Hi everyone, my wife and I are planning a trip to Florida from December 18th to January 4th. We’ve already booked our flights and rented a car, and now we’re looking for a house to pet sit. We’ve applied to 10 listings so far, but pet parents just read our applications and don’t respond. This is surprising because when we applied in Europe (London and Zurich), we always received immediate replies. In fact, we were even asked several times by pet parents from neighboring countries to sit with their animals, but we couldn’t accept because of work commitments. My profile is detailed, with photos of all the pets we’ve cared for and glowing reviews. What could be the issue? I’d really appreciate any advice from experienced sitters or pet parents on what might be going wrong. Thank you!
Are you telling them in your applications that you’ve already got flights and a car booked, so they feel confident you’ll definitely turn up,?
Welcome to the Forum!
Why would you book your flights and rent a car without being accepted for a sit and without knowing the location of the sit? Usually, it is the other way around—whereby, sitters accept a sit and then book their flights.
Not sure if you state that in your applications, but if you mention that you have made flight / car rental reservations before even being accepted for a sit, then that can sound presumptuous and assuming to potential hosts.
If there is flights involved I’d say given it’s Florida the biggest problem in an HO’s mind would be that you are purely sightseers and their pets would take second place. London is very different to Florida in terms of accommodation, so perhaps you applied for more cat sits in apartments in London and that’s how you had more success, because sightseeing all day isn’t as much of a problem then.
It is hard to know without more info why you don’t get answers. It can be because of them - they are flaky or choosy - or because of you - your profile or application.
For some hosts it will absolutely be an advantage that you have flights and car and definitely will turn up and not withdraw last minute.
Do you match the sitter profile they are looking for, and does your application show that? Solo, couple etc. Some Florida sits are in senior communities, for instance 55+.
Is your application directed at that particular pet and sit?
Some hosts are not very familiar with how it works and might need a nudge, «I see that you have read my application 
, but it seems you haven’t been in touch. Would just like to check if you have any questions or would like a video call.»
Personally I withdraw if I don’t hear back in 48 hours (no nudging) but I perfectly understand why one would choose to try again if you have specific travel plans. To not sound presumptious I think I would word it honestly as «I’ll be staying in Florida :period: but would prefer to be with :pets name: and living like a local if it is an option».
It is high season and home owners might not be fully aware that sitters are in high demand. Florida hosts have possibly more options.
And in addition to what @HappyDeb mentioned:
If you are located in a cold climate, the HOs may think that you are (like snowbirds) solely trying to escape the cold and travel to a more warm climate.
Exactly what I was about to say! Make it clear you will already be in the country / area.
@NikolayValeriya I presume you’re planning this trip, regardless of whether or not you achieve any sits? So especially nice sits will simply be the icing on the cake? This is another point I’d be stressing to hosts, that you are only considering especially nice sits in the vicinity.
yes, and still I am ignored 
I think this is super true! in this case I should only rely on my luck 
Perhaps it is because your profile says a location very far away from Florida. Recently I had a short 3 day stay and one application in Particular showed the pet sitter in Texas and there was no mention that he was already in Florida for the entire winter. I did answer him and thanked him but chose someone from Brazil who told me they were in Orlando at the time and my days were perfect for a quick stay between longer stays.
I always reply to anyone who responds, but if it’s a shorter stay and someone lives thousands of miles away and doesn’t let me know otherwise, I will choose a closer person.
I hope this makes sense, I wish you the best in getting a Florida Stay
Pat
Without seeing your profile , it’s difficult to suggest why …
How many reviews do you have ?
You could try changing your location to Florida and explain upfront in your profile and application that you already have flights booked for those dates ( maybe also book a hotel for the first day or so )
You can add a link to your sitter profile to your forum profile . So that members can suggest improvements.
If you’re still looking, I have a sit up 30 minutes from Miami Dec 21-Jan 1.
Two lovely cats (one of them is blind and semi deaf but it is not an issue, my little man knows the way around the house) & one lovely dog.
Two take medication (
eye drops, pills & 
pills). Pool, gym, beautiful scenery, in unit laundry, parking, tennis courts, and 30 minutes from the beach. My apartment is small but it’s quite cozy for a couple.
Will you have a car? Maybe that is the issue. They want someone who will have a car.
There has been a lot of chat recently about challenges at the US border. HOs may have seen this and been concerned they end up with a last minute cancellation for their pet care if you are stopped at the border. From this perspective it is less risk to accept a US citizen.
Not correct @Huronbase. OP has already rented a car for themselves.
missed that. FL sits are competitive at that time. I have applied for several, got one. There was one that kept declining the 5 applicants and reposting, at least 3 times. Another was doing the same. And you said you have flights, but maybe into Miami and the sits are in Pensacola, or the Villages and you are pretty far away to get there for the time they want.
Just saw one in an RV with 0 applicants. Last year, I did one in an RV in Fl during March break. It was my second sit, so I didn’t have a lot of reviews. It was Ok, small but OK.