When all they said is that they chose sits compatible with their travel plans.
I don’t have access to statistics. Like you, I am not a full time sitter, I only sit for fun. What makes me go on reading a listing is the attraction I feel for the pets but that doesn’t make it my number one motivation for using THS.
Perhaps we’re saying something very similar but we’re wording it differently. Once I have accepted a sit, then my number one priority are the pets and I would sacrifice any plans if they needed unexpected extra care but I only choose sits that are convenient for me and only if I find I can work together with the HOs and can trust them.
Bonkers is great. I would also take it as a compliment as it means you think differently to the masses. No stats available on this stuff from THS as they keep it a secret from us all. #happysits.
I’m sorry if my wording was confusing. English is not my native language, so I’m sure I can come across a bit less nuanced than intended.
I think we are all on the same page, with just different circumstances. I have no doubt that everyone are focused on the animals, so their internal motivation is maybe not so important. I primarily go for the experience of the pet sit, others go using the possibility to pet sit as a means to fulfil their wishes.
Both are cool as long as the animals aren’t a nuisance that just must be dealt with. That was my initial impression of a few of the posts saying things like dogs should be able to stay by themselves for 6 hours (which I read as every day).
Sorry if I came across more judgemental than normal
Maggie, i agree. I do petsitting as I like visiting new and interesting places and staying in nice accommodation. I do frequently take dogs out with me all day, as great company, especially if in scenic locations, coast paths, mooland, woods etc.. However you cannot take them everywhere, especially in many shops and supermarkets. And in summer months it is definitely not feasable to leave a dog in a car with window open. They would soon overheart, with somebody likey breaking a car window to get them out. Always warning signs never to leave a dog or a baby or young child in a car etc.
Some sits are however really unreasonable. There was one I saw recently and would definitely have applied for, except it said the dog could not be left for longer than two hours. It then went onto say if you wished to stay out longer they could give you the number of a local dog walker, who charged reasonable hourly rates. They expected you to pay somebody to come in, if wanting to go out on your own for more than two hours. Hence I did not apply and the listing had nil applicants.
Regarding pets that supposedly cannot be left alone, even when they technically could - no separation anxiety or similar issues.
I have found myself in a rather peculiar situation. The one kitty I am currently sitting is described in the listing as being food-obsessed, suggesting that frequent small portions make her very happy. However, it was not initially clear that she requires 12 very small portions of dry food along with three to five small portions of wet food each day, totaling approximately 15 to 17 feedings.
Additionally, the kitty tends to go in and out several times a day, yet there is no cat door. A sitter needs to open the door to let the cat out and in.
This seems like an impossible task, if you also like to do other things than minding the cat.
The host, who is really lovely, trying his best, understands the practical difficulties and does not expect a sitter to provide constant feedings or door service. He´ll be happy with 4. Nevertheless, as I strive to be a diligent sitter, I find it mentally challenging to leave the cat for longer than two hours.
@august that sounds really tough, almost sounds like a child constantly wanting a treat but then not eating a full meal. Can’t think it would be that detrimental to miss a few of 15-17“meals”!
A solution for the owner would be one of those automatic feeders where you can schedule the food to be given at certain times and a cat flap. It’s just not reasonable to expect an unpaid sitter to be there all day for those kinds of duties.
Of course, this is the solution. And there is one - the automatic feeder. However, the automatic component must be operated by the host’s phone, which is not much help to me.
