@anon55123711, we hear you. We’ve been fortunate to complete quite a few housesits within the Schengen zone. But it requires a very different mindset (at least to UK, Canada, US). Schengen zone housesits tend to be listed relatively last minute. Multi-sit adventures in the Schengen zone can involve significant cost, time and effort to travel between housesits and to bridge any gaps in dates.
TImeline - we block off months in which we’d like to spend housesitting in Schengen zone. But then wait until two months or less prior to blocked range to explore listings - as Schengen listings are rarely more than two months from start date.
Application timezone - we see more Schengen listings when we are located in near-Schengen time zones. Applying for Schengen housesits when based in North America, for example, is difficult. Note your UK location so less of an issue.
Application comfort - In applications, we use language to confirm that we have already booked flights from international locations to say UK … so applying for Schengen zone sit is reasonable. We also briefly check travel logistics (e.g. flight availability/cost) - again, gives comfort.
Criteria loosening - out of sheer pragmatism, we apply looser requirements/preferences to housesits in Schengen zone.
Perseverance - in a context of high excess demand, we persevere. As we have gained experience, reviews and Schengen experience then success rate is respectable but we don’t take declines personally - just keep looking.
In case curious, a recent thread identified Pet Parents in Schengen zone as key area of encouragement for THS marketing efforts …