HOs should always have a backup plan since they are fully responsible for their pets, particularly if they are choosing not to provide their part of this exchange. HOs have responsibilities too and those include providing clean, safe accommodations - that is what they are offering in exchange for pet care. They don’t get to not provide their part and still have a sitter. It’s not the sitters role to provide a deep clean of someone’s filthy home. If HOs decide not to do their part they should not expect the sitter to stay. They should have a family member or friend who can step in at least temporarily. This situation was created by the HO, not the sitter, and solving it is the HOs responsibility.
A sitter doesn’t need to stay for a full 6 weeks if they find an unliveable or unhygienic environment. The host can either return home themselves or make alternative arrangements for the care of their pets .
If there is an emergency contact then the sitter can contact them and after informing both the host and THS , leave knowing that the pets are not abandoned and will be taken care of by the hosts designated contact .
Hosts should always have a back up plan in case of emergency - eg sitter has an accident en route or falls ill during the sit or has to leave because of another emergency situation.
As sitters we always discuss the emergency contacts ( family / friends are they local contactable ? ) BEFORE accepting any sit so we would not find ourselves in a position where if we had to leave we would be abandoning pets .
Sounds like a nightmare, indeed! As a HO I had a terrible situation several years back with a sitter. Two things: First, I did not leave a review which I regret and 2. THS’s response was REALLY disappointing! They need to do a better job of keeping irresponsible and untruthful sitters AND pet owners off this site!
Sorry you had to deal with this truly awful situation!