I have an application to sit that’s unread after 14 days and the listing is still live. I understood that there was an automated mechanism recently introduced that would nudge/remind HOs that they have unread applications, did I get this wrong? Are there are any obligations on HOs to read/reply? How can I report this to THS? They are very coy about revealing email addresses and the bot has no intelligence whatsoever, artificial or otherwise. I refuse to anthropomorphise a piece of code by giving it a name.
2 Likes
I’m wondering if this is the same one I applied for 12 days ago, still unread but ‘reviewing’ for several days now! Due to start 5th January for about a week, a cat sit but conflicting information about whether it is 1 or 2 cats. I asked for clarification on that point. There is also mention of a lodger living upstairs and I asked for clarification as to whether they had a separate entrance (obviously might be away during the sit) because otherwise it contravenes THS policy (& I would report it).
1 Like
I have applied for a September sit next year. No response and no indication it’s been even read. Perhaps it’s like fishing; Home Owners don’t look at the line, imagining they have fish longing to be caught so badly they will stay and wait 6months or more. Well I have other fish to fry. BYE.
6 Likes
Some HO never read them, just confirm someone else. You will get an automated decline if that happens.
2 Likes
I’m only hanging on out of curiosity. I live in the same small town as the sit, I don’t need a sit for those dates but it would have been a handy way to increase my experience with cats (most of mine has been dogs). I also have a very strong suspicion that the lodger does not have a separate entrance (small house, one picture of lounge shows stairs) so, unless the lodger was away, I definitely wouldn’t be accepting the sit and definitely would be reporting to THS.
2 Likes
But what if it doesn’t happen i.e. my application remains unread and the listing never changes status to reviewing?
1 Like
No, it’s another listing.
2 Likes
I’ve had an email from THS to say that they do send a reminder, but no details of when. I’ve asked if these ‘ghost’ listings are suspended and are hidden until the host responds in some way to THS. There may be legitimate reasons, or the member may be unaware of what is expected.
I’m not going to withdraw my application, I want to see how this plays out and what THS does.
2 Likes
Same here .. no flights booked. Will be flexible till I know for sure. Odd way to treat people seems a red flag? Entitled? Not really bothered? Not very considerate for sure!
2 Likes
Something must happen when the date of the sit comes round.
2 Likes
I’m not waiting that long lol! I prefer suspense in the films I watch and the books I read.
If people can’t get organized for me that’s a BIG red flag. Show some consideration!
1 Like
I got a sit from a first ti e HO where she didn’t fix the status of “reviewing “ for months… I think she was just confused. She was nervous I’d pull out and didn’t want to decline anyone till the very last minute! Weird but she just did t know. We had a great sit ( sh’ll come over and visit e in Maui, cool!) but the “ reviewing “ message was up for months!
1 Like
It’s a suggestion, but not a requirement. There is no rule to reinforce so THS won’t do anything (do they even enforce rules?). HO may be busy with the holidays or they could be confused or just thoughtless. This is just a matching site so if you don’t like the HO’s communication style at this point it’s likely not a good match. Why hang on if it’s already off to a bad start?
1 Like
I have taken 2 sits after a very long wait to hear anything from them. I regret both of them. My recommendation. is to pass on
2 Likes
@TheEnglishFlaneur, we’ve faced this previously.
We are not aware of any obligations by THS on HOs to read, reply or action applications in a timely manner.
Suggest either withdraw application or assume non-urgent situation. If spectacular listing, or it patient, then suggest explore other listings concurrently. If everyday listing then withdraw application, forget it and move forwards. Forget the bot. Nothing to report to THS. Housesitters are unable to directly initiate contact with HOs.
It has been our guess that some HOs may post listings opportunistically - perhaps they seek to assess the number, nature of housesitter applicants? perhaps they seek to consider housesit availability before progressing their own travel plans? perhaps they’re just really busy people? perhaps they have excess privilege and assume that the world revolves around them?? perhaps an external event - e.g. family illness, vacation - has distracted them. who knows. regardless, tough to see extended delay in a positive light.
3 Likes
Here’s what someone from THS customer services told me in an email.
“Pet parents are encouraged and supported to read and respond to all messages from their fellow members but, sadly, this doesn’t always happen. Our Code of Conduct is clear when it comes to communication especially when they have received applications.”
I have asked THS previously why there isn’t a piece of code that flags unread applications and pings the pet owner with a reminder. This would be relatively simple and cheap to implement as well as being a welcome improvement.
The members with the listing that I have applied for aren’t new to THS, they know how it works. It’s a sit in another country that would be perfect in terms of timing, the location is great, so is the home and the pet(s) looks wonderful. Previous sitters have left excellent 5 star reviews.
My greatest disappointment is with THS, they talk about supporting members and making improvements, but all too often fail to deliver.
1 Like
Maybe they’ve died?
Surely that must sometimes happen too?
I only bet on dead certs.
Time to choose someone more responsive.
I’ve had responses that are red flags in my book.
One I applied .. Home owner said she had two really close applicants and would decide at the end of the week. Thrilling! Chose the other one then came back to me and found I was busy elsewhere. “
I’ll definitely use you in the future!”
I wouldn’t be so sure!
Another “oh you look great. Can I decide after this holiday is over? “
My reply?
“Yes of course, but please understand I want something wrapped up soon so I will be applying to others in the meantime. “
Return to sender!
Some hosts never read or answer. For research purposes 
I let an application hang in there, and after 8 months (!) the sit was declined automatically as the sit dates timed out.
So don’t hold your breath. Although they have published dates, they might cancel their travel, or find another sitter elsewhere - family, friends, kennel - or a DM to a previous sitter off platform.
I don’t want to sit for people that ghost me - they don’t show consideration for me as an equal partner, and it is a communication-style that I don’t want during a sit. I need a sitpartner that answers and that contribute to a succesful sit. So I’m quite happy when I get to know this before confirming. It is a gift, really.. 
6 Likes
You believe a sit will be problematic if you don’t hear back in a timely manner based on a sample size of … two. Thst sort of interpretation is highly prone to statistical error.
Very true it’s a dodged bullet!
I just feel they don’t deserve me and quickly move on to find one that does. The longer I’m at this the earlier I detect when there isn’t the interest or commitment if it’s not team work then I’m not playing. Simple as that. My favourite hosts lay the foundations and prepare me for success. Isn’t that what we both want? Happy pets, good Home care and the wish to do the same again, coming from both sides.
5 Likes