A sitter can “get in trouble”—meaning they could be banned from the platform—if they abandon pets. If you gave the host sufficient notice so they could make alternative arrangements before you left, it’s important to keep date-stamped screenshots of messages showing that you did not abandon the pets.
Both sitters and hosts agree, in the terms we all sign, not to cancel sits unless there are exceptional circumstances.
In this case, it appears you tried to cancel the sit on three occasions for three different reasons
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Schengen visa dates not being planned properly – This would not usually be considered an exceptional circumstance. Sitters are responsible for ensuring they have the correct visa or permissions in place.
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Not having sufficient funds for the flight.
This would not usually be considered an exceptional circumstance. Sitters are responsible for ensuring their travel costs and should calculate this before confirming a sit . -
The dog barking at night. It’s unclear whether you tried any of the suggestions offered in this thread https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/this-dog-is-barking-so-much-at-night to resolve the issue before giving the hosts an ultimatum that you would return home.
If there is more to the story about why you wanted to cancel, you will have the opportunity to explain your side. However, you will need to provide evidence—such as screenshots of messages with the host—to support what you say.
It would also have been best to inform THS immediately about the issues so they were aware of the situation. There is an Urgent Support 24/7 Phone Line that you could have called.
Overall, this sit seems to have been a very poor match and a difficult experience for both parties.
If a member dispute is raised against you, you will have the chance to present any evidence in your defence, such as screenshots of the messages you exchanged with the hosts. The hosts will also be able to present their own evidence—for example, regarding who initiated or offered payment for the plane ticket.
Regardless of the outcome of any dispute, the one-star review and your response to it will likely have a negative impact on your chances of securing future sits.
Hosts look for reliable, resourceful sitters who have a record of showing commitment to honour their agreements and who try to problem solve before bailing .