Yup, when I overlap with hosts before and after their trip, I tell them that there’s no need to entertain me — if they have stuff to do, pretend I’m not there and I’ll be fine.
I also make myself scarce, unless they invite me to chat or take tea or go on walks with the dogs or such, which they’ve done so far before their trips.
We have left pets alone on leaving, on HO instructions but really don’t like doing it at all.
Much happier handing over properly and spending time chatting before leaving.
I will insist on going with the owners on one of the dogs’ regular walks as long as there’s enough time, if not ensure that they show me on a map or on a quick drive round
Yes, I find that very helpful on sits where it’s not a cookie cutter development or such. Like on all three of my U.K. dog sits, my hosts took me on walks in their village or city (not in London with a cat).
One of them had even thoughtfully marked out a variety of walks in a map book for sitters. That’s actually a sit I’m going to repeat — even though I’m not usually keen on repeats — because the sit included thoughtful hosts, a sweet dog and many lovely walks.
And on a sit in Glasgow, that host drove me around the neighborhood to get groceries and point out good shops and restaurants. She also walked me down embankments and such, to point me toward river paths and show me that my sit dog knew how to hop up onto rises on command, to avoid cyclists and runners during busy hours.
Hosts like those are terrific partners for sits, which benefits everyone, including the pets.
Done both - be there when the hosts return or be gone. In fact, when allowed use of the HO’s car have left it at the airport with the location clearly sent to the HO’s by text message and then flown off. Also once actually picked the HO up at the airport.
I normally sits cats. I nearly always leave before the owner returns. Very seldom that I’m still there when the owner comes home. I feel many HOs prefer returning to an empty house rather than having to entertain a sitter (might be different with dogs of course)
Easy with cats but can be different with dogs. As we’ve said, lots of scenarios and needs
I always prefer to be there when the HOs get back - and they might always be delayed, so there could be an issue. But I like to have an escape plan, so I can get out very soon after they get back, after a brief handover.
Yes - should definitely be discussed in advance. I like the sitter to stay at least until my plane lands or I’m within an hour or so from home if I’m driving. I’m always happy if they stay until I get home for lots of reasons - including that I often bring a small gift for them. I think it’s nice to hear how things went and just have that personal handoff, but I understand if they want to be on their way. I do appreciate thmem staying until they know I’m close-ish to home.
We never leave the home until the home owners are physically back in their home, in case of any emergency on their end… be it traffic, weather, or an accident. We make that clear from the start that we wont leave their pets until then. Often they’ve invited us to stay if it suits our schedule and, if we feel comfortable doing that, we do!