Can definitely see the benefit of a handover like this @Jamie-and-Brady as we’re also looking to do longer term sits wherever possible.
We’ve already noticed when we’ve gone to meet a HO prior to a sit that it’s a bit of an information overload and by the time the sit date’s arrive we’ve often forgotten little bits of information.
Certainly something to consider going forward and like you say, the sit has to fit with everyone and each one will be different.
A question for you; you mentioned wanting to meet the sitter the day before to see if they fit with your critters but what happens if you don’t get a good vibe? I’m assuming you’ve already done a video chat and other communication so you have a good connection but if the pets don’t seem happy what do you do so late in the day?
I personally don’t like it, as like others who’ve answered, I’m shy and introverted - which is probably why I do the housesitting - feels like travel without actually having to meet people unless I feel brave!! hehe
I would prefer at least an hour or two handoff, time to get to know the HO, the pets, and the routine. If that entails an overnight, then so be it. I agree it can be awkward but it has the advantage of getting to know the HO a bit, and more important from their point of view, getting to know you a little. If I were leaving my home and animals in someone else’s care, I’d definitely want some face to face.
And, as others have pointed out, if they’re leaving early, it’s an easier hand-off for them. I’d still call myself an introvert, but pushing my boundaries has made me a lot more comfortable in new situations.
Hi Nomads,
Staying overnight in the home the night before the sit begins isn’t my favorite thing to do but it’s often the most practical. I’m doing it tomorrow! It is nice to get to know the pets and the people. It’s a time for bonding. I’ve done blind handoffs and that’s a little strange too. I usually sit far from home so if I’m not spending the night at the HO’s home I’m paying for a hotel room. I’m also afraid I’ll insult my host by refusing their hospitality. In other words, I suck it up. It’s only a few hours and I’m sleeping for most of it. It has to be odd for HOs too.
Everyone has to do what they’re comfortable with of course but I actually spent 2 nights at a sit with some lovely people and they drove me around even taking me wine tasting. I was supposed to return there for a sit again with the invitation to spend a few days with them but then covid hit.
I have also had sitters arrive a day early to look after my animals.
In fact that just unexpectedly happened a few weeks ago. Someone was coming who would sat for me previously, so we didn’t need to overlap. However, the airline changed my flights to the next day and it was too late to get hold of her and tell her she could have arrived the next day! So I tried to stay out of her way as she was meeting to work on her computer and took her out for dinner that night. Then, because my flight wasn’t coming in until really late, she stayed and left early the next morning.
Obviously I have that spare room where I could go for the night, if I wanted the people to have my larger bedroom, or the sitter is staying in the spare room anyway, plus i have 2 bathrooms.
If you think you may be comfortable trying it, just clearly find out the situation for where you would be staying and the expectations of how much interactions you are expected to have that are over and above meeting the pets and finding out about the place.
We are sitters and HO both. We were apprehensive at our 1st sit when they asked if we could spend the night and get a feel for the pets and the house. We said sure, and off we went. We had THE best time. Regardless of our backgrounds, I think we can all find a common ground and interesting things to talk about. After that 1st time, we now look forward to being invited a day early.
As a HO, we won’t turn our house and animals over to anyone we haven’t spent a few hours with. I believe every house has oddities of some sort and I enjoy doing a tour of our place, introducing our cat to them and walking thru my routine with my flock of chickens. For us, it’s much easier to do hands on than written instructions, even though we certainly have those. Maybe because we were not raised in a computer/Zoom/Facetime generation it’s awkward for us to facetime. If it’s requested, we do it but neither of us like it. We are more comfortable ringing your doorbell and saying hi. 
I was so anxious Our first time having a sitter that I invited our sitter to come not the previous evening, but a couple nights before! She graciously accepted our request and we left feeling confident and calm. When we got home, we discovered she had a couple of days before her next sit and invited her to stay. Not only did she do a fabulous job caring for our dog and home, We ended up making a new friend in the process.
As a new THS HO, it has been something we’ve added to our sit as it gives more time for our animals to interact with the sitters and for them to watch/take part in the feed routines etc. We do have a separate building/granny flat with a bedroom and ensuite which is always offered incase the sitters prefer to stay the night there instead. We also invite sitters to join us for a meal but again they can choose to dine elsewhere. Up to now, only 1 sitter chose to use the separate bedroom and dine out, the others have slept in the house with us and joined us for the evening meal. We think it is a great opportunity for our dogs to get accustomed to the sitters, to get to know each other better and for any questions before we leave.
@rosawoodsii all the sits we’ve done so far we’ve been able to meet with the HO prior to the sit dates, as we we’re already in the area on other sits, and have spent several hours generally chatting and getting a run through of the house and pet routines. Totally understand the importance of this but also know that it’s not always going to be possible for us to do if we’re doing a sit further afield from a current location.
As HO’s we always want the sitters to arrive the day before we leave.
We have read each others profile, chatted and had a video call, so at the point of accepting a sit we are all confident. However our 2 dogs have not been involved in this, one loves everybody the other is much more reserved, he will come round but can take time.
With a handover he gets to see we are all ok, and can relax more easily.
I am quite reserved and rarely socialise but see the necessity of this for the dogs sake. We have met great friends this way and I have always enjoyed the evening we spend together.
We are all different as are our pets and think we all do what is best for our situation.
I’ve only had 1 sit that required this and everything was fine since the owners were busy the night before leaving, had their own dinner out, and left early the next day. I find it much easier to stay the night before than to stay the night they return. The day/night they return is when I want to be getting out and they are busy with all the packing and getting things back in order.
In complete agreement. It’s about Happy Homeowner, Happy Pet, Happy Sitter.
We are delighted to arrive day before, meet homeowner, pets and learn about the in’s and outs of the pet and house.
No I would not want to do that!
I feel the original question has now been answered in full.
We as sitters and homeowners should all communicate clearly as to whether a stay the evening before a sit commences is practical and expected.
This should be discussed pre confirmation and only when everyone is comfortable with the situation should the sit be confirmed by both parties.
Only apply for and accept sits you are comfortable with.
Thanks for summarizing to a conclusion @Twitcher … on that note we will close this topic,
The topic will remain in place as a reference guide should any members wish to consult the helpful content and member feedback. Thank you all for your contributions.
4 posts were merged into an existing topic: Do you host sitters who are coming from a distance?