There is much discussion on this in previous threads - put some search words on the spy glass icon at the top right hand corner of the page - here is one of the main ones …
Having a pet sleep with you shouldn’t be problematic IF its known when you apply for a sit. Most definately a question to ask if not on the listing. I make it very clear that my dog has to sleep with the sitter on my listing, and its always discussed on a phone call.
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@Pawtastic I agree with you on keeping in contact. I usually have a good texting relationship with the owners by the time they’re leaving. I also have a routine, which I make the owners aware of, in that I notify them within that first 24 hrs of the pet’s bathroom and feeding routines that day. I think if an owner knows that their pet is having no problems in those areas, then it’s likely they (the pet and the owners) are not stressed. I also like to message and hear back from the owners. I ask if their flight went well, or generally that they arrived safely. I think this merely reflects that there are thoughtful and caring people involved. 
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I don’t actually mind keeping in close touch with owners, especially if they are new to THS or a bit more anxious about their pets. I almost always send a text or two the first day so they have pics when they arrive at their destination. I try to send a pic of their pet settling in with me, looking comfy and happy, to put their minds at ease. I’ve never had a family who expected more than daily updates.
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I always send an update later the first day (if we arrived in the morning) and first thing the next day so that owners know everything is good.
I must admit I don’t apply for sits when the owners want several updates a day for the whole of their trip and I am seeing quite a few of those lately.
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It’s exactly they type of euphemisms estate agents use to describe houses 
I did one sit where I was not only asked to send a pic every single day for 9 weeks (!!!) but to also do a few video calls where I had to follow the cat around the house and yard so the family could ooh and ahh.
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Done that lots of time. People love their animals, some as much as if they were their children being left in daycare. Not everyone but many really want to know details of the daily life. Some are “handle whatever only call if it’s an emergency otherwise see you when we get back.”
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@Timmy, good point, so we need a code near the start of a review that tells us to look for other coded content in the review. I propose: “This sit was really quite remarkable!” … so that we can then be primed to read the “remarks” between the lines. 
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And at the other end of the spectrum, I asked the owner how often she’d like to hear from us and receive pictures of her beautiful dog – her response was “oh, I know what he looks like, you don’t need to send me any pictures”
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This is all tongue-in-cheek, right? I mean, I’ve honestly never had a sit that I didn’t love. Every word that I’ve written in a review is 100% honest and means what it says.
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Yes , it’s personal preference. I will always send them regardless of whether the owner is fussy about them or not. I just prefer no pressure and suitable timing, especially when you capture certain moments
Everyone has different processing speeds. For me it sometimes takes time to get my bearings and settle in to a new place (especially after saying goodbye to other pets at a recent sit, long journeys, having to get to a sit in time sometimes which can be hectic etc) with a new pet and for them to get used to you. It’s different for the owner who has most likely been settled at home and may have plenty of waiting time on their journey for example
Nothing wrong with updates, I personally need some time to readjust, maybe I’m just slow, maybe things are too busy someimtes. That’s why I prefer laid back owners that don’t pressure me into immediate or constant updates before I get the chance to happily and willingly send them myself because I want to. Everyone’s different.
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Yes because it’s nice to enjoy time with the pets in a new place and send messages at the right time not to feel pressured, maybe it feels like the owners are anxious and it rubs off a little if you are laid back
Yes there’s regular laid back updates and there’s pressurised ones…
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It doesn’t seem like you understood my answer. Best of luck
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That’s a bit harsh! When someone travels at their own expense to come look after your home and pets for free, they deserve respect and consideration as well. I would not accept a sit where the owner felt my needs were irrelevant.
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The advantage to be HO and HS as well is you understand both fears. As an owner, I NEED to get news every day, especially the first day if the sitter has not much experience.
Sending a photo takes what ? 3 seconds ??
i’m sure sitters take time to look at their mails, to open FB before “being settled”. So calming down HO anxiety is important
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Very clever, Bruce! As you said, it’s half in jest, half in truth.
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I may be tough but I appreciate pictures everyday…
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