This is my fourth posting of a listing on TH. With past sits, I have always received a number of applications. Although many sitters have saved my current listing, I have only received 2 applications. One wanted to bring her pet dog, although I had specified no pets in my listing. The second ghosted me. She applied close to midnight and I responded immediately the next morning when I saw the application. She didn’t respond. So I sent a polite message inquiring if she was still interested, again no response. She hasn’t withdrawn her application, but it is clear she isn’t interested.
All my reviews from past sitters are 5 star, so I am at a loss as to why I am not getting applications.
My trip is in 3 months, but I like to line up a sitter early. As a listing can only be boosted once, should I boost it now or wait until later? I posted my listing 1.5 weeks ago.
In order to get any sort of useful feedback you’ll need to add your host profile to your profile here that way the experienced members can give you suggestions as to how to attract more sitters.
Also that second applicant may very well be interested, it’s only been about 24 hours since the application was submitted if I’m reading correctly. Give it some time, people are sometimes busy with more pressing matters and although this is very important to you it may not be a priority for that sitter.
If you’d like to ask our Forum members to take a look at your listing, you can add your listing to your Forum profile here. If you have any trouble doing that yourself, let us know, as the Forum team can add it for you.
Hi @Sher, don’t worry about only being able to boost once. All you need to do to make your listing New again is to remove your dates (that’s the crucial thing) then re-post them. How long is your sit for as this could be influencing potential applicants? If, for example, it is only for a week, advertising 3 months in advance is not likely to attract lots of applicants. If, though, it is for 3-4 weeks, then it’s not too early to advertise it.
I don’t know your location but that also could be restricting interest with what is going on in the Middle East and the fuel situation or if you are in USA.
To clarify, the second applicant applied over a week ago, and then ghosted me. Haven’t heard anything from her since she applied. I have reached out twice, no response. It’s been a week+…
Thank you for the information! I did not think about deleting my dates, and then resubmitting! Good to know!
My sit is for 2.5 weeks, in the US. As I will be traveling internationally, on a tour with specific dates, I would like to confirm a sit sooner than later…makes me nervous not having a sitter for my pet lined up.
No specific help to offer but many US sits down seem to having difficulty with the lack of International travelers wanting to come to the US right now, as well as flight/gas prices for domestic sitters. Lastly many companies that were allowing remote work are having employees return to the office for at least part of the week, which limits their ability to travel to sits.
I have a sit I’ll be posting for September for 1.5 weeks and I’m doubtful I’ll find someone. We have local paid sitters we can use so I will make sure I have someone lined up. If I were you I would start looking into local paid options now just so you have something in place. Good luck, hope you do find someone.
Thanks. You can always look /interview paid sitters off R@ver but I’ve found a better place to start is asking at your vet’s office, groomer, pet store, dog trainer/day care, etc. I’ve always gotten better references that way.
That’s what is impacting you as many international sitters are no longer travelling to the USA because of the current administration. You will have a better chance by making your sit desirable for in country sitters. Sorry, but it is the reality.
@Sher, with three months to go then you have plenty time.
From lots of THS Forum threads then it’s clear that housesitting works successfully when there is a fair trade between host and housesitter; and where listing includes appropriate photos and details. Under THS platform, pet parents have no entitlement to housesitters - rather they must be attracted.
As no THS profile/listing is noted then we cannot comment on relaters or fairness of related trade.
But if you’re struggling then it’s perhaps a timely catalyst to freshly review your listing. Are photographs appealing and complete? Are content of the listing inclusive of all reasonable information about pets; pet care; property; local area; transit/travel; local grocery stores/cafes; etc.
If a THS housesitter member sees great photos then some may read listing. If trade is fair, and listing contains reasonable information, then some may apply.
Professional pet sitter here. Aside from Rover, a great source to find paid sitters for a backup is Pet Sitters International, at petsit .com. It’s an organization of professional pet sitters based in the U.S. that is very user-friendly. When you go into the website, you can enter your zip code and it will show you any pet sitters who cover your area. I get quite a few clients this way, and I also get my pet sitting business insurance through them. Hope you get a THS sitter, but in the meantime maybe get to know a local paid sitter just in case you need them. Good luck!
