@Liffy99 You’ve had accurate answers from @Colin and @Kelownagurl . If an owner wants a speedy way of confirming a sitter, they can opt to use a private invite, rather than a public one.
I’m going to attach a related help post here, as it may be of use to many owners.
Francine,
Volunteer moderator 
Hav done another couple of repeat sits since my first question on the topic and have indeed been asking for a small update at least every two or three sits.
Also agree with many other sitters I only book in a sit from. a THS member if they put it on the sit as I feel it offers both me and the owner a tad more security