Hi all,
I am new to the forum but have used TH for a few years and have had 12 lovely sitters.
This time no one has applied to house sit for us and I wondered if the covid situation has put people off house sitting for a while?
What are your thoughts please? Many thanks,
Clare
Hi @ClareWoolford , this topic is very active on the forum right now: Sitter/Owner Ratios - Helping to Redress the Balance
I clicked on your listing but you pasted your editing link instead of your active link into your forum profile. When I click on it, it takes me to my own dashboard. See if you are able to correct it. If you do a search on yourself (others, correct me if I’m wrong), and cut and paste that URL into the space on your forum profile, it should work. Somebody reading it here on the forum might be able to do your sit. You never know?!
Hi @ClareWoolford Have you considered inviting your past sitters to sit for you again? I have an upcoming sit where the homeowner always first messages her past sitters. She needs sitters quite often and so it saves her a lot of time when she has someone who has done a sit for her before.
You can also consider inviting sitters from your local area. Those who are relatively new to THS (but maybe not new to pet sitting) often do their first THS sits near to home. First check their calendars to see if your required dates have a black line through them, which denotes they are already booked for a THS sit. Other than that, I would ignore the calendar for now as not all sitters use it.
Hello, new here and looking for a house/pet sitter. So far no one I’ve contacted is able to sit, any tips, thoughts on how to get the word out to more sitters? Thanks in advance for your input.
Kathy K
Admin Notice AL: Post moderated, member Direct Messaged.
I’m also struggling and it’s my first time using THS.
Ive invited quite a few people to sit but no one can help out apart from 1 person but they have dogs as well and I need someone pet free,
Hi Katrina, and welcome to the forum! So sorry you’re having a hard time finding a sitter. Where are you located and what kind of pets do you have?
It would be a good idea to add a link to your listing to your forum profile. You’ll reach even more people that way and will get input from the forum members on ways to attract more applicants. Here are the instructions to do that: How to Add Your Listing to Your Forum Profile
Hi @Kosha and welcome to the forum. Although it’s helpful to contact sitters directly, having a well-written listing with quality photos is the best chance of finding a sitter. Take a look at Angela’s top 10 tips for creating an effective listing, and see if you can make any improvements to your current listing.
You can also embed a copy of your listing in your forum username so that forum members can view it and perhaps give some constructive feedback.
I think what happens is that people get used to the routines that they have created over time, and don’t think about it from someone else’s perspective. I had a dog who had a frontal lobe brain tumor and got progressively more aggressive towards all people and dogs including me and my other dog. I loved him dearly and made things safe for us all, with pet gates, indoor leashes etc. Finally he snapped and after receiving 11 stitches I had to send him to doggy heaven. As soon as I returned home, I instantly saw my house in a different light—I had created barriers everywhere. As sad as I was to say goodbye to my AussieDoodle, I was so relieved to immediately get rid of all of the pet gates, etc. My remaining dog and I reveled in the newly restored freedom in my home. I likened it to being in an abusive relationship. You don’t realize how much you have compensated, until the threat is gone.
As yet I haven’t petsat for multiple dogs at a time but based on your experience, if I consider it, I’ll certainly ask up front if all dogs get along and if they can be exercised together.
I am so sorry to hear you had to cancel your holiday. And after such a long time under lockdown, a holiday is even more important than usual. I have favorited your listing and hope we can come over sometime (located in Canada). I truly hope you get a holiday soon!
Rosalie
Hi @ClareWoolford, you have lovely feedback from sitters and have a detailed listing which has lots of information on your area and what to do. I would include more information though on the rooms you are providing for your sitter/s and anything special that makes your home stand out. The Platinum long weekend celebrations happening in your village look great but, to be honest, I would not have the program as your main photo. I actually went straight past your listing because of that! Rather, have your home or feline friends as that photo as that is what will attract sitters first. The festivities are an added bonus. All the best.
Yes, I’ve had two sitters tell me that they are focusing on other sites where they earn money instead of doing it for free with THS
Thanks everyone for your kind responses. It was a real shame having to cancel but the stress of worrying about leaving our cats without a sitter was just too much so I was happier knowing I would be here for them. We have another holiday booked for September and fortunately have managed to find a sitter for that so something to look forward to.
Thanks again for all the kind words.
Ann xx
Hi Snowbird,
thanks for the tips. I did message some past sitters but they aren’t available for these dates but hopefully one is doing our September holiday. Thanks for your help.
Hi Mars, thanks so much - I am new to the forum, I promise I’ll get better x
Thanks Temba - I really appreciate your feedback. I only changed the cover photo yesterday as I wanted to try something different as no one had applied for my sit and was getting desperate. Thankfully I’ve now had someone apply so can relax a bit. I’ll update my listing info again on my next day off. Thanks for your help x
I am fairly new to THS and up to now have only had to find a pet sitter once. It took
49 requests till I found one. I am currently trying again for a holiday planned later in the year, I am up to 12 requests at the moment. Three have not replied at all including someone who works for THS.
Another reply was they only do weekends. Some of the replies have said they are committed on other sits or away despite the fact that their calendars show available. Another thing that occurs to me is how far a sitter is prepared to travel. I think more information could be put on the persons details to cover the points I have raised. I think THS is a great idea but I have found it very frustrating with all the members they have, not to be able to find a sitter.
Great you’ve had an applicant and I hope they are suitable @ClareWoolford. Do have a chat with them first before confirming so you’re really happy they’re definitely suitable and not just grabbing them because you’re desperate. Enjoy your time away.
Hi @Jay, can you please embed a link to your listing in your forum profile so we can see your sit. There are many sitters on this forum and you may be able to get a sitter here.
Hello Crookie, Thanks for your reply. I have gone to my profile but I do not know how to do what you suggest.
Here’s the link with the description how to do it.