I’m new here and have made an account, trying to secure a sitter for travel plans next month. I’m totally confused by my choice of sitters, the list is all local people. So far, everyone has declined because basically, they are not traveling, they’re staying close to home, which no one seems to want to do? How do I find someone, not from my area? Are they responsible for getting here then? My dates are fast approaching and im getting nervous. TYIA.
Debbie
@DebraL do you care to share your listing? Is your cover photo eye catching? Maybe have someone look over it for suggestions?
Since you had local sitters interested, it must be attractive to some sitters. I’m new to THS, and my first 3 sits are local, then my next 2 are out of state.
After reading many threads on the forum, the best way to secure a sitter is:
What I found helpful on my 1st sit was a list of area attractions put together by the owner. Good luck on your search!
As a sitter I don’t know what information you received from THS. How it works is that you create an attractive profile. Sitters looking for sits in your area and like your profile will contact you. You can contact sitters yourself but that never or hardly works out. Most of us don’t use the calendar here so it is a waste of your time since you have no idea where the sitters would like to travel or even if they are traveling now. I only use this platform about three times per year. I am sure THS materials explain that the sitters are responsible for covering their own transportation cost. If you are not having any luck with sitters applying to you, I suggest putting a link to your profile so you can get suggestions.
THS marketing can give homeowners the impression they get to just choose from a pool of sitters.
That isn’t the case and the best way forward is to make a great listing and wait for sitters to contact you. Also have a plan B if it doesn’t work out.
A month isn’t a long time to secure a sitter (many sitters are booked up well in advance) and it will depend on how attractive your listing is, location, number of pets etc.
You are new to the site so sitters only have your listing to go on so make it the best it can be.
Ensure you have clear photos of all the areas the sitter will have access to, and list the amenities.
Explain what the sitter’s responsibilities are and what is available to them in your area.
Cover pet behaviour, medication, where do they sleep, how long can they be left for etc.
Lots of other tips can be found by using the spyglass at the top of the screen.
It is a mutual exchange and sitters will travel to your area at their own expense so the more attractive the sit is the better chance you have of securing a sitter.
Good Luck
It sounds like you haven’t read the website properly. You don’t have to scour the list of sitters but make an attractive listing for sitters to apply to you. Sitters are unlikely to want to sit near their home as we want to experience new places and travel. Inviting sitters to sit rarely works, and this has been discussed time and time again on the forum.
Good luck!
@DebraL You might find these helpful, it will answer your questions to get started.
Good luck
https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360000233725-How-does-it-all-work
Hi, I think I had the same at first. I’m new this year and found the search just pulled up local sitters so you need to change the search location. I suppose it’s just using your location as default. If you are short of time it might be best to just search locally.
But it’s not recommended to search for sitters!
You must create a profile and a listing. It sounds like you don’t yet understand how this platform works. Please read all information from THS while there is still time to secure a sitter, hopefully.
Welcome
No, this just comes up if you do though.
Reading further I didn’t realise there wasn’t a listing. I had the benefit of my sister who had been a member of THS for a while .
THS 101
A THS profile is a bit like an AirBnb listing in that you don’t typically go searching for sitters or guests. Instead, you work up an enticing profile of your home, pets and the area attractions (think of your profile as though it’s an Airbnb listing and you’re trying to attract interest). When you publish the dates of your sit, sitters can see your listing and apply for consideration. You can have up to 5 unprocessed applications at any one time. Do NOT dally in the processing because you are definitely on the clock. Politely and quickly decline applicants who do not fit and immediately begin vetting sitters you find interest you.
A common mistake is waiting until you have “enough” applicants. Don’t wait. You only need to find 1 good fit and the sooner the better for you and the applicants.
If you make your profile visible here, you’ll get good advice from experienced sitters on how to improve it.
You’re on a bit of a learning curve with a tight schedule so I recommend reading as much as you can in this forum. Focus on discussions about what sitters want to see on your profile, getting your welcome guide in order and how to sort through applicants in a TIMELY manner.
To answer your travel question, sitters cover their own costs though extenuating circumstances can justify exceptions worked out between you and a sitter. Applicants who request a fee should be declined immediately.
A good luck.
As others have mentioned, it is not enough to make an attractive listing that someone would like to apply for - you need to publish your dates for the time you’d like a sitter, and then interested sitters can apply to your sit.
A normal sit would mean that the sitter pay their travel to go to your home, and they will buy their own food and such. For a normal sit, the host would prepare their home like they would for any guest visiting. It is customary (although not required) to invite the sitter to use basics - some oil if you have it, spices, hand soap, toilet paper, tea/ coffee - it is also customary that a sitter would fill up for the return of the host if they have used it all and such. For a longer sit maybe a small gift and/ or a card - although the discussion could go high on welcome gifts! 
Consideration goes a long way both ways. Be aware though that sitters are not allowed to ask for money as this is all voluntary and based on matching. Please report to member service if a sitter ask for money (or that you pay their travel and such). I say this as a sitter.
Never agree on something or confirm a sit you are not all comfortable with. Trust your gut.