The questions that you expect are things I cover in a comprehensive manual that I email to confirmed sitters. So it’s all at their fingertips, but they are welcome to message or call me at any time during their sit, to ensure everything goes smoothly for my dog.
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I prefer video calls as like @temba we are in opposite time zones in Australia making phone calls expensive. You can tell a lot by seeing a person & their body language that you can’t pick up via phone or writing. I spent many years at work on video conferences as one of my main communication channels so know the communication principles so everyone isn’t talking at once & over each other. This is a bit of a knack as there is usually a slight delay when speaking much like international phone calls. I’m very used to taking notes during a conversation but if you aren’t it’s always a good idea to tell the other person that you are taking notes so you don’t forget any of their important info or mix them up with other sits you are doing. People appreciate you treating them like they are your most important client. Also, just write dot point notes, not full sentences, then fill out your notes in more detail after the conversation finishes. Yes, it is like a job interview, and rightfully so., and should be approached that way. A sitter wants the sit “job” and the HO wants the best candidate so it’s important all parties make their best presentation. The first 30 seconds of any new face to face meeting is the most important when first impressions really do count so have an engaging opening statement! Relax & be yourself & if you forget something send that information / ask that other question in your follow up “thank you, it was nice to meet you” message straight after the call.
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I expect it’s easy when you have spent many years working with video calls but I don’t have any experience with them & I just can’t relax with two people firing questions at me. It may be age related I’m in my early 60’s I also suffer with Meniers & video calls & the stress causes a flare up.
I’ve had many successful petsit’s without video calling but unfortunately since covid it seems video calling has become very popular.
Thank you for your input & suggestions.
Maybe it’s time to hang up my petsitting hat 
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Hi @Crazydoglady I feel where you are coming from as this could be very intimidating. Not everyone requests a video call, most are happy with email and good old fashioned phone call. You can very easily decline a video conference by simply stating that they make you anxious.
Rarely have I had two people on the video call and if there are, usually only one is speaking.
There are still many people (and dogs) who would very happily welcome you.
Don’t give up something you obviously enjoy.
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Pets of the world need you!
I think it’s true that those of us that video-call for work are more familiar and more comfortable, especially since Covid. (We’ve had to be, whether we like it not! Even amongst my colleagues, not everyone has adapted at the same speed.)
My profoundly deaf mother actually likes video-calls because she can see faces and although not a lip-reader as such, she can follow conversations better. (She has hearing aids which of course are enormously helpful but they take in all noise, not just the bits you actually want to hear.)
If you are doing a video call, please let the other people know your needs. Eg, could it just be one person, please make sure to take turns to talk/dont talk over one another, can they send you a rough indication of the questions they’d like to ask. Im sure most people can accommodate that (and if not, are they the kind of people you want to sit for…?). As a home-owner, I want to be able to show you my house and pets, just as much as to see you, because I want to be sure you’re comfortable with all the arrangements.
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Thank you for understanding Amparo
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Please don’t be disheartened, everyone has different strengths. I’m sure you have lots of love and care to give to pets so it would be shame if you didn’t continue as a sitter.
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I agree with @Crookie , and I’ll add that there are many successful and caring sitters here who would love to see their early 60s again. 
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Video or voice - makes no difference to me. And I’ve done some sits without any calls, just email.
When there is a video call, it is nice to be introduced to the pets I’m sitting with, although I know it is just me seeing them - I’m sure they don’t pay any attention to me.
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Good advice
Thank you
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If I was evil, I’d counter that with “why do you prefer to invite strangers into your home instead of kenneling your pets at a veterinarian’s office” 
I’m also mystified by the personal questions that I’ve gotten, that have nothing to do with the care of the home/pets, and are outside of what I’d ask if the shoe was on the other foot, if you know what I mean.
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Great tips @BunnyCat
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I am a new HO and wondering how does everyone video chat. Does this app have a way or do we provide an email or phone to do so ?
Hi @Sophisticated2c - Welcome to trusted house sitters. You will find that most people use WhatsApp or Zoom to do their video chats
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I rarely have a videochat with a HO, but when I do I use WhatsApp. I also use WhatsApp to send pictures to the HO of where I walk with their dog(s) whilst they are away
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I’ve used FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp video. You can also use iMessage to video - so many ways! I do recommend a video chat if you can’t get to meet the owners in person beforehand as you can be shown around the home and see the pets…much better than a telephone call.
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Thank you I like Whatsapp. I appreciate your reply.
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Video calls allow us to show our own pets, I call them and they jump on my knees, like that the owner sees it’s true we are animal lovers (photos shown on our profile are owners’ pets with us)
i show also our garden and pool to “proove” we can be in charge, we know how to take care.
Owners may see also how tidy (or not ?) we are, when i move to the garden with my computer /camera (i prefer to check before the interview my study is not too messy !!)
Obviously many owners prefer a video than an audio, i let the choice to the owner when i apply for a sit, I’m always the one who suggest an interview, i give my telephone number immediately, my full name, I behave differently when i look for a sitter : an audio is enough. The use of words is important, the interaction too, hesitations and silence as well.
Personally, I am much more comfortable accepting a sit after a video call! I think it’s odd for people to invite us into their home to care for it and their pets without a face to face chat! And vise versa!
I have had 2 sits automatically choose us without even a conversation - this makes me very uncomfortable and we declined.
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Everyone is different in how they go about arranging sitters and deciding who to choose. I have met people prior to a sit, stayed overnight before the sit starts on 3 occasions but on another (where I’ve completed a number of sits now) I’ve never even actually spoken to them, just messaging. In fact one international sit was only through THS messaging! If you want to have a video call do just ask and most sitters would be more than happy. You must be comfortable with who you choose and if a video call helps that then that’s the way to go. 
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