Too painful to get into the politics or wisdom of the current self-inflicted chaos here in the US. However, as a Host, I wonder about the effect on Sitter’s choices. Any suggestions or reassurances I can provide to folks looking at my listing? Thanks (and sorry), Gary
5 Likes
Hi @Wilde 
I just wanted to pop on as we’re managing posts about the US quite closely at the moment, just to keep things within our Community Guidelines.
Your question about how to provide reassurances to sitters looking at your listing is really thoughtful, so I’m going to go ahead and leave it open for discussion, but I wanted to share a reminder for anyone who wants to join the discussion, from a previous post.
Our Community Guidelines state:
“Please refrain from negative comments about age, race, religion, culture, or personal identity. We’re not big fans of discussing religion and politics, as they can sometimes lead to disharmony. The Forum team may close topics or remove posts that stir up unnecessary tension.”
If we can keep the discussion respectful, and more focused on people’s experiences and concerns, rather than specific political affiliations etc then we can hopefully let this conversation have some space here, as I recognise that there are issues that impact members.
Anything more specific, e.g., political affiliation, might be better discussed via DM.
Thanks for your understanding.
4 Likes
@Wilde, curious question. We can’t think of any relevant “suggestions or reassurances” that a Pet Parent could provide to prospective international applicants. For context, we have completed 40+ housesits in many countries, including US.
In case useful, related comments have been consolidated on another thread- Challenges with Border Guards - RE the Laws - #717 by Maggie8K
4 Likes
I’m sure there are many US sitters who enjoy sitting in other states within your country so don’t just think about the likelihood of attracting international sitters @Wilde at this present time.
8 Likes
Hi @Wilde
I think it’s great that as a HO you want to do your best to help international sitters but ultimately the right to enter any country (not just the US) is down to the border agents.
5 Likes
I think there are enough sitters, like me, that need to be in a certain area at a certain time, that you will get applications. I go back and forth across the US/Canada border every few days. Sometimes the line going back to Canada is not attractive. And I can usually time it well. Unfortunately, next Wed will not be a good time. But I need to get across at that time. So maybe you will get sitters like me that have medical and dental appointments on both sides…
3 Likes
I don’t believe that an individual can make any reassurances. As for suggestions, I second what @Seniorsitter says.
At this point in time I would be expecting more applications from sitters who live in the US rather than from international ones.
5 Likes
You might want to signal in your listing that you’re open to coordinating with international sitters on border crossing details.
Then during video chats, discuss how to sync up info that friends would know. In rare cases, border agents might ask where your sitters will be staying, what they’ll be doing on their trip and such (if visitors say they’re sightseeing, they should be prepared to share some specifics about what sights), might ask how they met you and what you do for a living. And even more unusually, they might call you to check for corroboration.
Also, you might want to remind sitters to not volunteer info they’ve not been asked by border agents. And to avoid carrying those THS letters about sitting not being work, in THS’s opinion. Those letters are potentially incriminating for sitters, because they specify what sitters will be doing, which is not allowed in the U.S., because even volunteer work or bartering for goods or services in kind isn’t allowed for typical visitors.
During such discussion, if your sitter applicants seem nervous or anxious, that might signal that they’re too risky to choose. That’s because some of us are seasoned travelers who’d comfortably answer border agents without unnecessarily sharing info. By contrast, some people would find such border crossings too much to handle and land themselves in trouble.
Also, for your consideration: Usually, older travelers are less likely to get scrutiny (or be more likely to get greater benefit of doubt) when they say they’re traveling for extended periods. That’s because younger travelers who aren’t working for extended time will tend to have a harder time being believed — border agents will wonder how they’re supporting themselves while traveling. Meanwhile, older travelers can be more believable about having resources such as pensions, savings, etc. Note: In rare cases, travelers might be asked to show proof of funds for traveling, like affording hotels or such. Border agents might ask to see their cash and/or their bank balances on an app.
Note: Various countries’ border agents can ask the same sorts of info. But the U.S. is doing heightened enforcement in some cases, which have been reported in the news. What I described above can generally be useful for international sitters anyway. Like as Brexit was unfolding in the U.K., they rejected a significantly greater number of visitors at borders, also because of heightened scrutiny by border agents.
Personally, when I’ve sat abroad, I’ve also made sure to erase sitting details from my phone and leave such stored in the cloud. That way, in various countries where they might search electronics in rare cases, sitters can cover themselves. Like the U.S., Canada and the U.K. are among countries where border agents check electronics in rare cases, if they suspect a traveler of doing things that cross lines.
Personally, if asked, I would tell border agents that I met my hosts on an online group.
8 Likes
It is useful to note that this thread is about TARIFFS, not about border crossings. Tariffs will affect the costs of travel and food (but not the process or legality of border crossing, unless you’re one of the few that travels with goods subject to tariffs)
One way to make a listing more appealing to anyone, regardless of nationality, would be to emphasize low-cost and convenient ways to get around locally, such as public transportation and bikes, or a vehicle you’re willing to share that gets excellent gas mileage or an electric one they can charge at your home at your expense. Ride sharing is going to get far more expensive once tariffs hit so that will be a pricier avenue for sitters. Another plus would be to highlight low-cost food options, such as an inexpensive diner nearby or the ability to use your oils and spices. I do not use oils and spices at a sit unless specifically invited, and it gets EXPENSIVE to restock them on arrival. I have a kit I carry with me domestically but in most cases you cannot transport spices internationally or you at least have to declare them.
Though this is outside the scope of this thread, it is illegal to assist someone to cross the border illegally. Coaching a sitter on how to mislead border guards is unwise and may land both of you in serious trouble.
3 Likes
One concern might be that hosts cancel their trip. I tend to book fairly far out and as things change, prices rise, and many people are losing their jobs, trips may need to be cancelled for financial reasons.
6 Likes
Most of us who’ve done international sits have assessed risks and decide for ourselves, of course. I and various folks on this thread mentioned border crossing, because sitters have to deal with that if they’re coming from abroad. That’s before you get to spend anything in the U.S.
As for helping visitors to defray costs, it might be worth considering that if sitters are on tight budgets, it’s riskier to accept them from abroad, because border agents can ask them to show proof that they can afford the travel to begin with.
As for coaching, many of us have done so on threads and will continue to. For a host in particular to be prosecuted for such, someone would have to report you and show evidence. To report you, a sitter would have to incriminate themselves at the same time — they intend(ed) to come to the U.S. despite knowing that sitting isn’t allowed unless they already have the right to work in the U.S.
If I were a sitter thinking about coming from abroad, I’d doubt any incentive to self-incriminate and potentially get myself flagged for travel, and that would be a problem for the individual beyond sitting trips.
3 Likes
Excellent reply
3 Likes
Even sitting in your own country may be difficult, I had a sit booked during the school holidays where an owner worked for a charity where all the foreign aid has been cut so he has lost his job and of course they have had to cancel. It doesn’t make any difference to me but it would if you had ticket booked to come from another country. I think there will be a lot more of this to come. Travel to the USA now comes with warnings from several countries governments. So local sits may be the best bet.
4 Likes
@Wilde Thank you for your thoughtful post. I realize any useful feedback will help you as well as potential sitters, but it still shows you are a caring host.
Sadly, as a Canadian (and 10+ years as a TrustedHousesitters sitter) I choose to not do any US sits for the next four years. However, I’m also hesitant to do transatlantic sits, given more uncertainties with air travel, coupled with the increased costs. Add to that the rapid growth of TrustedHousesitters that has at times created less respect for commitment (both owners & sitters) when sits are booked. The comment from @Chrissy is yet another reason that highlights the worldwide uncertainty today.
If I were a host I think I would tend to book those who are within a reasonable driving distance from me. I do realize that doesn’t give any guarantees. My focus now, as a sitter, is to enjoy my own country more. I can still discover new areas, enjoy pets, and better keep costs under control.
12 Likes
@Wilde You sound like a caring host and its nice you want to reassure your sitters.
I heartily agree with both posts from @Maggie8K - if you choose to open your listing to overseas sitters you need to vet them very carefully, following Maggies advice.
To be absolutely honest, in your shoes, I would prioritise US citzens/residents and only consider international sitters who are already in the country. In the current climate it is risky crossing the US borders.
My husband and I are very experienced sitters and confident, bold, world travellers. We have often taken a lot of risks, over the years, when travelling (e.g during Covid times) but, right now, as Europeans, we are not willing to take risks with the US border control. They can be brutal and intimidating at the best of times but especially now, so we have no intention of housesitting in the US for the forseeable future. I know there are many others who feel the same. Its just not worth the stress, the risk of deportation or, even worse, incarceration.
11 Likes
It occurs to me we might be missing the forest for the trees. Tariffs will raise prices around the world. Everyone will be looking to save money wherever they can while still having enjoyable trips. What better time to promote the benefits of TrustedHousesitters?
Some of my best sits came from pet parents who found me online and invited me to apply to a sit within driving distance of my home town (and where I am legally authorized to work). These were sits I was not looking for and would not have applied for had I not been invited. As an example, when a pet parent reached out and said, “Hey, I see you are located in Main Town, and we are in Mountain Town three hours away. We have great waterfalls and restaurants and hiking trails - would you want to stay here for a week and snuggle Fluffy while we go on a cruise?” I said YES. Homeowners already know that sitters have been background checked etc, so there’s very little risk in reaching out to a local-ish sitter to ask. I know traditionally sitters have applied, and perhaps Gary is not getting as many applications as in the past. What a perfect time to reach out to those not-too-far-away. So many people can work remotely now that even those that don’t have the vacation time might welcome a change of scenery.
Just searching a few mid-sized towns in my region, I found hundreds - literally hundreds of potential sitters. Surely it is possible to find an ample supply of legal sitters, and lure them with the promise of a pleasant location and snuggly pet? This whole tariff thing can work to everyone’s advantage if the focus is on the benefits to both homeowners and sitters when the love of pets is shared.
7 Likes
Thank you all (and especially @Maggie8K) for the thoughtful comments and insightful suggestions. It’s turbulent times here and who knows what June will be like. As several folks pointed out, a US-based sitter would probably be best. However, I’ll post the listing and see what transpires. Cheers.
7 Likes
You might want to share your listing once it’s done, so you can get some feedback from experienced sitters in the forum. Hosts who do often get suggestions that lead to an uptick in applicants.
You also can always invite sitters, whether from near or far. But most sitters don’t end up accepting invitations, simply because so many elements have to line up when it comes to making a match. Couldn’t hurt to invite folks, but that depends on how much effort you can put in. The odds aren’t strong. The vast majority of sits are filled by applicants, especially because many sitters want to travel, not stay local.
My experience is, I have rejected all but one of the unsolicited invites I’ve received over two years+. The only one I accepted was across the country from me, on a coast. I accepted that one because I had just joined THS and hadn’t booked up yet and, randomly, the sit location was in the same city where my new employer was located — I was telecommuting full time and figured it wouldn’t hurt to spend more face time at headquarters. Happy happenstance.
4 Likes
I have pet sat/travelled extensively in US and Canada over the years and loved every minute. Being retired and having a good income tarrifs would not bother me as the cost of living in every country goes up (and down) naturally. I liking it to breathing. We are of an age and look, yes Border Guards can be discriminatory by looks alone, that we have never been troubled crossing international borders. Our rules when visiting any foreign country is never discuss religion, politics, health care or finance. It leads us to have a far more happy visit.
I have a visit to Canada and Washington State/Alaska in June which was planned well over a year ago. Yes, at last we are cruising the Alaskan Inner Passage! Waited for years to do this. We know it will cost more ashore but thankfully all our excursions were booked and paid for six months ago and the cost of the actual cruise has not changed for early bookers. Would I have booked it now for next year? Probably not. Not because of the tariffs but for personal reasons. However, I will definitely visit again in the future. The US and Canada are both beautiful diverse countries that have something for everyone. We spent two years travelling there and only saw a fraction so we will return in the future no matter how much everything costs.
5 Likes
Hi @Wilde
If you’d like to get any advice or tips about your listing from our members, as mentioned by @Maggie8K, then you can add your listing to your profile. This allows members to view and critique your listing.
If you have any trouble with the instructions, let me know as I can add it for you if needed 
Jenny
2 Likes