On my end (as a sitter) your ad shows up fine and shows that it currently has one applicant, so it’s definitely not paused or anything!
I’m stumped on why you aren’t getting more applications though, I’d apply in a heartbeat if it lined up with my schedule!
Good luck!! 
It was not ‘necessary’ to have 50! Its not like that was my target or anything. I used that number to indicate how the old system worked for my sit. One year I got 70 in 2 days and I had to race to pause it. Because I write to everyone that certainly was a bit much.
I find the current system ‘slow and laborious’ since I have no way of knowing how many potential candidates are out there and I have to eliminate people that could be potential but since they do not meet all needs I am forced to reject them in order to allow other candidates to apply.
When I had an unlimited number of applications until I chose to pause it I knew the interest on my sit and I could quickly eliminate those that didn’t fit and end up with a nice short list.
Perhaps none of this makes sense to you Enjabee or Danandnan and that is ok.
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I pretty much rule out sitters who say or write about themselves that they would bring family, friends or children along (mostly because my home is simply too small for more than one sitter). If I am aware that they lack experience with cats or giving medication, I’d be very cautious at best.
Wow, shocking to hear of your experience with all of those failed sitting applicants.
I will say that my first and only experience with having a sitter worked out well as they were a couple but due to a family problem one of them wasn’t able to stay.
Thanks so much for opening up this discussion, I and apparently many of us really appreciate and benefit from it.
My main issue with the 5 person rule is that it limits people from one country traveling to another country. I live in CA, USA and have saved many profiles in Portugal and Spain where I’d like to go. Most of the time, the HO’s post while I’m sleeping. When I awake and get the message that the saved sit has been listed, they are already reviewing applications. There has to be a better way.
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@Max2 i think your reply to me above was actually meant for the OP so I will tag them here so they see your response! @Soni1
I think this thread shows clearly that both sitters and home owners have differing needs and the system should allow for that rather than imposing artificial limits. For those home owners who only want 5 applicants (or less) they can surely close their listing at whatever point they wish. Likewise if someone is happy to plough through 50 applications that should be up to them although I would say that as a sitter I wouldn’t bother applying for a sit that already had more than a handful of applications as I would rather focus on applying for sits I had a better chance of achieving.
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So I’ve actually written out explicitly at the top of my profile that if it’s clear in your intro message that you haven’t read our profile, you’re not going to be considered.
Additionally, due to the limit of 5 applicants under review at a time, it’s important that for the ones that aren’t a match, you eliminate promptly to open up your request to more candidates.
Someone else mentioned this already but making your listing well ahead of time is also very helpful, especially for longer sits. When possible, I also try to use a repeat sitter and if the person is somewhat local, I’ll even ask to do a short trial run so that I know we’re set for longer engagements.
Lastly, I try to be as descriptive but concise as possible in my profile about our needs and very transparent about what I’m looking for. If you know you don’t want kids or more than one person in your house on your sits, explicitly say that and whatever else in your profile. I just had a look at your listing and it does read a touch light in my opinion. I think mine is a bit overkill but I want to make sure I’ve been as transparent as possible about expectations, etc.
I hope this helps! good luck X
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Whilst technically true @pietkuip there is always the danger of a crashed browser, or maybe even an interrupted Internet connection would cancel the application. Then, add-in the amount of people who are not tech savvy enough to do this (and I realise that includes me because I wouldn’t know how to do the 2 tab/window workaround in the App) it adds up to making things more difficult when they don’t need to be.
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But @Kerri was able to make the choice for themselves, it wasn’t imposed upon them.
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Now fascinated by how fabulous your listing must be!
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When I saw the email from TH I wondered whether I had received another ‘negatively toned’ response to my comment but NO, it was you @Saltrams - a shining light of warmth which burned through your words. Thank you!!
Pre Brexit/Pandemic/TH 5 application restrictions, finding a sitter was easy. I do live in a somewhat desirable location. Sending best wishes your way. 
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I was up at 5:30am today and got a notification of an appealing sit in London (I’m in NYC). I immediately went to the listing and by the time I finished reading everything and decided to apply, it had changed to Reviewing Application status.
All I can do is hope that at least some of those 5 people rattled off a quick note just to beat the “deadline,” and the HO opens it back up. I truly don’t see the benefit to this situation for either HO or sitter. It’s a lot of wasted effort on both sides, and really prevents the HO from seeing what might be their best applicants because many among the first 5 are probably sending incomplete applications just to beat the rush.
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What you could have done is first click Apply and tick the date box. Keep that window open.
After that you have unlimited time to read, to decide and to write.
There really is no rush. You may be number 6 or 7, but the HO will get your application.
THS should say this in the box where it now says “Tell the how great a sitter you are”.
I didn’t know until after this happened that the notifications aren’t immediate, but are only sent hourly. Now I know that clicking on it immediately doesn’t mean you’re among the first to do so. So I have to keep checking and checking the listing, because NOW I know the notifications are unreliable and other people could have had a good hour to apply already.
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I feel your frustration. The new 5 response system puts people from the U.S. at a disadvantage for European sits. Hopefully TH will get enough flack for this and will come up with a new way. Even 10 responses would be better.
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Yes. Almost always, by the time I get the notification, it’s too late because they’re already reviewing. It shouldn’t be this difficult, for either the sitter or HO. I’m probably not going to renew my membership because the whole “race” aspect has become too frustrating. They should just let each HO decide how many applications are enough for their needs. You know… LIKE BEFORE. (Was there really a demand for this change?)
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@pietkuip how do you do that in the app? Do you have to open the site in the mobile browser too to read the listing. Or, is there some way of having 2 windows open at once on the app. Asking because we are on the road permanently and rarely have the laptop booted up. Any hints would be gladly accepted.
You can have only one page open on the app. You need to open on the website for a second screen. You can do that on a cell phone or tablet. That’s what I do.
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Yes. I figured the app couldn’t handle 2 windows. The whole ‘unmentionable policy’ has made applications sooooo clunky, frustrating and inconvenient.
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Hi Sonil!
Sheesh! Your listing, home and dog look lovely!
First things first - I would say keep your bar high, energetically and also for those who you even give a video call opportunity to. If you feel even the slightest EH, I’m not sure, I would PASS. Be very clear - only say YES and video calls to candidates who are a YES! in your body/system. You can feel the difference!
And I agree with what others have said - make these specifics that you mention (no kids, partners, etc) non-negotiables on your listing near the top, in a bullet list or so they stick out. Also, that you want them to be home (and awake!) most of the day, and physically able to take Chai on the 2 long-ish walks. Non-negotiable!
And don’t give video calls to anyone who doesn’t fit these, and esp. if their profile is questionable, minimal and without much details.
I would also say - I can’t see the dates - but last minute does make a difference because many of us are probably booked for the next few weeks here and there, so that is a logistical thing that is real.
But more than anything - it’s the energy you guys hold around this. You love Chai, and your home, AND you want to feel at EASE with this person in your home and with your beloved dog, so you can enjoy your travel. Anything LESS THAN this feeling of DEEP EASE in your systems is a NO. Keep that bar high, and like someone else said - the Creme of the Crop will rise.
Also, I always suggest for last minute or short notice sits - to have a back up local paid sitter option if you can, so that you aren’t left in the lurch if no one from TH is available. There are loads of solid Pet Sitting Companies who will probably hit your marks easily, simply for the fact that it’s their business to do so!
Blessings to you guys and Sweet Chai!
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