Yes. I’m aware.
I provided the context for when I feel it would make sense by providing our anecdotal example, along with how we typically frame it.
Personally, if an HO told me to come early and the only reason was to “get to know me better” I’d feel the same way the OP does, which is hesitant.
And if you read the last sentence of my post….”if it’s not a yes, it’s a no” imo.
@Michellehousesitting, we suspect that there’s two topics here - arriving early for sit; personal safety.
As full-time sitters, we’ve completed 60 housesits, including one in Berlin. Majority of Pet Parents - especially those traveling internationally - have requested that we arrive one day early, and some have offered opportunity (not requirement) to arrive earlier still. We discuss specifics during video call and mostly determine details before confirming sit. So concept of arriving before sit start date seems very common, at least in our experience.
Personal safety is a completely different and subjective topic. No right answer. Are there any aspects of the sit that would reasonably require sitter to arrive early (e.g. pet health issues, property complexities)?. Seems that Pet Parent ‘asked me to come earlier’ so it is optional rather than required. If you’re uncomfortable then discuss with Pet Parent - if they’re reasonable then they may simply withdraw related expectation. Or depending on their departure time, perhaps you could meet them a few hours prior to their departure (not overnight). Or, if cost ok, you could stay locally for first night?
Open, direct communication seems great path forwards.
Since this request has made you feel a ‘bit worried’, why continue with the application? No need to do that to yourself! Listen to your inner voice and move on; find a sit you feel happy and confident about. Own your own feelings and recognise what works for you (and what doesn’t), that’s just part of the journey.
As a homeowner and kitty owner I disagree. Our house isn’t complicated but we still need around 2 hours for a handover. So it completely depends on the time we’re leaving the house if this can happen on the same day or the day before. I certainly don’t just hand over keys or leave them somewhere for the sitter(s) to let themselves in, even though there is a thorough welcome guide. Some people do this, I don’t. It’s unlikely that I decide I don’t want them in my house, because of the video chat, but it’s still a possibility. I would solve the problem somehow, but haven’t thought about it further.
The difference, however, is that I don’t have a guest room and the sitter(s) need to be accommodated in a hotel close by anyway. But this wasn’t what I was referring to.
If I were a female sitter and a single male asked me to stay in the house before he leaves, I would simply tell him my concerns. I can imagine most males, who don’t have anything weird on their mind, don’t even think about the reluctance a female might feel. I would suggest doing this during a video call to see his reaction. If this feels too complicated, don’t do it.
Not with cats either.