We’re about to have our first trusted house sitter come. We have a very complete Welcome Guide, but would love to know from sitters what are the “extras” that make a sit feel comfortable and the sitter feel valued. Some have suggested a welcome “basket,” restaurant gift card or bottle of wine (which we would not do by the way, because we don’t drink and prefer that sitters don’t drink in our home either. Ideas to make our sitter feel te Also, we have a sit posted for July/Aug in 2027, but the weather is not great here summer (very hot) . i have reached out to those whose profiles are particularly well done, but so far none have excepted. Anything we can/should consider doin? TIA
Hi @jonnastar6
Welcome to the Forum!
This is such a thoughtful question. I’ve moved your post to start a new topic with it, so that you can get more attention from our lovely members.
Jenny
Hi @jonnastar6 
Over the years we’ve found the “extras” that matter most usually aren’t expensive things - they’re the thoughtful practical touches that make us feel genuinely welcome and trusted.
A few things that tend to stand out:
• Clear fridge/pantry guidance - especially what’s okay to use and what isn’t. Even simple wording like “please help yourselves to basics/spices/condiments” removes awkwardness.
• Space in the fridge, bathroom and closet drawers. Nothing says “we expected you” more than making actual room for someone.
• A comfortable bed with good linen and pillows. Sitters talk about this more than welcome baskets
• Local notes beyond the Welcome Guide - favourite takeaway, best coffee, nearby walks, vet location, quirks of the house, how long pets can comfortably be left, etc.
• Easy arrival basics after a long trip - milk, tea/coffee, fruit, bread, snacks, sparkling water… practical beats fancy for many sitters.
• A handwritten note is surprisingly meaningful. It sets a warm tone immediately.
• Honest communication about expectations. For example, your note about preferring no alcohol in the home is completely reasonable - many sitters appreciate clarity upfront rather than hidden “house rules” appearing later.
As for attracting sitters for a very hot July/August sit in 2027, a few thoughts:
• Be very upfront about the weather (which it sounds like you already are). The right sitter will appreciate the honesty.
• Focus the listing on what is good about that time of year - quieter town, great indoor lifestyle, pool, air conditioning, pet cuddles, access to nature, etc.
• Excellent photos matter a LOT. Bright, uncluttered, inviting photos often make the difference.
• Mention anything that improves comfort in extreme weather - strong A/C, shaded outdoor areas, reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable workspace, blackout curtains, nearby amenities.
• If pets are low-maintenance and can be left for reasonable periods, say so clearly. Flexible sits generally attract more applicants.
• For 2027 specifically, many sitters may simply not be planning that far ahead yet. Some very experienced sitters only commit 6-12 months out.
One other thing - many sitters value feeling treated as trusted guests rather than “free pet care.” Tone in messages and the listing itself makes a huge difference there.
Hope your first sit goes wonderfully
Personally, I don’t need any extras to make me feel comfortable or valued. It’s sometimes nice to share a meal. Leaving a few basic food items e.g. milk, eggs or bread is tricky e.g. full fat or zero fat, free range or organic, gluten or seed free. Often a HO has said to me to use anything that’s in the fridge, freezer or cupboards and eat any fruit.
Varies with the sitter. Does your sitter’s profile reveal any interests or preferences?
Personally, I don’t cook and love ordering delivery, so I want fridge and freezer space in particular, which I mention in my profile. And I love museums and history. I’ve most appreciated when hosts have left me museum passes (many memberships include guest passes) or have arranged access or intros I wouldn’t have access to on my own. Like one arranged a private tour of a historical site through a friend who was a volunteer guide. To me, that was above and beyond.
Of course, hospitality is up to you. I don’t expect anything, but appreciate thoughtfulness.
Okay, but to answer the OP what extras?
Thanks, Jenny - it’s working as I’m already getting great tips! Great members willing to take the time to respond 
Thank you for all the terrific suggestions - I’ve taken notes. Hope this doesn’t sound dumb but how/where did I get to list specifics about this particular sit (other than the Welcome Guide)? I’d like to go back and see what a potential sitter sees so that I can improve the listing…
I am on a repeat sitting. In addition to the suggestions made by @WeRPAWsome , the owner has left brand new cleaning cloths, sponges, and scrubs in the kitchen and bathroom. Lots of towels and fresh T towels also left out for us
Where will I see the notifications? Can you tell this really is my first time on the Forum!
Hi @jonnastar6
Not dumb at all - THS actually separates the public listing from the Welcome Guide, and new owners often don’t realise sitters never see the Welcome Guide until after confirmation
Potential sitters only see what’s written in your public listing sections plus your photos. To check/improve it:
• Open your listing and click “Preview listing” (or similar wording depending on device). That shows you what applicants see publicly.
The key public sections sitters usually focus on are:
• Home & location
• Responsibilities
• Amenities
• Pet care routine
• Why this sit is appealing during those dates
That’s where you’d mention things like:
-
very hot summer weather
-
strong A/C
-
pool/shaded areas
-
quieter season
-
nearby indoor activities
-
reliable Wi-Fi/workspace
-
how long pets can be left
-
any flexibility
The Welcome Guide comes much later and is more for operational details once someone accepts.
One small tip from a sitter perspective - sometimes owners accidentally write a perfectly accurate listing that reads a bit “warning-heavy” (“very hot,” “strict rules,” “don’t do this”) without balancing it with what makes the sit enjoyable. The sweet spot is honest + welcoming
And honestly, July/Aug 2027 is probably just very early. Many experienced sitters don’t even know their plans for next year yet, let alone 2027
That’s really thoughtful of you to post this @jonnastar6. I agree with what @WeRPAWsome has listed as they are all important to me. I want to feel welcome as a guest into a clean and tidy home where the host has set aside space for my belongings. I enjoy arriving the evening before and sharing a meal with hosts. More importantly though it allows the pets to relax seeing me with their owners and feeling comfortable in my presence.
I, too, would have reservations about applying for a sit over 12 months in advance. Good reasons have already been provided. A couple that haven’t been mentioned are the possibility that in that time there may be the loss of a pet or something could happen to either host or sitter and the sit would need cancelling. Just something to ponder.
We like short 1-3 minute videos sent via WhatsApp with the following if necessary
- the dog’s special words
- how any less obvious more way out equipment works eg coffee machines/showers/ovens/air fryers/thermomix thingies….that have special or unusual operating systems
- dog’s medical procedures with words/tone of language and handling approach.
- strava local walking routes
- milk/tea/bread/butter
This all makes settling in far easier.
We usually do a welcome meal when the sitters arrive, leave basics in the fridge for them (eggs, milk, butter, bread) but otherwise leave a clean fridge with space for their food, space in the freezer, space in the cupboard. We leave a thank you card from the pets and either wine or a welcome basket with snacks. Usually leave a gift card to a local cafe we like.
We also provide guest robes and slippers, as most sitters don’t pack these with them. Most have really appreciated that.
I really don’t need much. A gift basket, space in the fridge, closet space…are all nice, but what I appreciate most is for the HO to be and honest about their pets and location, be respectful and appreciative, and provide clear directions. Oh, and responding to texts/emails in a timely manner. Anything beyond those is icing.
I really like the idea of a robe but I ALWAYS pack my slippers!
I thought I’d just drop in with your awesome Welcome Lasagne Recipe, @Felinelover 
just in case it inspires OP!
Your question has been answered a lot here on the forum and it is very considerate of you. If you search the forum you will find other discussions to help you. Here’s one example: Your tips: Welcoming a sitter into your home
It’s always a winner and I’ve never had a sitter decline the leftovers either 
Oh a robe! Our first sit had that and yes as overseas travellers that was a lovely touch. Bedside tables with lamps and little clutter. Sleep in your guest space for a few nights and see if you are missing anything. A comfortable bed equals a well rested sitter who is then at their best.