Hey…
When a listing says ‘open to applications from couples’ does that mean they will ONLY accept applications from couples, and not for example sitters with children etc?
Many thanks!
Hi @KerryBianca
Does this appear at the very top of the listing under the photos where there are sometimes up to 3 lines, often including things like
“Matches you experience with cats”
“Requires up to 1 hour walking per day”
This section uses information that sitter and host have selected from drop down boxes when setting up their profile, but that isn’t visible elsewhere in the listing, and that seems to match. I sometimes see
“Open to applications from families with children aged 13-17” which is the age range my sons fall into.
I assume if you have selected that you are a couple, this section would highlight the statement you mention. If the hosts had also selected that they were open to applications from families with children aged 13-17, then I would see that.
If the statement about couples is in the text of their listing that they have written themselves, then they may genuinely only be looking for couples.
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If they have stated that, then that is what they are looking for.
Depending on the rest of the listing, some might want two adults due to the tasks of the sit, as they would deem it needed to be two. I have experienced that «couple» meant two persons regardless of relation between the two sitters, and also that they wanted an actual couple/ in a relationship. Could be various reasons - bed/ bedrooms they want to use, actual needs, preferences or prejudices. Their choice either way.
For under age children I would assume it would be a relative high chance of decline if the host has not explicitly said they welcome families. Even if they haven’t said it, the probability would probably be higher for a sit if the host has children more or less same age, and that would probably also be a nicer sit as the home would be set up for having children.
I’ve noticed the ‘open to couples’ is listed in the top, then in the actual description it’s indicated that the pet only likes females, or there is only room for one sitter. I believe some homeowners don’t fully understand they are contradicting with the initial indicator, and their actual need for what they will accept as a sitter. A bit of a misunderstanding and baffling for sure.
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@Joanne maybe their preferences have changed with experience, and they have updated the text of the listing, but not the section that populates the “highlights” at the top of the listing.
“Open to couples” and the pet only liking females are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The pet would likely be happy with a female couple, a mother and daughter, sisters or female friends.
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If the expression is “open to couples” it’s worth applying if you are interested, it will most likely be what @Debbie said
When it’s restricted to couples they usually specify that Sometimes they also specify that it’s not suitable for families or for small children.
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Yes, reading the entire posting is definitely important to get the full understanding of their needs. Thankfully there is something for everyone and every type of situation!
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