We only posted a sit about 2 weeks ago for a 3 week overseas trip- inlaws couldn’t take dog. We have one actual application from 26yo guy that had spent some time in our area. He has only one short review and 3 references (incl 1 from family & 1 from friend). I’m desparate to get someone but wonder if this is enough info to have someone staying in my house. Am I crazy? Is this a bad idea? Just don’t know what to expect as this is our first time on the site.
I would set up a zoom video call and see how you feel after the call. You don’t have to make your decision right there and then. Was that one review from a THS host a good one? Did he score high in all five categories? Is this your first time using THS? Everyone both hosts and sitters are always encouraged to have a backup plan. Good luck.
The references don’t mean much, but a THS review, means alot, if it’s a THS review that is!
How soon are your dates? If they’re over 2 months away, then calm your mind, you have time on your side, but responding to him to acknowledge his application is a good idea if he’s your only hope.
Even though he only has 1 review, what gut feeling do you get about him? Is it a THS review? If so, does the wording in that one review mention both how he was with their pets, and whether he left the house clean and tidy, ie did he respect the place? While some people write long reviews, others just don’t.
Does his profile tell you everything you need to know about him or are you left with too many questions about him as a person? If you are left with question in your mind about him that you would have expected someone to mention in their profile, then maybe he’s not right, but if not, then take it a step further and ask for a video chat, it’s not an interview, it’s simply a chat so you can tell if the good profile feeling you have matches the person. Don’t put pressure on yourself to write loads of questions, just ask him how/why he started pet sitting, so he talks naturally about himself, and you can see if you get a good feeling.
The fact he knows your area is a huge bonus, because at least you know he likes your vague area, and who knows he may be great and may return to sit again for you.
Personally, I would not choose that person. When I first started as a homeowner here, I did not even look at somebody without at least 5×5 star reviews. I also want to have people with background checks. I think a better step for you is to make another post looking for feedback for your listing. An improved listing will hopefully give you more and better applicants. I took a glance at your listing and I think that you can do much better with your pictures of the Home and written information. The first picture in your profile should be something really appealing and it is not. Also the information and details about your dog care is a bit loosy goosy. You’re being overly flexible and your dog is 12 years old. I don’t think that’s a good idea. Your dog will appreciate the schedule that you keep for him while you are away. You’re vague about off leash but sometimes it’s OK. I would change that to do not let the dog off leash ever. A new sitter won’t know your dog and your dog won’t know the Sitter. It’s not worth the chance off leash for a brief time away while someone else cares for your dog. I would board the dog somewhere where it will likely be more safe rather than picking the wrong Sitter. Especially being new to the THS membership, I would suggest you keep looking for someone with way more reviews so that you better ensure a more smooth experience.
I would go ahead and set up a video chat.
How far away is your trip? Ask if he has any upcoming sits confirmed between now and then.
Our last sitters had one review when we booked them last November, but we had a great video chat and the sit was in April. They had 3 confirmed sits for December and January, and we’re actively seeking more. Point is, after confirming I kept an eye on the reviews coming in for the December/January sits, and they were great. That put my mind at ease, and if they hadn’t been great I would have cancelled them and re-posted.
They ended up being fantastic sitters so all was well. They were a couple in their late 20’s but had LinkedIn profiles for their remote work and came across as very responsible during the video chat.
So go ahead with the chat in my opinion but if anything feels off then decline and keep looking.
Good luck.
Also, suburban Philly will likely need a car to get around. If you can’t/aren’t comfortable offering yours consider offering to pay for an (economy) car rental. That will still likely be cheaper than a paid sitter.
Video chat definitely and if he’s close enough an in-person meeting wouldn’t be a bad idea.
In the above, I would ask as many questions as possible to glean a better sense of who he is as a person + his experience with dogs.
TBH I would be reluctant with only one short review and three references which were easily obtained (not suggesting that they’re false). That said, everyone deserves a chance when new and people must start somewhere.
Finally, Listen to your gut. If you are not comfortable for ANY reason, you can thank him for his application at any time and move on to someone you’re comfortable with in your home.
The saying “beggars can’t be choosers” is what sometimes gets people into trouble. Whether a host picking the only sub par application they get or a sitter choosing a somewhat dodgy sit because they need somewhere to stay can be where things go wrong. Do the video call. Have a back up plan. There is no guarantee you will get a sitter. Just like there is no guarantee I will get a sit I want.
I’d avoid choosing anyone — sitter or host — out of desperation. I’d vet with high standards and, if I didn’t feel great about a sitter, I’d rather pay a professional or cancel my trip or change my trip into one where I could take my dog.
Desperation tends to lead to bad outcomes.
I would think being age 26 is a good thing. I was grateful for the people who accepted me for my first sit and delightful review.
THS needs to give people better advice on how to use the site.
Generally if you listed two weeks ago, you will get people interested within a few days. This is because sitters are usually searching for the locations where they want to sit, the types of pets, and the dates that work for them. So “only” two weeks is a long time to wait for applicaitons.
This is basically a peer to peer exchange built on trust. If you don’t feel comfortable with the applicant, do not choose this person. References are not reviews.
It’s a little late in the day but I would offer sitters without cars some kind uber reimbursement to the train station for outtings. It’s simpler and cheaper than paying for a car rental.
If you don’t feel you are well matched with the one applicant decline that applicant. No reason to keep him hanging. Once you do that, delete the sit and repost mentioning the Uber reimbursement for trips to Philly or partial rental reinbursement for sitters who don’t have cars. Delisting and relisting will make your listing appear like new and not like it’s been sitting there for 2 weeks.
Hi @tmreller 
Can I offer an observation?
You’ve already named the three ingredients that tend to lead to regret on first sits - time pressure, uncertainty, and feeling desperate to “just fill it.” That doesn’t mean this applicant is wrong… but it does mean the decision environment isn’t ideal.
One application with a single short review plus personal references (especially family/friends) is on the thin side for a first-time homeowner experience. Some people absolutely start that way and turn out brilliantly - but the key difference is usually that the homeowner has time to properly vet, build rapport, and feel calm about the decision.
A video call is essential here, not optional. You’re looking for how they communicate, how seriously they take responsibility, and whether they ask thoughtful questions about your dog and home. If anything feels vague or overly casual, trust that signal.
That said… with your sit starting 12 May, you still have options. A few practical paths:
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Repost or boost your listing to try to attract a couple more applicants quickly
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Shorten the sit or split it if that’s workable
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Line up a paid backup (local sitter, kennel, or friend-of-friend) so you’re not making a pressured decision
Even if you do go ahead with this applicant, having a backup plan in place will completely change how this feels.
You’re not crazy at all - just new to the platform and up against the clock. The goal for your first sit isn’t just to “fill it”… it’s to come away feeling confident about how the process works.
Are your expectations reasonable?
You are looking for someone to perform a service for you. They have sent their application. Your advert and the market determine how many applications you will receive. If your advert is lacking or there is an imbalance between sitters needed and sitters available you will not receive many applicants or those with qualifications that meet your expectations. Change your advert or lower your expectations is a good start.
A video meet up is the ONLY way to determine if the applicant is someone that is a good match. Like an employer, you will find that sometimes the most qualified ON PAPER are not the best match for the job. If you do not get good vibes during the video don’t accept the applicant. If the applicant looks good but you are not certain, get contact information for references and call them. You are checking out a job appllicant.
If you don’t feel comfortable with the references provided ask for another and contact them. If no references were provided ask why and have the applicant give you a couple on the spot. Simple.
It looks like OP has found a sitter.
“Currently no sitter needed”
Having a video call might help you decide. I’m a sitter, and I like to show the homeowners my own home and to have a nice long chat. Only once have I felt negatively about a homeowner and declined the sit. It was because she complained about her husband and how unhappy she was with their life, and did not show me around her home because she was busy breastfeeding her infant. The cameras phone was pointed at the infant and the woman’s bare breast for the entire call (not making this up). So that was a “nope”.
OMG. Just wow.
Anyhow, it’s great that you show homeowners around your home! Never experienced this but it would be cool if offered. I always ‘show’ sitters around our home (in its normal state, which isn’t terrible but we have our stuff out everywhere in the living area, which we clear out before sitters arrive, but our guest room is purpose specific for guests, and decorated nicely, so we are always happy to show that off) whether they ask our not. I think it helps confirm the sit is the same as the photos, and I think video can capture more scope than just photos.
So cool that you do the same, though I understand if sitters are on an active sit in another home they not want to, to respect the HO privacy.
There are many types of sitters, not all sitters have a home and family and pets as I do. But because I do, I consider showing my own home and my family and pets a way for a HO to get to know what kind of person I am. Then I have to explain why I want to take care of someone else’s, when mine are so great!
To be fair to the woman whose sit I declined, she did just have a baby and may not have been her usual self emotionally. Fortunately she had many more months to find someone.
No I understand that. Still creepy to breast on a video chat though 
I suppose she may not have realized how exposed she was. The reason I declined actually, was not that, weird as it was. It was because she was so openly miserable. I did not want to step into that situation. My advice to homeowners is, if you’re unhappy, don’t share that fact with potential sitters.
Yeah that’s completely understandable. I hope she got through it and it’s nice of you be so empathetic 