Thank you for your response. Yes, I am going to ask why the washing machine is “off limits”.
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Yes I know now, as I mentioned, that I should have read their notes as soon as they were sent. My fault. However, I’ve just completed my 94th sit and never had this experience. Usually I get vibes during the video call.
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Actually Maggie you did suggest that I should tell them outright that I’d just read the Welcome Guide, although it was their pages of notes instead
Some good points. Thank you 
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Unfortunately I’ve just checked and they weren’t.
Unfortunately I’ve just checked the list and they weren’t on it 
I’ll keep you posted
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What kind of nonsense is this with the washing machine? Of course you’d expect to be able to use it! Lately it feels like you have to pay extra just to be allowed to do laundry in someone’s home. And what about the dishwasher – is that allowed? Because chances are, that uses more water and electricity than a single load of laundry.
It’s completely unreasonable. What’s next? No access to the fridge? The freezer? The TV? The heating?
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Exactly – to me, it has nothing to do with luck. It’s about knowing how to read people, understanding your own boundaries, and being able to assess a situation if things don’t go as expected. I honestly don’t think luck plays any role in THS.
That is true. You would use more water and electricity (heating water) doing it by hand.
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@Smiley, gosh what a misfortune.
We’d encourage engaging with THS Member Services via online chat or support@trustedhousesitters.com and asking for their guidance.
Your housesit is scheduled to commence in two weeks time. Suggest determine your desired outcome - complete sit or withdraw. I’ll leave THS MS to comment on T&C stuff.
If go forwards then encourage video call with Pet Parents. Oral conversation, not written word. Be prepared. Raise questions to seek clarification. Be polite & reasonable. It would be curious if, on a video call, the Pet Parents can credibly justify some of the more unreasonable expectations. Or, if you cannot stomach such dialogue, ask THS MS to contact Pet Parent to clarify specific topics (e.g. washing machine).
If withdraw then you may lose travel costs; Sit Cancellation Insurance would not apply; and THS MS may be disappointed.
Hope works out for you.
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I’d do that in a call, rather than in writing, because it allows back and forth (and no writing). And to me, all of the info they share, in whatever format, is something I’d generically refer to as a “welcome guide.” But of course you use whatever wording you prefer. Or of course, you could just do the sit and chalk it up to experience.
Yes, you mentioned in your OP that you’d not read the guidance earlier. I mentioned it again in reference to someone else saying that luck is at play. To me, it’s absolutely not luck when we can decide whether to read or not, for example.
I’m favouring doing the sit and, as you mentioned, giving a factual review afterwards. I am going to text, as politely as possible, with my concerns as the person I’ve been communicating with is currently in the US
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It can be helpful for many of us that you shared this post, because reality is that every time we sit or host, we still face risks, no matter how long we’ve done it.
Like I’ve driven safely for many years. That doesn’t mean I drop my insurance. To me, taking precautions with sits — such as reading welcome guides early — is like insurance.
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I do believe in luck generally, but the problem with luck is you can’t count in it, so best to focus on what we can control.
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LOL - Sorry…I have a hard time getting past your having to don pup’s trousers and suit prior to the harness ! The imagery is cracking me up.
Yep, she sounds very unwelcoming and I’m sorry that you’re having to deal with such a persnickity HO. Unfortunately her rules are her rules and given what she has written , there is a very high liklihood that she’ll nail you for using the washing machine, etc. That said, there is no harm in asking about this (or any other areas of concern) prior to the sit. Explaining why these help you (and her animals) may soften her a bit and help her realise that her demands and restrictions are not beneficial for anyone.
Good Luck here !
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Thank you everyone for your concern and suggestions.
I sent a text to one of the owners voicing my concerns. I received a very comprehensive reply with an apology. It seems the notes had not been amended and he understands they don’t come across well.
Apparently at the time they were written there was a problem with the washing machine which has since been resolved and I am free to use it.
The dog’s bowls are to be washed in a downstairs toilet with sink, not the bathroom I would use, as they don’t wish to cross contaminate with their own dishes.
So I feel a lot happier and will go ahead with the sit.
Thanks again all 
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If every sitter and HO were as level-headed and communicative I think we’d see a lot less drama! Well done, so glad you stood up for yourself (calmly and reasonably, I’m sure) and so glad it worked out.
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Yes I’m sure you’re right. Thank you
Glad to hear you got it all worked out. Such a relief!
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Wow! GREAT example of how simple things can cause such a conundrum, and good communication can resolve issues quickly.
He apologized!! That is great!
He clarified! That is great!
Please post a photo of the dog with the trousers and harness on. Dying to see that! Good luck.
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