There are speakers attached to the cameras. So, I have them so I can coach the robbers on what I want them to take. Haven’t had any luck thus far.
Well, I did just get an email from our electric utility provider. They will be doing inspections of power lines in our neighborhood using drones and helicopters (we back up to open space with hilly and steep terrain, so it’s the most practical way for them to inspect).
I forwarded onto our sitters arriving in 2 days so they don’t have a panic attack seeing low flying drones and helicopters over us 
Drones and helicopters? ICE? 
@Cat-ophile I’d love to tell the robbers to start in the basement where my husband collects “stuff"!
I know that’s why I warned them 
You were a real trooper!
. I have taken care of many threatening dogs and have been bitten a few times (not on any THS sits but as a professional pet sitter), and there’s not a lot that’s scarier than an aggressive dog. As others have pointed out, HOs are not allowed to post sits involving aggressive pets - but the key phrase is “known to be aggressive.” Unfortunately, with dogs there can always be a first time and a HO may have no idea their dog will be so threatening to a stranger. Honestly, I think it would not only be doing other sitters a favor to note in the review that the dog was threatening, but it would be a favor to the dog itself if it turns out having a stranger staying with them puts them on edge. The HO may have to ask neighbors, family members or friends to stay with the dog - or have someone come over a few times a day to let them out and feed/walk them.
To add a personal pov - its not always just indoor cameras. I sat a feral cat and 13 chickens a few months ago and there was an outdoor camera viewing the yard and chicken coop. I got a call/text message at 715 am on my first morning after the HO left asking if I’d opened the coop yet (which I hadn’t but was getting dressed to go out and open it). There were other challenges as well - the chickens were allowed to free range on unfenced land that was surrounded by woods. And at least 1 of the hens went walkabout into the woods each day - at sunset I’d count 10 or 12 in the coop and a few more finally deciding to come in as it was getting dark. I did include this information in my review!
I expect you were reviewed accordingly. How dare you get up this late! Thankfully they were supervising your movements.
Yes yes I prefer real life conversations on a Zoom but I think having a form for myself to remember what to say or what to ask would be very helpful. Kind of like a script to refer to. However I guess I could also add something to my profile introduction or my experience mentioning that I always appreciate upfront, clear, and honest communication especially when it comes to hidden cameras. I would prefer not to be viewed just in case I’m running around in my underwear and bra!!
Wow that’s interesting, thank you for sharing this I have one sit planned where a woman has a few chickens so hopefully I won’t get any phone calls to remind me that seems a little bit pushy. I realize accommodations are free but so is the service we are providing and if we’re not exactly on time there should be a grace period.
Yes, that’s a good idea. Much better to keep it to yourself than to send it for the HO to fill in.
I just renewed my combined membership after a few years of being a sitter only. I was happy to see all of my old listing information still on the platform so that I only had to update it, not start from scratch. However, no where did I see a pop up warning me that indoor cameras are not allowed and outdoor cameras should be disclosed. I don’t have cameras, but this seems important enough. Hosts should see this reminder often.