I have been using THS for 5 years and this is the first time I truly felt uncomfortable with the sitter. This person had 5 star reviews and over 60 of them.
When I first spoke with the sitter I was hesitant by their unfiltered presumptuous and discussing things about other HO’s. I should have gone with my gut. I didn’t.
They wanted to stay with me the night before I left. I knew I would be running around and didn’t want anyone with me the night before my departure. I got them a hotel room and we met the day before. It confirmed my concerns but I was unable to find a sitter within 24 hours of leaving. Mind you, I did not believe my pup was in harms way. I thought they would be a good sitter because of the reviews and apparent knowledge of animals. As soon as I left, they contacted me on how to turn on the oven. I had sent them a detailed guide on my pup, what I expected and more. In addition, I hand wrote other items I wanted to reiterate. Then after about a week they wanted to chat on the phone, not about the sit but about my trip and how it was going and about her. We are not friends and this was not the time to foster a friendship. I said I was unavailable. I was out of the country for 23 days with a 10 hour time difference; calls were only for emergencies and family. They were defensive from then on. I often times had no internet available. My prop manager was available for them at all time and I thought that was reasonable. My prop manager check in periodically. They did not contact me from then on. I texted them a week later, tried to keep it light and requested a picture of my pup. The request was ignored. There was one issue and the sitter contacted me and it was appreciated. I thanked them profusely(it had nothing to do with my pup).
I was thrilled to see my pup when I returned and my pup was so happy to see me. I don’t think they would have mistreated my pup, I was more concerned with how they would react towards me. As soon as I returned they asked for a guide book which I thought was strange since the sit had ended.
I don’t want to leave a review because they are very defensive. I’ve seen back and forth negative reviews; he said, she said and they are just not helpful. My property manager was wary about the sitter when they interacted but did not think my pup was in harms way.
Some HO may like this type of sitter but I definitely did not. In the past I have had couples take care of my pup and they have done a brilliant job with my pup. I will definitely do that next time.
All in all it was stressful and I wouldn’t want others to go through this but if I write a review I do not expect it to go well. So what do I do?
It sounds like nothing unsafe happened with your pup, but clearly it wasn’t a comfortable or well-matched sit for you — and that in itself matters.
Reading between the lines, it seems your instincts were flagging some concerns quite early on (the initial call, the request to stay the night before, the communication style). Most of us have been there at some point — it’s easy to override that feeling when you’re up against timing pressure and a sitter has strong reviews.
On the review question, it might help to think of it less as something that could “go badly” and more as something factual and balanced. Reviews don’t need to be emotional or confrontational to be useful. Simply describing the experience — for example around communication expectations, boundaries, and overall fit — can help future hosts decide whether this sitter would suit them.
It also sounds like a bit of misalignment on communication preferences played a part (frequency, purpose of contact, time zones, etc.). Getting very explicit about that upfront can make a big difference for future sits, especially when you’re travelling internationally.
And it’s great that you’ve already identified what has worked well for you in the past (e.g. couples) — that kind of pattern recognition usually leads to much smoother experiences going forward.
All in all, not every sit is the right fit on either side, even with strong reviews — but there’s definitely useful learning here for next time.
I have no comment overall, as your issues are all a bit vague, but find the comment above odd, it implies all SINGLE sitters may be a problem and couples wouldn’t.
In fact, the best reviews (both for the person writing it and others) are factual reviews. If the sitter is defensive, this will work against them, not you.
It sounds like a large personality clash that started before you even confirmed the sit. You are calling them they but eluding to it being one sitter only. I find it unprofessional and a little weird as well that she wants to talk to you about your trip while you’re away. As you stated you are not personal friends. I don’t think it is right to mark down for personality. Look at all the categories and add up the stars you would give for each one. Does it come out to be a 5 or a 4 for the overall score. You can always put on your review that you were uncomfortable of the sitters unprofessional conduct. You can also mention instructions on the use of the stove was written out in the WG. I read a review from a man who marked a sitter a low score. He wrote that event though this sitter has numerous 5 stars that not everyone is a match for every homeowner or pet as each situation is different. I thought what he wrote was interesting and very accurate.
If you don’t leave a bad review and they leave you one then you look like the bad one. Also bad reviews serve as a warning to the rest of the community. We need to think of others.
I agree but in this case, perhaps they were not fully self sufficient. They wanted to be invited to stay over the night before, they needed to contact to get instructions for the oven, and they wanted to interfere with the HO’s holiday just to have a chat. When they couldn’t, they stopped sending updates and ignored HOs request to be sent a picture of the pet. I think that’s more than just personality.
I actually think honest, not vindictive or nasty reviews are so important. The idea that everyone is a 5 is crazy and definitely not true. The sooner everyone starts reviewing accurately the better for all. Bad hosts and sitters will be weeded out and it will be a case of lift your game or on your bike.
Like others have said, it’s important to leave a factual, non-emotional review based on the five categories. Although there were issues, mainly in relation to incompatibility and not going with your gut in the first place, it comes down to did you feel they looked after your pup AND home well.
If you choose not to review your sitter, it will have absolutely no effect on her because there will be no evidence of the sit taking place on her profile. However, if she chooses to not leave you a review, it will show on your listing profile which can raise questions from future applicants. If she does leave you a review, yes, you can respond to it but it won’t be of much use because it will still be on your profile and not on hers.
Also keep in mind that OP thought the sitter would be good because of past reviews. If you don’t leave a review, that’s just setting up future HOs for the same.
It does not need to be a “bad” review - I think @Newpetlover has great advice, and this person does not seem self-sufficient, but you can just state what happened, which emphasizing that you felt your pet received good care.
@thedub, welcome to THS Forum. That you’ve been using THS for 5 years and just joined THS Forum suggests that prior 5 years were positive experience (as significant portion of Forum threads relate to challenges).
Sounds like an odd situation. As experienced housesitters, we’ve met a wide variety of pet parents that bring different objectives, communication styles and situations. We adapt accordingly. Indeed while we use WhatsApp groups then my spouse or I take role of lead communicator during housesit based on seeming communication style of pet parent!
Rather than comment on specifics (and there’s often two sides to every story) then we’d encourage reflection on shortlist and due diligence process-
Ensure listing contains clear information on any expectations or responsibilities that you deem important. E.g. Communication during housesit (pet parent views vary dramatically - so if you have specific expectations then clearly state details in listing)
Reflect on the attributes of housesitters that have worked best for you in the past. Tailor your listing content to appeal to that profile of housesitter. Use related attributes to shortlist applicants
If an applicant appears to meet your specific preferences then move quickly to schedule video call
During video call, ask direct questions that seek information on topics that you deem to be important
Take deep breath and move forwards. We continue to believe that most THS members - on both sides - are good people with good intentions. But there are exceptions, again on both sides. Housesit or pet parent enough times and outlier challenging situations are near guaranteed. Sometimes best to reflect on past, learn for future and look forwards to the next positive adventure.
It sounds that other than personality differences, the sit went well. No issues with the dog, house, etc? Then that, I think, is most important. However, the fact she stopped sending updates is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed. Not getting updates can cause tremendous stress for a HO. You need to deduct stars for that.
Just because you didn’t want to be besties, should not warrant such negative behavior. Other HOs may absolutely love someone who wants to become friends. However, if you were concerned that she may react negatively in other ways because you didn’t want to chat or develop a closer relatiinship, then you need to express that concern.
I wonder what past HOs with this sitter would honestly say about her.
Thank you very much. I followed THS guidelines with a video call immediately. I should have gone with my gut. I have taken a deep breath and am ready to move on. I will definitely use THS again.
If you fear retaliation it it’s likely the sitter will give you a negative review anyway just to get their side in. Better to have your facts there as well. Otherwise it’s a one sided story. A defensive sitter may well be on the defensive with their review in anticipation of yours.
As a pet sitter for now six years I would suggest you insist on a video conference as soon as you choose someone for verifications to make sure you like them. And again a week before they come so you can guide how you feel about them. Keep communication lines open. I usually send a message as soon as I get there as to how everyone is and how they’re doing. Send photos without being nuisance. People like to know how their pets are doing. I know I I’ve left my Chickens with somebody I trust. Leaving your pets like leaving your children you want to know that they’re going to be okay otherwise you can’t enjoy yourself. They obviously hadn’t read the rules about sitting that you’re supposed to keep in contact and send photos and they obviously had not read the welcome notes. I’m sorry have had this experience. Better luck next time but the moral of the story is if in doubt don’t. Interview plenty of people make sure they have really good references from others.
Take care, don’t be ‘once bitten twice shy’ there are lots of lovely sitters out there
is crazy and definitely not true. The sooner everyone starts reviewing accurately the better for all. Bad hosts and sitters will be weeded out and it will be a case of lift your game or on your bike.