@wendy_chicago Yes, we have to implement more careful vetting as we are in popular locations…It’s sad and more work for us, but I find that it’s necessary so we can have quality pet care. I’m in the NYC area and you are in Chicago.
For sure, we have more people who are trying to see our cities vs really wanting to take care our of pets sadly.
@Catin88 - would love to understand more in general re the characteristics of the sitters (e.g. experience, commitment vs ‘free AirBnB’ etc) that can spend so much time on THS that they can immediately jump on popular sits before they hit the 5 application limit. E.g. are experienced, committed sitters with a life beyond THS ( = less time on the site) submitting fewer applications for popular sits than previously?
This would suck for me as a full-time nomad. If I had to cancel an international sit because I couldn’t travel (say I lost my passport for example) I would still need to find a sit nearby. If my mom got sick, I would need to look for sits near her. Not everyone’s reason for cancelling will eliminate the need to find a sit. Thankfully, I sit as part of a couple, so the only time there was an issue that delayed one of us, the other sent ahead to the sit, but I would’ve hated to be barred from sitting had my issue not been resolved and I was stuck in another country.
Exceptions could always be taken up with member services, so they could make decisions about what’s OK versus not.
Logically, if anyone focused only on exceptions, no rules, laws or guidance could ever be created among humanity or in any society or organization in the world at any time in existence.
Right, but that would mean I would need to contact member services, when I’m already in an emergency, to ask them to consider my case and release the block on my account. If you’ve never had to contact member services before, you might understand why I’m skeptical of this as a solution.
I think if THS put in “protections” like this against sitters I would probably leave the platform anyway, so I guess it’s moot.
True.
Setting this topic aside, I’ve contacted member services four or five times over the past several months and I was able to get to a human easily. Of course, I don’t know what hours they’re staffed — maybe I’m in a sweet spot time zones wise. I read that they upgraded staffing, but I joined only in March and I don’t know what it was like before.
BTW, I posted this I another thread:
You wouldn’t necessarily need to monitor reasons. You could for instance say, if someone cancels X number of sits, they’ll suffer consequences. The consequences could range from being blocked from sits for X amount of time or losing your membership, for example. Or it could be noted on your profile, like this sitter canceled their last three sits.
Hi @Maggie8K to answer your question on Membership Services availability …
Thanks, @Angela_L. I’ve been impressed by how quickly and effectively help has been offered when I’ve asked for it. It’s notable, because many companies don’t do it well.
Does anyone else think that post Covid there are less mature sitters and more young backpackers? We have found this to be the case.
They appear to like animals but more interested in free accommodation. Not always good at basic housework and underestimate the work involved in looking after animals and house. Maybe think it’s easy.
Our previous sitter was a nice young man but left the bathroom and toilet in a terrible mess. I won’t go into details!! Hadn’t bothered to vacuum before leaving. Mud everywhere. Other bizarre behaviour. He asked to leave early before we returned. Should have said no.
We really do not want anyone else who is immature and not responsible. I have messaged him but no reply. Will not leave a review.
Edited to remove sensitive info.
HI @Gwenvilla
A warm welcome to the forum.
I am so sorry that you had this experience. There are many young and highly responsible sitters out there and I am so sorry that this happened to you. I can understand that this is very disappointing.
Please do reach out to membership services at support@trustedhousesistters.com so they are made aware of his behaviour.
Please also do use the spyglass at the top of the forum to search for topics. There is an incredible source of information and discussions by many of our experienced members, which may help and guide you going forward.
Please do leave a review, to spare future homeowners having the same problem.
@Gwenvilla, please write a review and spare other HOs. Someone who behaves as you described shouldn’t be sitting anyone’s home, no matter their age.
I was reluctant to do so but upon reflection have now left a fair review. Aways difficult. I like to give people a chance but as he didn’t reply to my message about the concerns and the state of the house when he left it I changed my mind regarding the review. Liz
Dog cats are for real. I signed up with TH because my cat loves attention, cuddles, and playtime, though he can also be left alone while I go in to work. He has a whole greeting routine when I return home. He would be miserable with someone just popping in to just feed him and scoop the litter box. I haven’t been brave enough to let sitters take him out on a leash or work on his clicker training, though.
I just had a sitter who was old enough to know better, but also left the bathroom in a mess and clearly didn’t read the welcome guide as he missed several details noted in there. He is new to TH and I did leave a review, focusing more on the star ratings and that he was new to TH. In addition I sent him a direct message noting specifically why I had given him that review, and emphasizing the expectation to leave the house as clean as he found it and to read and pay attention to the welcome guide.
I have tried to give a fair review but it’s difficult when someone has left such a mess. Disgusting toilet and toilet brush for instance. Mud everywhere. Carpets not vacuumed etc.
I did message the sitter but was ignored so that’s when I gave a mixed review.
I would prefer mature sitters but get young backpackers who have never had responsibility for their own home.
Clever @Colin but hardly comparable 
@Saltrams - With such a long thread, and such a short memory, I cant find what I have said that you are referring to?
@Colin I feel your pain! I entered the thread at the red line of my last visit, saw your post & then wrote my comment and then couldn’t find my place back in the thread 
Let’s never speak of this again….