Hi I was looking for some advice regarding someone to look after our dogs and cats as a family member has pulled out last minute.
We are getting married abroad in July and are away from the 18th July to the 1st August , how easy/difficult will it be to get someone to watch our babies for that amount of time? Just on peoples experience as we’ve never done this before and it’s quite last minute and we’re panicking.
Any help and advice hugely appreciated.
Congratulations!
You don’t mention where you are, that plays an important part in finding a sitter.
There’s still plenty of time to find someone, I wouldn’t class it as a last minute sit. But I know it’s a big deal having a stranger in your home.
I would say, give as much information in your listing as you can about what you need so there’s no time wasted. Good luck.
So many unknowns in your question it’s impossible for anyone to give a useful answer.
1) You have dogs and cats but how many? If, for example you have two miniature poodles and two indoor/outdoor cats, that is VERY different from someone who has three English Mastiffs and six indoors-only Maine Coon cats.
2) You don’t mention where in the world you need a sitter. Some places are more popular for sitters than others. If you need a sitter in London or in Montecito, California you will have more candidates interested than if your home is in a remote area where getting groceries is a 30 minute drive and internet service is spotty.
3) You don’t mention the kind of home you have: people who will do a two-week sit want to be comfortable. If you live in a studio apartment and can’t provide closet & dresser space, with three cat litter boxes sharing the only bathroom with the sitters, well, that’s very different than offering your sitters with a nice guest room with a private bathroom.
My suggestion is that you edit this post to give this group a better idea of your situation!
ASSUMING that you have a pleasant home, that you don’t have a dozen pets, that you are in a place that is fairly easy to reach and with amenities nearby, you shouldn’t have trouble getting a good sitter.
Not all sitters want long sits but many prefer them!
Good luck.
Hi thanks for the messages much appreciated and sorry I didn’t know how much info to leave on this post.
We are based in a place called Livingston in Scotland uk and we have 2 cocker spaniels and a pom and our 4 cats are all indoor cats none go out the house.
We have a 3 bedroom house so plenty of space.
@GLMMLM first of all congratulations on your wedding !
Lots of sitters like two week house sits and in the summer too it’s definitely not too long …
When you have joined THS you can create a listing where you state all the reasons that would attract a sitter to apply to come to your house sit.
Mention what the sitter could enjoy in the area … how long the dogs can be left at home alone for … lf you are near public transport or could pick the sitter up from train station…etc
Well you live in a lovely part of Scotland and you have a home with space.
Your biggest hurdle may be that caring for seven animals can be a lot of work and not everyone is able to do that.
But all you need is one applicant who wants or needs to be in that part of the world, loves animals and would like to do a two week sit!
My advice would be that you write your post so that you are very clear about the amount of time you expect the sitter will need to spend during the day walking the dogs, tending to the cats, etc. And how long you’re comfortable with them leaving the animals alone in the house when the sitter goes out.
The other thing that is very important is that you are clear about what you can offer the sitter for a comfortable environment (sleeping quarters, bathroom, kitchen, etc).
The thing to keep in mind is that this is a system where both sides need to feel they’re contributing something to the other.
Cheers!
Hello @GLMMLM! Congratulations on your wedding! 
If you’re seeking some support with your listing, this blog I inspired for THS might help!
I have helped many people with their listings and am happy to give yours a read, you just need to link your listing to your forum bio so I can see it 
Two weeks isn’t a long sit
Hello,
Congratulations.
I am new to this forum. I am looking for a travel journey during that time period. My husband and I live on the Gulf Coast of USA. It is terribly hot during that time period.
We are both retired and able to travel. I am not sure that I can do it. I need to research your area to check out travel details etc. Do you have description of home, amenities and expectations for hosts?
Last year I made it to Ireland and Scotland is on my list. I have a cat and have plenty of experience with dogs and cats. Do your pets have any special conditions or needs? Please advise if you have any questions for me.
Mimi
Once @GLMMLM creates a listing for her holiday/wedding sit dates & makes it live, you’ll then be able to apply through the THS app or website @diningwithmimi Don’t think they have all the details online just yet 
Are you asking if it’s worth the ££ to become a member? There’s no guarantee you’d get a sitter but if you do (and you make a really good listing advert and attract several applicants) it’ll be a huge relief to keep your pets at home. Make sure you follow all the HO listing advice to optimise your chances of attracting someone- it’s quite an art to it but lots of advice here from very experienced people.
Next steps
Hi Everyone, Thank you all so much for your advise its hugely appreciated. I will discuss all this with my wife to be and have a look at putting up a post and hopefully somebody would like to stay.
Our cats really just require fed in the morning and at night they keep themselves to themselves and the dogs just have a couple of walks a day and can be left a few hours at a time so hopefully shouldnt be too difficult. We are onl;y 20 minutes away from Edinburgh too so it’s a good location.
Hi Mimi,
Thanks for the message I really appreciate it. We are just looking for someone to spend some time with the dogs during the day and over night take them for a wee walk each day and feed the cats. We are 20 minutes away from edinburgh and 5 minutes away from the train station to Edinburgh there’s also a bus that goes every 25 mins from outside the house.
Hi @GLMMLM just to clarify that you have to become a THS member to create a listing on the THS website you can’t post a sit directly on this forum .
You location sounds ideal I am sure you will find a suitable sitter .
Sitters won’t apply to sit for you UNLESS you are a paid up member of THS. So as already mentioned you’ll need to pay to join THS via the website…. homeowners then add the listing link into their Forum profile here to get useful feedback.
You’re welcome. I will look at everything and see if it’s a possibility. Then I need to have a wee chat with my husband.
Thank you
Hi @diningwithmimi, are you a THS member?
Hello Temba,
I am a member and my profile is live now. Of course I am new to this platform. If you have any questions, please let me know.