How do owners feel about receiving very short applications? I am new to this and have been surprised that some applications are long, full of information and personalised to my listing, whereas a couple of others have just been 2 lines long. It makes me feel that they’re not really bothered.
An HO friend of ours loves (not) the ones that say “I’m interested in your listing, please read my profile for more info” Errrrrr, nope! Instant decline. Some thought and personalised details works for any kind of successful application so that’s the best kind to receive. #devilisinthedetail
We tend to quickly decline really short applications. Our experience has been that terse applications go hand in hand with inexperienced THS members with no or very few reviews. That’s a bad combination. OTOH, we had 1 sit where we went with an applicant with 0 sits because of a well written and in depth explanation of why our sit was perfect for them and for us. It worked out very very well.
It’s too easy to write up a decent application and change a few details to customize it for a specific sit. If an applicant couldn’t be bothered to go to at least that much effort, we aren’t going to be interested.
I’m a dual member sitter and owner so have both perspectives. As I have said in another thread, sitters who don’t put in much effort in an appliction for my sit get equal effort from me in considering their application = declined.
Our application is lengthy and contains everything a host needs to know about us to decide whether or not they think we are the right people for them.
Information on our profile is minimal. We want the host to have all the information they need instantly, without needing to search for it elsewhere.
We often get positive comments about our application.
The last application we sent already had four applications before us.
We knew we were on the back foot already, yet the response we received started “Thank you for your detailed message- we would love for you to come and look after our cats.” 
For context as a sitter, some sitters may be conscious of the five applicant rule so think they need to get their application in quickly whereas in fact once the application is started it counts as one of the five and can be worked on as much as the potential sitter wishes. And others may want to apply but be dashing off to do something prearranged.
I have 2 draft applications which I adapt to suit the situation, it’s easy enough to apply using a detailed message. Two lines to apply- that’s just lazy.
One application read as follows: “When is you prefered time to connect to share about taking great care of __ and __?” I did reply, but first I went ahead and scheduled a video chat with another sitter, and said I’d get back to them if that person wasn’t a match. That particular one-liner didn’t do it for me. We need a 24-hour overlap with the sitter and if the tone is the slightest bit off-putting to me I don’t consider them. This business-like approach may suit some HOs, however.
This is the exact scenario for a sit I’ve recently applied for - 4 applications already submitted and a desireable location.
I didn’t have time to write a long application but , knowing that time was short, I wrote a brief one explaining that was v interested but didn’t have time due to work starting and that I’d send a more detailed application within a few h.
The follow through worked because we’re discussing the sit !
Two lines, non-personalised applications and the like, in my mind, say a lot about the applicant.
@Colin are you able to share an example with me? I do write a customized note but wonder if I’m providing the right kind of info for the HO.
Thank you in advance!
I heard that the last application actually shows up at the top if an Owner waits for 5 apps before reviewing.
So number 5 might become number 1!!
I hope someone else can confirm this.
That doesn’t happen with my applicants. Maybe if I got 5 within the same hour, but mine are usually spread out over a couple of days so it is easy to see the timing.
This is a template for ours - We cut and paste it after personalising it to the specific sit
1 - ‘Hello,’ then use the name of the home host plus the name of their partner if we can find it in their listing write-up or in their previous reviews
2 - Introduce ourselves, let them know we are a married couple and give our ages
3 - Some background information about my past work
4 - Some background information about Karyo’s( my husband) past work and hobboes
5 - Some background information about us as a couple, where we met, where we previously lived, why we decided to do THS
6 - Where we have sat before and why we want to visit their area (we’ve always wanted to 
)
7 - How much we love animals, and travel and how fantastic our life is, amalgamating the two!
8 - Say how much we would love to have the opportunity to care for their home and (pet name), the (pet name) looks lovely in their pics, we love it already!
9 - Our past experience with pets ( stay positive, we list the pets we have had between us but don’t mention that neither of us has had a pet for 30 years, we mention Karyo once had a pet pig but don’t mention that he eventually ate it!)
10 - We emphasise our past experience and invite them to take a look at our reviews for their peace of mind that their home and (pet name) will be left in safe hands
11-We add links to our second account, and also to our blog page which has a full list of all our reviews including those not via THS
12 - We use as many positive adjectives as I can think of to describe ourselves, kind, caring, reliable,trustworthy,house proud etc
13 -We emphasise how much love affection and attention their pet will get
14 - We comment on anything specific they have mentioned in their listing, meds -no problem, left for 4 hours - no problem
15 - We promise pet pics
16 - We tell them our needs, Wifi, 2 beds, no pets on beds, accessibility via public transport etc
17 - We give our phone number and invite them to contact us with it, or via THS should they have any questions about ourselves
18 - We tell them how much we are looking forward to their reply and we can’t wait to meet their pets
19 - We sign both off formally and friendly ‘Kind Regards and Best Wishes’ (to cover all bases)
Sadly, with the advent of ChatGPT, a great letter will not necessarily equal a great sitter. I just took a random THS listing and asked ChatGPT to write an application for me, customized to the owners’ listing. It took 3 seconds, and below is what I got (details changed to protect the members’ privacy). So what some hosts interpret as effort and interest might just be solid ChatGPT skills.
I have received invites from hosts that simply said, “Can we have a video call on Tuesday at 5 to discuss our sit?” and those sits turned out to be great. The real “fit” is uncovered in the one-to-one communication. The application is an expression of interest; that is all. If there is interest, take it to a conversation and then see what happens.
[Chat GPT generated application, customized to the listing]
Dear Cynthia,
Your listing immediately caught my eye—the combination of a light-filled, comfortable home, a welcoming community, and the chance to spend time with Barkie sounds like an ideal match for me. I have a deep affection for older pets and a patient, gentle way of allowing them to set the pace in building trust. Your dog’s love of routine, quiet companionship, and need for a calm, respectful presence fit beautifully with my own approach to pet care.
I understand how important it is for senior dogs to feel secure, comfortable, and unhurried. I would be delighted to take her on her daily walk at whatever pace she prefers, keep her routines consistent, and give her space to approach me on her own terms. I also enjoy the simple pleasure of being at home with an animal nearby—whether that’s working quietly while she naps or relaxing together in the evening. Her food-driven enthusiasm and tricks sound like a joy to share in, and I will be attentive to her comfort at every step.
You can also count on me to treat your home with the utmost care: watering plants, tidying the garden as needed, collecting mail, and keeping everything just as you left it. Reliability, clear communication, and respect for your space are at the heart of how I sit. I’m happy to provide regular updates and photos so you can feel reassured while you’re away.
I would love the opportunity to look after your dog and home during your time away. Please let me know if you’d like to arrange a chat—I’d be glad to answer any questions and to learn more about her favorite routines.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
You can instantly tell that this is AI generated . Says nothing but generalities .
Well I have the benefit of the post from which it was generated, and it matches the homeowner’s requests for a sitter almost exactly. I’d be willing to bet most homeowners would be fooled into thinking I put a lot of effort into it. And if not, you can just ask ChatGPT to alter the “voice”, as in the below, which took an extra 2 seconds:
Hi there,
Your sit really jumped out at me — a cozy, light-filled home, a friendly town, and a sweet senior dog for company? That’s basically my dream setup. I’ve always had a soft spot for older pups. They know what they like, and I really respect that. I’m patient, quiet when needed, and happy to let them come to me on their own terms. I love the rhythm of daily walks (slow and steady is fine by me!) and the companionship of having a dog snoozing nearby while I work on my laptop.
I travel full-time as a digital nomad, so I’m used to creating a “home base” wherever I land. That means I tend to treat people’s homes as carefully as if they were my own — watering plants, collecting mail, keeping things tidy, and making sure it feels the same when you return. I’m not a party person, more of a book-and-tea person, so your dog will probably find me on the sofa in the evenings, happy to have her nearby.
I also like keeping in touch while you’re away — photos, little updates, whatever makes you feel relaxed about how things are going. I know how important it is to feel connected when you’re far from home.
I’d love to keep your pup company and care for your place while you’re off on your adventure. Let me know if you’d like to chat more — I’d be happy to talk through details or hear more about her favorite routines.
All the best,
[Your Name]
The second ones better, but still a bit flowery.
Below is what I got by asking ChatGPT to modify it to be the opposite of Barbara Cartland; again, two seconds of “effort”. My point is that judging a sitter based on the written application is insufficient. Meeting and speaking with the sitter is the most critical, and the application is merely an opportunity to facilitate making that happen. If homeowners judge a short application as being a lazy sitter, everyone will just start spitting out long applications. The length of the application means nothing.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your listing. I’d be glad to care for your home and senior dog while you’re away. I have experience with older pets and understand the importance of keeping routines steady, moving at their pace, and giving them space to feel comfortable. Daily walks, feeding, and quiet companionship fit easily into my lifestyle.
I work remotely and live simply, so your home would be well looked after. I’ll water plants, collect the mail, and keep things tidy. I don’t host visitors or cause disruption — I treat each sit as if it were my own home. I’m also happy to provide updates and photos so you know everything is on track.
If you’d like to talk further, I’m glad to answer questions or go over any details important to you.
Best,
[Your Name]
And now for “rap style” (Don’t worry, this will be the last one! But it’s kind of fun)
Yo, listen up, I got a story to tell,
I’m a sitter with skills, and I do it real well.
Your home’s my base, your dog’s my crew,
I’ll keep the routine steady, that’s what I do.
Walks every day, slow pace, no stress,
Feeding on time, nothin’ less than the best.
She can chill on the couch while I’m typing away,
I’ll give her space first, then we’ll hang all day.
Plants get water, mail stacked neat,
Garden stays tidy, your house stays sweet.
No parties, no drama, just quiet vibes,
Respect for your space is how I live my life.
I’ll send you pics so you’re in the know,
Happy pup, tidy home, smooth running show.
So hit me up if you feelin’ the plan,
I’d love to sit for you — yeah, that’s who I am.
[Your Name]
Oh, okay, ONE more. I asked ChatGPT to follow the format of @Colin’s post above. I then pointed it to Colin and Karyo’s blog, to get their “voice”, and asked it to anonymize the result. Here is the resulting “application” (which I ‘anonymized’)
Hello, Sam (and Stephanie if you’re reading),
We’re a married couple—Ella (27) and Finn (28)—and we’re so excited by the idea of caring for your home and sweet pet while you’re away.
I’m a former graphic designer turned remote content whiz, and I love words, whimsical fonts, and finding brilliant ways to tell good stories from anywhere in the world.
Finn’s background is in tech—he used to code apps and build websites—and now his hobbies include brewing experimental coffee blends, capturing quirky street scenes through his camera lens, and cycling ‘til the sun sets.
We met in Lisbon six years ago, moved through a few cities together, and eventually decided to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle for good. That’s when we discovered house- and pet-sitting—and trustedhousesitters seemed like a dream match: combining our love for animals with our wanderlust.
We’ve done a handful of sits around Europe—each one a little home-away-from-home—and your region has long been on our travel wishlist . That blend of cozy community and scenic surroundings makes your sit especially appealing to us.
We adore animals, travel, and the way those two worlds come together so magically in our life. Cozy cafés, dog walks, working from sunlit rooms—it’s our kind of bliss.
We’d absolutely love the chance to care for your home and your darling companion. From the photos, your pet looks gentle and expressive—she already tugs at our hearts.
Between us, we’ve cared for all sorts of furry friends: cats, dogs, hamsters, even a rabbit that became our co-star in a few blog posts. (No pigs—promise!) We’ve got solid experience nourished by genuine affection.
For peace of mind, please feel free to browse our reviews on our official sitter profile—and we also keep a blog (with all the glowing feedback, including non-THS sits). We’d be happy to share a link if you’d like.
We’re kind, caring, reliable, trustworthy, and house-proud—someone once described us as “thoughtful nomads with clean-sock standards.” Your pet will get heaps of love, even more attention, and affectionate check-ins.
You mentioned in your listing that there’s a little gardening help needed, plus routine meds—absolutely no problem at all. We’ll follow instructions to the dot, with care and calm.
And yes—we’ll send lots of pet pics (maybe even funny little videos) so you can see how things are going and relax knowing everyone is doing great.
Our needs are simple: reliable Wi-Fi for our work, two beds (we can share or keep separate—up to you!), we prefer pets not on the furniture (keeps things consistent), and ideally accessible by public transport.
You can reach us anytime—via the sitting platform or on our number, 01234-567-890—we’re happy to answer questions or have a chat.
We really look forward to your reply, and we can’t wait to meet your lovely pet in person.
Kind Regards and Best Wishes,
Ella & Finn