This is in the UK, is it similar elsewhere? Been on THS since 2021. Never noticed so many sits with 0 applications, or the low application tag.
Anyone else noticed this, or have theories on why?
Yes. It’s been discussed in other threads. Mostly HOs who used to have lots of applications and they don’t any more and others having a hard time finding a sitter. There’s also an objective piece of information: the availability of sits is at its highest.
It seems THS is attracting more HOs than sitters and some sitters are either making private arrangements to sit or are leaving the platform altogether.
I think they are marketing more to homeowners. It’s an easy sell, Travel more and don’t pay for a sitter.
where as it’s harder to educate the sitter about affordable travel and explain that they need to look after a home and pets.
Also their advertising on youtube, I think it misses the mark. It makes no sense to sexualise house sitting
Ah sorry I must have missed the other threads. Thanks for this info and analysis. Very interesting!
Some sitters strongly object to paying a booking fee in order to carry out a free sit. They are voting with their feet, and migrating to other, much cheaper, or free petsitting groups. Also, a lot are doing repeat sits by direct contact with the HO, thus cutting out THS altogether.
As people said would happen. Reckon THS really messed up with that one.
Yeah I have noticed there is a lot of talk on forums and other places regarding people not happy with THS etc. I mean I really like THS, but some things just are not well thought out and it feels like not much listening is being done, which sucks, because they have a strong community
Having this very issue in Panama:
We’ve got stunning views, lots of nice amenities, all the stellar sitter reviews, etc etc. I usually get tons of applications (for sits of 5 days to 3 weeks, length never seemed to matter much).
This “dry spell” is the longest I’ve experienced… slim to none since like May of this year. I’ve tried posting shorter sits and longer ones; makes no difference.
I just got charged for a full year and that smarts given that I’m going to have to impose on friends and neighbors for this next trip and had to cancel my last one.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the function, I’ve gotten some lovely sitters through this platform… but having been unable to make use of THS since February, my “premium” membership is feeling worthless.
BTW I did get one potential sitter… who backed out because my pet is too old and might die.
Fair weather sitters. So if you’ve got cute puppies, great, but once they reach senior status, yer outta luck?
Also had several people submit applications so they could message me to say they have zero availability around my dates and waffle on.
I’m sick with stress over my beautiful darling (who’s doing great despite a tumor) not having someone with in the apartment. My lovely neighbors will come and hang out and make sure my beloved is fed and all but this amazing animal deserves so much more.
And no I don’t want to leave, but I was also diagnosed with cancer this year and even with decent insurance it’s expensive… so am out of savings, can’t afford to lose my job, have to travel
Thanks for letting me vent a bit 
Really good locations, great pets, a car maybe, and other extras will still attract great sitters, but yes sitters have a far bigger choice now and can afford to be choosy. Just this past few days I had to cancel a very nice sit, the Hosts just messaged me this afternoon that they managed to get a replacement sitter sorted and confirmed within 36 hours. I’m relieved for them, and it was why I cancelled early to give them every chance to find my replacement.
Clearly the change has greatly damaged the experience. I wonder if THS will consider reversing it? Doesn’t sound like a sustainable way to do business.
(Edited to read as the poster intended)
So sorry you’re struggling, both with your health and finding a sitter for your lovely.
FWIW, I think there are lots of good sitters who don’t have an issue with older pets…I’m one who isn’t bothered at all. Of course if there’s a great deal of extra care involved with a sick pet that can be a bigger factor, and/or if the animal is truly at end-of-life & you’re looking for hospice care your pool of sitters is definitely going to be much much smaller as it will take a special someone to be ok with managing that.
Wishing you the best. 
Thank you!
My baby is doing great but I’m honest about the fact that we’re talking about an older animal with all that entails… could suddenly need meds, the vet, etc… should be understood that any age pet can fall ill and sitters need to be able to deal with unforeseeable circumstances. (Hosts too.) You’re right, it hasn’t been an issue before, I’ve had sitters more than willing to administer meds etc. But this one really hurt. This year is just really hard and stressful. Appreciate the sympathy immensely! Will press on!
Yes, i have seen quite a few with nil applicants. When I read some however I can see why. Just saw one that I may have been interested in until reading that dog could not be left for more than two hours. It then said departure time 9.30pm - 11.30 pm. Where am I going to go at that time of night??? I also read a review that said they had not actually met the owners and had arrived after they left and departed before owners were back.
I am also getting a little disillusioned with sitting when some owners take you for granted and treat you like unpaid slave labour and expect you to put up with their workmen coming and going etc. I am being a lot more picky and looking for ones that sound fantastic rather than just average. Certainly regret doing one that was more of a favour this year, as it was definitely not appreciated and I ended up with numerous sheep tick bites brought in daily by their cats. And one unable to climb into a litter tray so required poo’s and wees cleared up at 6am or just after each day, when I woke up.
Some owners really do need to make their sit sound far more attractive for sitters.
Just to add, that I have actually completed some fantastic sits this year, and would go back to. Just one that was a real damper. But last year I was definitely taken advantage of with workmen coming and going all the time. And owner very demanding wanting updates with photos at least twice a day. Received no thanks or appreciation when owner arrived home.
It would be interesting to see THS data comparisons.
I hope your Review reflected your experience.
Yes I am much more selective now, particularly with the fees. I imagine a lot of other sitters are doing the same.
I’ve had a look at your listing and I am really surprised that you aren’t inundated with applications.
I hope that you get a loving sitter to look after your pet. Have a soft spot for seniors
Is there a way to do this?
Do you think THS has realised this yet?