# Sitters more interested in a place to stay than your pets **URL:** \ **Category:** Host Questions, Advice & Chat\ **Created:** [25 August 2022 10:27 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147 "2022-08-25T10:27:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Colin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/colin/32/1940_2.png) [@Colin](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Colin)\ **Post date:** [29 May 2023 16:20 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/227 "2023-05-29T16:20:56Z")
@Lulubelle - Were these trustedhousesitters? ---
**Author:** ![Colin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/colin/32/1940_2.png) [@Colin](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Colin)\ **Post date:** [29 May 2023 16:44 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/229 "2023-05-29T16:44:23Z")
We would have to have the complete story to be able to have an opinion about that specific incident. Friend-of-friend stories are always very difficult to be able to verify all details. In any case, you do have to be very careful when you add negative comments on the forum to be very sure to make it very clear that the issue had nothing to do with Trusted Housesitters ---
**Author:** ![Colin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/colin/32/1940_2.png) [@Colin](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Colin)\ **Post date:** [29 May 2023 18:28 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/231 "2023-05-29T18:28:02Z")
> [@Lulubelle](#): > > I’ve had friends who have spent months and many thousands of dollars in legal costs to have people who decided to stay removed. @Lulubelle I was talking specifically about this negative comment - You writing it on this group forum could make anyone reading it presume that you are talking about trusted house sitters, which you are not. We know nothing about the circumstances of that incident. Why were the people in your friend’s house in the first place? were they tenants?lodgers?friends?strangers? - where is the connection to THS? ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_E](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/karen_e/32/9916_2.png) [@Karen\_E](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Karen_E)\ **Post date:** [29 May 2023 18:46 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/233 "2023-05-29T18:46:21Z")
Ok, I think we’ve chased this topic enough. It was not a TrustedHousesitters-related stay, and enough of a hassle to dissuade at least one homeowner from having sitters stay too long. All good on all sides. Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this. ---
**Author:** ![mars](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/mars/32/3359_2.png) [@mars](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/mars)\ **Post date:** [29 May 2023 18:58 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/234 "2023-05-29T18:58:17Z")
@Helen74 , it is perfectly reasonable to request that sitters leave your dog for no longer than 4-5 hours and offering to hire a dog walker so people can be out longer on occasion is very nice! All sounds good to me and even people who are not working at home will be able to comply. ---
**Author:** ![DeeKay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8491ac/32.png) [@DeeKay](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/DeeKay)\ **Post date:** [29 May 2023 19:20 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/235 "2023-05-29T19:20:02Z")
You sound completely reasonable and caring about the sitter experience as well as your pup’s! Many dog sits are posted that are less flexible than your requirements and they seem to be happily filled by sitters so I’m sure you’ll find a great match. ---
**Author:** ![Sittersue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7c8e57/32.png) [@Sittersue](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Sittersue)\ **Post date:** [12 June 2023 22:02 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/236 "2023-06-12T22:02:11Z")
We have been with THS for five years. On our first sit the HO ran off the “contract” that is somewhere within THS. One of the things in the contract was that you agreed to leave on the specific date stated on the sit. Not sure if it’s legally binding, but I would bet that THS had it legally checked at some point. I’m not sure where to find it, as we’re getting ready to do our 45th sit and no one has ever ask us to sign it again. But, I’m sure someone can tell us where to find it. That might help some homeowners be more ease. ---
**Author:** ![Carla](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/carla/32/17107_2.png) [@Carla](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Carla)\ **Post date:** [12 June 2023 22:07 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/237 "2023-06-12T22:07:11Z")
@Sittersue Great memory ☺ Here is what the old agreement form looked like, it mentions that it is not legally binding and we no longer promote it. I think there was talk of removing this link as it’s not really used any more so I will pass this information on to the Product team. I only have it as a member previously Googled it. I am not sure it is on the platform anymore! > **[Trusted-house-sitter\_home-owner-agreement.pdf](https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/static/resources/Trusted-house-sitter_home-owner-agreement.pdf)** ---
**Author:** ![Sittersue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7c8e57/32.png) [@Sittersue](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Sittersue)\ **Post date:** [12 June 2023 23:45 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/238 "2023-06-12T23:45:33Z")
Wow, much more in-depth than I remember…we’ve since sat 6 times for that HO…I guess they now know we aren’t squatters, just frequent visitors🤣 ---
**Author:** ![Crookie](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/crookie/32/17987_2.png) [@Crookie](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Crookie)\ **Post date:** [13 June 2023 22:37 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/239 "2023-06-13T22:37:07Z")
@Carla good riddance to that document! There is no way we would be members of THS if that contract was a requirement! Imagine sitters having to pay a security deposit (aka bond) to care for a house & pets then trying to get that refunded if the HO wasn’t happy with them, whatever the reason. ---
**Author:** ![Visit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/13edae/32.png) [@Visit](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Visit)\ **Post date:** [20 June 2023 09:37 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/240 "2023-06-20T09:37:03Z")
I had a cat once where the owner always fed it on the table, where you were eating. Had to pull a chair out for it to climb on to. before leaping on to the table as had got so fat it could no longer leap all the way. First morning whilst owner still they I had its tail swishing in my face, whilst attempting to eat my breakfast. It ate from the floor after that without problems, until owner returned. ---
**Author:** ![Lisa\_PB](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/lisa_pb/32/10745_2.png) [@Lisa\_PB](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Lisa_PB)\ **Post date:** [20 June 2023 18:56 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/241 "2023-06-20T18:56:24Z")
Literally, this is how Trusted Housesitters is marketed! “THE FREEDOM TO TRAVEL” IS THEIR HEADLINE ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/uploads/trustedhousesitters/original/3X/7/0/70178404b4de40f94bedf6cf868af1887734363d.png) ---
**Author:** ![Debbie-L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Debbie-L](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Debbie-L)\ **Post date:** [20 June 2023 19:01 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/242 "2023-06-20T19:01:07Z")
@Lisa_PB yes, this is on our website, but this is just advising those folks who never realized all the advantages of pet care in this platform. It gives the Pet Parent, the Pet and the sitter so much more understanding that pet care can lead to a whole new life! ---
**Author:** ![Coco](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/coco/32/47055_2.png) [@Coco](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Coco)\ **Post date:** [22 June 2023 09:42 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/243 "2023-06-22T09:42:35Z")
I have only found that this year. For the last 2 years I have found that it was a lot more for the animals - not so this year 2023. It definitely seems l lot different. ---
**Author:** ![Catin88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@Catin88](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Catin88)\ **Post date:** [23 June 2023 06:25 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/244 "2023-06-23T06:25:12Z")
I absolutely have no clue why people are getting defensive and taking it personally about YOUR preferences in a sitter. I find it humorous. This is all about preferences and everyone has their right to choose who they want as an owner/sitter. This doesn’t mean you have low opinion of nomadic sitters. You just don’t want to take the chance where there could be a red flag of legal liability. Makes perfect sense to me. As a U.S. resident, squatters rights is real! Doesn’t matter what platform or instance it happened in. Hearing about these things is enough to put a bad taste in your mouth and not want to take the chance. I get it. It’s something I have definitely thought of as an owner. I live in Jersey now, but my old town of NYC - squatters have rights only after 30 days It’s insanity! ---
**Author:** ![Catin88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@Catin88](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Catin88)\ **Post date:** [23 June 2023 06:36 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/245 "2023-06-23T06:36:13Z")
I just had a sitter cancel as she was in between apts. She has been using TH because her permanent housing isn’t finalized. When she canceled, she just told me that she isn’t going to be in town. Yeah, that’s it. No other explanation or anything. At least she had the decency to cancel way in advance… Which brings up another topic that TH should have some type of notification/note on someone’s profile when they cancel a sit. If an owner or sitter are repeatedly canceling sits, they can easily be avoided. There should be more structure and transparency as this platform is growing and the quality of users is dwindling on both sides. The honor system for TH no longer works, especially in the year 2023. Edited to meet posting guidelines ---
**Author:** ![Catin88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@Catin88](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Catin88)\ **Post date:** [23 June 2023 06:42 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/247 "2023-06-23T06:42:18Z")
One last thought, I absolutely hate the 5 applicant rule. I get the reason behind it, but as I said, this doesn’t work in current times. I find that the most unqualified sitters are jumping into my pool with a quickness - hence closing my applications right away. Sometimes, it can be that my applications close within the hr of my post. I’m in a very desirable location, so that also adds to the people just wanting a place to stay. I don’t have a trust fund. I work. I can’t be sitting at the computer/on my phone 24/7 to decline applicants and unpause applications constantly Because I have learned to CAREFULLY and thoroughly vet sitters as I feel the quality has declined tremendously over the past year, it’s taking me longer to find the right sitter ---
**Author:** ![Twitcher](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/twitcher/32/2011_2.png) [@Twitcher](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Twitcher)\ **Post date:** [23 June 2023 08:17 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/248 "2023-06-23T08:17:42Z")
@Catin88 I totally agree and the subject has been raised many times before. It appears your sitter did not adhere to the THS Code of Conduct which states cancellations can only take place in exceptional circumstances. Apparently data is kept on cancellations but this can only be done if you report it to THS. I’m not saying it will do any good but they will never have accurate data unless we advise them. The majority of sits go ahead as planned and I feel they are happy to keep things as they are. Their only advice to cancelled sitters and homeowners is to ‘look for something else’! ---
**Author:** ![Silversitters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e480ec/32.png) [@Silversitters](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Silversitters)\ **Post date:** [23 June 2023 11:21 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/249 "2023-06-23T11:21:00Z")
Sorry to hear of your experience- I am assuming that this sit was a confirmed sit not just at invitation stage ? This has also been discussed on this thread with too many HO reporting that this has happened this year . > [@Sitters who repeatedly cancel sits?](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-who-repeatedly-cancel-sits/34381): > > There are many sitters on THS who have never cancelled a sit and would not do so even if a “better” sit came up . I include myself in his category. Understandably there may be exceptional circumstances where a sitter does need to cancel a sit at short notice . However , on this forum I am frequently reading about sitters cancelling . Since HO’s cannot write a review about a cancelled sit , where is this information recorded ? How does an HO looking for a sitter find out if a sitter is reliable… ---
**Author:** ![Catin88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@Catin88](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Catin88)\ **Post date:** [23 June 2023 12:50 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147/250 "2023-06-23T12:50:54Z")
Which is exactly my point about the transparency. TH admin say they are recording this, but what good is this for the sitters and owners on the platform when we don’t see it. Plus, it’s not like they remove chronic cancelers. In the past year, I have had 5 canceled sits. Thank God that I was always able to find a replacement. But there is absolutely no way of knowing that a sitter or owner isn’t reliable. I’m going to be very frank. I don’t have faith in the TH admin about protecting us from horrible/bad experiences. I think they care more about $$$ vs the user experience. This is why the transparency needs to be there so owners and sitters can make their own decisions knowing patterns and facts. Yes, this was a confirmed sit. The sitter canceled 3 months after confirming and 8 weeks before the sit. [Previous page](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147.md?page=10) [Next page](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/sitters-more-interested-in-a-place-to-stay-than-your-pets/21147.md?page=12)