I’ve been a premium member for a couple of years now and I am not getting as many applications that I used to. When I would I would be flooded with 5 apparently by the next. I only got a couple of applications of which one happened to have about 19 reviews so I interviewed her and we hit it off and had a lot in common. She accepted the invite to sit and I thought I was good to go. The next morning she said she had to cancel, first time this has happened. So I reposted and got a couple more, just interviewed thought things went well sent him the invite to sit right after the convo and no confirmation yet….what is happening? I am growing increasingly concerned. I have relied on this platform and we are scheduled to leave 10/28. Ive only ever used this platform.
Yes, I’m not sure? We’ve had some AMAZING Housesitters over the years - it’s been a wonderful experience, actually.
But I feel there’s a definite drop off in applications. For our upcoming trip, we had a few applications that came in late, but by then, I’d given up and gone to another platform and found what I think will be fabulous Housesitters.
Idk, I will prob give THS another year and see how it goes - it has been really, really good so far since about 2017 I think we started with it? But definitely seeing a change. I started my own thread on this a few weeks’ ago.
@Kimski44, sorry to hear of limited applications. Checked your listing and looks promising. Surprised that you not receive timely applications. Glad that you ultimately secured housesitters. Curious about the other platform to which you referred. We’ve tried two other platforms but each had major drawbacks.
There have been quite a few recent THS Forum threads recently about underwhelming number of housesitter applications but most, we think, tend to result from poor listing contents; unreasonable expectations; and/or US location.
@Cdmuz, sorry to hear of struggles securing a housesitter.
We’d recommend that you add your THS listing to your THS Forum profile. How to add a listing or profile link to your Forum profile!
THS does not publish data on number of pet parents or housesitters, or frankly much else for that matter. That said, there seems an increasing trickle of THS Forum threads in regards challenges in securing a housesitter. Suggest that you use search function to peruse related threads. Underlying issues were not always lack of housesitters - sometimes challenges may be have been (at least partly) due to poor listing information/photos (text, photos, completeness, insight); unreasonable expectations (pet responsibilities, dates); undesirable pets (many, behaviour, sleeping, separation); location.
If you add your THS listing to your THS Forum profile then perhaps some enthusiastic THS Forum members may be able to provide feedback and help you to secure a great housesitter.
@Kimski44 Answering your question probably depends on your location. A lot of foreign travelers are avoiding the US for obvious reasons. While all our previous sits drew applications from non-US residents, this year’s posting drew none from outside the US and fewer than expected overall based on past experience. We’re only 1 data point but it does match other reports as well as the combination of developing US difficulties (border concerns coupled with a dramatically slowing economy). Your recent experience with lower and slower sit applications sounds similar to ours.
Meanwhile, on a similar recent thread, a number of UK hosts wrote of similarly low applications. Speculation on that slowdown focused on THS market saturation. Comparing the number of open sits available, the UK was recently 2x the percentage of total households compared to the US suggesting that market saturation and economic woes combine as likely culprits in the UK.
But I would expect that 10/28 should be plenty long enough to set up with an excellent sitter.
Do you mind if I ask what platform you went with a I started looking at others just in case…
I have wonderful photos, I have a real estate background so picture taking is my forte.
I live in South Florida near all local hotspots. We are a top travel destination and my home is on a lake. Everyone and there mom has been moving here…
Maybe people are worried about hurricanes?
Were your previous sitters from the US or other?
If you are the listing from 10/28 - 11/4, then it isn’t clear if its for 2 dogs and one cat or 3 dogs and one cat. If one of the prior dogs is no longer with you (or maybe will be travelling with you) I would update the filter to reflect that.
If that is not your listing then please ignore this feedback!
@Cdmuz, that’s great. Can only imagine that must really help the listing to shine. I see that THS listing is still not on THS Forum profile so nothing more I can really say. it’s certainly possible that THS Forum members may have constructive ideas on how to improve text in your listing. Just trying assist.
I appreciate your response ! The good news is I secured a sitter. Thank you team!
As a full time pet Sitter, I can confirm what was said regarding the US for pet sitters coming from overseas. I would LOOOOOOVEEEEEE to sit in the US but am absolutely terrified to even try going there. I even posted in this Forum trying to get experiences from other sitters who tried and whilst one Sitter responded positivekt7, a lot of people and even hosts have agreed, that it’s not a good time to pet sit in the US.
I am thinking about Canada but have the same concern there 
I don’t think there is any concern with entering Canada. Maybe not say you are house sitting, just traveling and visiting friends.
Okay, that would be actually part of the experience tbh.
In reference to UK sits, we live in Spain and usually drive to our wonderful sits throughout the EU. We’d LOVE to sit for cats in the UK especially in the country areas but honestly it’s very expensive to rent a car. Flying over wouldn’t be an issue but renting a car for a few weeks or a month puts a big dent into our travel budget.
I have done sits all over mainland Europe, and the UK, without a car. There is a good public transport system and if the home is out of reach by public transport the host collects me from the nearest location possible. In the UK I get groceries delivered. It is possible without a car.
If you really do want a vehicle (public transport is great as @anon55123711 says) then car rental in the UK really isn’t that bad. We’ve just hired a car for a week for next month in half term week for £72. Last trip, 11 days was £140. kayak.com and easy car.com and Drivalia as recommended by @Lokstar is the latest bargain discovery! #pleasantlysurprised
Good to know, thanks! We obviously have been looking at rental cars on the wrong sites.