I got through the first paragraph. If a sitter sent this to me, I would immediately pass.
I get that this works for the OP, and I can see that some hosts might be relieved to have things spelled out for them in such a clear, impersonal way. I would just know it’s not a good match - and that’s fine!
I do think @Maggie8K 's more informal message is a good example of how to follow up, make sure essentials are covered, and remain positive.
I’m thinking, as you say this is something new you are now providing owners, that it is perhaps too soon to know the effect it is having yet on owners and their acceptance of you as their sitters @Fatamorgana. It would be great if you came back in perhaps a couple of months to let us know how it is working for you.
Great idea to have guides going both ways — it’s been suggested before, and would definitely simplify things. It’s often the same repeated questions during video calls, so having this in place could help.
I agree that having access to guides before confirming could be beneficial.
Did you notice any changes after implementing this - For instance, did hosts send their own guide faster than usual? Or perhaps a shift in being more thorough in terms of their own?
This checklist strikes me as the basis of a script that a sitter could use during the video chat, especially if they find such calls awkward. After the call, the sitter could write a note reaffirming the most important points covered. As a HO, if I received this document after the call I would be put off by the tone and would reply with, “Oh sorry, in fact we do have a lot of spiders.”
I love this, you’ve addressed the most likely scenarios without going over the top. I may or may not incorporate my own version of this as an introduction, but at a minimum, this supports communication via chat/video or email in advance of the sit…Thank you!
…don’t think the concept of a host welcome guide appeals to all hosts either — that’s why one needs to fill it out themselves. Taking notes, chatting, and discussing things on video calls is lovely… until you spill a liter of iced tea on them😅
There’s also a verbal aspect — with varying call quality, language barriers, verbal vs. written information in the app - being transparent in writing requires less communication back and forth
A lot of owners would run a mile if they got this. It looks very demanding. Have you sat in the UK? a lot of homes are quite small, often historic and couldn’t provide the facilities you are asking for and a lot certainly have spiders!
I have the things written into my profile about indoor cameras and things I won’t do like cut lawns. That makes it clear up front when I apply and then we can speak to clarify.
Over 90% of our sits are in the UK, and we only sit in detached houses. Remember, this is something I send out after a call, so the question of whether a homeowner can provide the facilities doesn’t come up at that point. We wouldn’t have applied otherwise. So far, all of our sits have matched what’s outlined in the guide
All of these points, and more, are brought up during our initial video call. I take the valid point that it’s good to have it all in writing so if there is a dispute there is evidence.
However, it is far too formal for us. We try to be accommodating with the hosts needs as well as ours. And there is a lot of emphasis put on your living needs rather than what you expect from the pets. In our video calls it the discussion is more about the pets, their behaviour and needs than ours. We take for granted everything works, the house is clean and ask for the refrigerator and freezer to have a large space for our food and we haven’t been let down yet.
I’m glad you have found something that works for you and your hosts but it’s not for everyone
Remember, I said that. I just wanted to share how WE do things. Of course we have a video call – it doesn’t replace that. And during the call, it’s usually a lot about the pet, which makes sense. But it’s rarely about what we as sitters need.
When I ask people, “What would you like to know?”, they usually ask about our work. 
But they almost never think to ask what’s important to us or what they can do to help us feel comfortable.
They often say they want us to feel at home, but how would they know what that means without asking? Apparently, you have to tell them.
We, on the other hand, often ask what’s especially important to them. Also, our THS profile is already very detailed and probably more demanding than the average one – but that’s never stopped any homeowners from choosing us when we’ve applied. Probably because of our excellent reviews. And then they’re happy to pay the price for that.
It’s an exchange. We specifically choose high-quality sits – and in return, they get high-quality sitters. Simple deal.
Your expectations of HOs are generally common courtesy and/or THS TandCs but a few are impractical enough to be dealbreakers for many HOs. Why not include your requirements in your profile and save yourself and others time time wasted sweeping up and completing a video call?
Please read the entire thread 
We tick all the boxes. But…
As home owners, we would’nt select an applicant who send us this “Guide”.
As house sitters, we would’nt send it.
However, it may work for others…
See, it’s not about ticking all the boxes – it’s about creating an equal experience. If you feel offended by that, it likely means you view THS as a service for homeowners rather than a mutual exchange.
I’m a sitter but if I received this as an owner I’d be thinking “this sitter means trouble”. Boundaries too rigidly enforced and no give and take.
We are absolutely no trouble at all. We’ve always received glowing reviews – and given them in return, except for one case where I just today noticed that many sitters after us mentioned the exact same issues with the host.
No idea why sitters keep ignoring the warnings in reviews.
How many times have you sent this guide to a HO after a video call?
Your strategy has worked for me too.
Twice so far. And they wanted us to sit for them.
Not exactly a well-proven track record then. I look forward to hearing more when you’ve had a chance to use it more. I like the premise overall.