full application. If I get a negative I thank them for their time and move on. We have had a couple of fantastic sits that never considered families.
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There is a filter where HO can select prior to publishing their listing whether they would accept sitters with pets (as there is for HO that would accept families) but I mention both in my listing anyway. I’m not sure if sitters are able to filter by those categories or not, as before I stated it in my listing some would apply anyway in both categories.