I am currently deployed for 4 months and everything seemed ok. Then I got a couple calls from neighbors about my dog wandering in the neighborhood. Turns out sitter got full time job and was having family members watch over my dog without my permission. I accepted that she could have guests visit but not watch my dog without her around. She refused to explain why or how my dog was getting out. She mentioned her family was supposely watching my dog while she worked. I told her I did agree to this, and i wanted her to watch my dog. I put my trust in the sitter, not the other guests if that makes any sense. I asked if there was anything I could do to help resolve this issue and try to find a way to stop letting my dog escape through open doors, but she just said I’m leaving find someone else.
I have been scrambling all day calling all the emergency contacts I had and scheduled some emergency rovers until I can get another housesitter. If at all possible.
Im guessing this is a common occurrence though. Any tips? I really tried to give some room forward and figure thisnout so we dont have a camcel. I have been repeatedly trying to get the sitter to respond further in text or calls, no luck.
Ya I did, they were unable to contact sitter. So I am adjusting the sit to end today. And trying to line something up now. Its a bummer. I really wanted it to work out and not have to go down this road.
O ok thanks I’ll look into that. I have my own emergency contacts that I was using to come rescue my dog. So for now I am ok, but thats a good thing to remember. Thank you!
I’m so sorry this has happened to you whilst you are deployed @Akbackham86. It is definitely not common for this to happen. Once the sit has been officially cancelled, make sure you review the sitter - factual, non-emotional- so that other owners are aware of this sitter’s behaviour. I hope your emergency contacts can care for your dog.
Not a common occurrence but it has happened. As others have said first thing is to contact the emergency number (if that’s possible while on deployment). Second thing is to recognise that THS is kinda useless in these circumstances. They have no ability to find you a sitter or be of much practical help. What you are doing at the moment is probably best and you will likely need to tell THS what they must do rather than ask them what you should do.
In order to advertise your sit again the dates booked need to be freed up. IMPORTANT - If you tell THS to cancel the current dates the sit you had will disappear and you will not be able to leave a negative review for the sitter who abandoned your home and dog. She will also not be able to leave a bad review for you but I don’t see a bad review from her hurting you. If you tell them to shorten the sit so it ended the day the sitter left that will allow you to list new dates and leave a review.
I suggest your new dates be soon but not from tomorrow and also put in the title that you need someone sooner or later than the start date. Also if you split the remaining months so the first one is a week or 2 and say you have done this in case someone has a clash of dates further down the line but can help now. Dates are flexible etc. Otherwise someone who is free now but has a sit in 3 weeks won’t be able to apply if its a huge long sit.
Not for right now but you need to send an email to support at trustedhousesitters dot com and tell thenm you want open a dispute. This sitter needs to b kicked off the platform fast. You can tell them this on teh emergency number but they may “forget” to follow up on this.
If you shorten the sit so it still exists and you can leave a review don’t forget to leave a stinking review within 14 days (don’t leave it that long) of the new end date.
Tell us where your sit is. Put a link to it in your profile here (forum mods might be able to help with this if you just post it here) Someone on the forum may be able help out sitting in a pinch.
Just to let you know that I have passed this across to the Membership Services team. I can see that you have spoken with one of the team already and they have advised me that someone else will be reaching out to you shortly so please do keep a lookout for any emails from them.
Thank you for explaining that detail. I didnot know that if it was full canceled I wouldn’t be able to review. I did get in touch with THS. They ended up shortening the sit and it will be ending sometime today, 31st Jan in Colorado time, but 1 Feb my time. So I should be able to leave a review still. I already set up a second sit for when my emergency contacts can bring my dog back to house.
In the meantime I have some coworkers checking to make everything is safe in the house and changing my locks/codes.
I really appreciate all the details and intricacies that I did not know about. You’re great!
Edit to add my link for sit. Thanks again
(Members listing has been added to their Forum profile by the Forum team)
Thank you! Yes I have been in contact and I have sent the text messages showing where she just left with no explanations. I will be on the lookout for any contacts. I filed a claim so I will also be patient with this process.
Wow this is not normal and I am so sorry this happened. I tried to click on your link to review your sit and share it with a few people I know in Colorado, one who IS ON THS, but the link in your member handle or in your comment above did not work. If you fix it I am happy to share your link to the few people I know in Colorado. Best of luck getting someone to cover the rest of your work travels.
Was Priscilla your sitter? If so I would recommend avoiding a sitter with no reviews for such a long sit while you are half-way around the world (assuming you get much choice in applicants). She has a reference but that’s literally just something people can have friends send in by email so you’re taking a chance (which is nice, everyone needs to start somewhere) but maybe reduce the risk by getting someone with a history on THS.
After finding your profile I think you will have trouble attracting a good sitter with the current version. Here are my observations & tips for improvement:
Main profile pic is of a bathroom - change this to the front of the house pic. Better idea is to have a friend get a nice pic of the front of your house without the van if possible, otherwise use the pic you have
The place is not picked up, there are personal items all over the place, sitters like a neat place to stay, a place to put their own things, If possible, replace with better pics after picking up.
There is no picture of a bed or bedroom that I saw that shows where the sitter would sleep, only a couch. I have learned as a homeowner on THS that sitters REALLY like a proper bed and like to see a picture of where they will sleep. For this long sit, i would also be sure to include photos of the room they would sleep in and show dresser or closet that you can say has space for their use.
Your listing description can be jazzed up much better. Think of this as a dating profile, make Aurora and your particular location super desirable by explaining the fabulous things to see and do nearby.
A vehicle - do you have a vehicle that sitter can use? I didnt look to see if you do, but if you do not, then this sit will not attract people who could fly in to sit for you, as a 2 month car rental is expensive. IF you have car and are open to this idea you can ask them for a copy of their drivers license to be certain they have a valid one for insurance purposes ONLY after you conduct a video interview to make sure you and the next person are a good fit and you feel they are super responsible.
Do your interviews like you are looking for someone to adopt your fur baby. IF you would not let them adopt your baby forever, i wouldnt let them sit him and be in your house for 2 months either.
I know what I am suggesting is ALOT of work and time. It is the ONLY way you will possibly get more and better applicants which is VERY IMPORTANT. Start asking your friends back home for help in getting you some better pics. WIth your house under renovation, you should be transparent about what the house looks like, i didnt see construction in the pics. Also, there is not a pic of the back yard, add one.
No way is this common and, like others, I’m really sorry you’ve experienced this. As others say you must report this sitter to THS and ensure she is removed from the site. Sounds like her priority is not petsitting and she shouldn’t be allowed to do this to someone else.
I hope you’ve found a resolution and can get back to enjoying your holiday.