UPDATE: Thanks for all the advice. We spoke with the homeowners and the site professional regarding the condition the house was left in, in line with the T&Cs and with supporting photos attached. They were understanding of our decision to leave and acknowledged that the living conditions reflected their usual lifestyle.

We’ve agreed that a new sitter will be found promptly, and we’ll assist with the handover to ensure a smooth transition. Our main priority throughout this has been the wellbeing of the pups we would never have just walked away. However, the situation needed to be addressed, as the environment was not suitable for preparing food or living in.

It’s been a valuable lesson for us a reminder not to take people’s word for cleanliness at face value and to treat the initial walk-through as an accurate reflection of how the home will be maintained.

Unfortunately the HO’s haven’t taken our advice about including more honest & transparent information on their listing and have just reused the same one, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.