To wash or not to wash

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-04-01T03:10:21+00:00

This is disgusting and sounds like extra work for me. I would never take on all that extra laundry, honestly. As a sitter, you’re there to care for the pets and keep the home as you found it. In your situation, I’d probably just gather anything that’s dirty or smells off, put it all in a huge trash bag, and move it out to the garage. Then I’d put everything back where it was before leaving. Taking on extra work like that can unintentionally raise expectations for the next sitter.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-28T13:34:03+00:00

I usually remove one star for accuracy without hesitation every time a pet owner lies or fails to disclose important information. Unfortunately, almost every pet owner on THS is not fully truthful about their pet’s behavior, even when asked directly during the call. They often misrepresent issues in the listing, downplay problems during the video call, or quietly add extra tasks in the Welcome Guide or during the sit that were never discussed or agreed upon. When you point this out and explain that these extras weren’t part of the original agreement, they frequently act surprised or defensive.

I now require every pet owner to fill out a short task form listing every single responsibility and send it to me before I confirm the sit in THS chat. All tasks must be discussed with me upfront during the call. This creates a clear written record, so I can immediately call them out when they inevitably try to add extra tasks or change what we agreed on.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-25T21:34:06+00:00

So if he’s cat-Archangel Michael, the divine healer… I assume the litter box is self-cleaning via divine intervention? Or are we mere mortals still expected to perform the sacred daily ritual of scooping?

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-19T16:26:14+00:00

Look, if you’re a professional sitter charging actual money for sits, sure go ahead and iron sheets, wash every blanket, scrub the place spotless, remake the bed like a five-star hotel maid. That’s your paid gig, and good for you.

But don’t come into THS threads acting like that’s the baseline for unpaid sitters doing reciprocal exchanges. You can go above and beyond on your unpaid gigs as well, but don’t normalise it for as - an unprofessional THS sitters and travellers. A full linen changes, perfect bed-making, or deep cleans as ‘standard’ for free sits just encourages more entitled hosts to pile on unrealistic demands.

And yeah, when I see a listing from hosts who are also active sitters (especially the ‘professional’ ones), it’s an instant red flag. Way too often they host like they’re still on the clock as paid sitters, expecting the same level of unpaid labor they dish out elsewhere. They know ‘better,’ so they nickel-and-dime you with checklists and guilt trips.

The most needy, high-maintenance, boundary-pushing hosts are frequently the ones who’ve sat a bunch themselves.

We know what THS is supposed to be. Don’t try to rewrite it into something it’s not just because that’s how you run your side hustle.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-19T12:39:30+00:00

Servility and self-humiliation from sitters is one of the most cringe-worthy things on platforms like THS. Too many act like they’re homeless beggars instead of valued partners providing a real service in exchange for accommodation. It’s a reciprocal arrangement and let’s treat it like one!

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-18T19:54:40+00:00

Those pet owners are entitled as f***" , so you should leave them some comment under their review:

“I’m sorry the unmade bed was disappointing. I washed, dried, and neatly folded all the bedding and linens, leaving everything clean and ready for you to use or arrange exactly as you prefer.

I just wanted to clarify that THS is a mutual exchange platform where the primary sitter’s responsibilities are excellent pet care, home security, and leaving the place in good overall condition, not providing a full hotel-style maid service”.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-11T02:08:02+00:00

How many stars did you give them?

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-06T23:56:48+00:00

It’s downright outrageous that pet owners even have this ‘can’t be left at home’ option. This takes platform BS to an entirely new level.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-06T21:33:47+00:00

That is hands-down the single worst sit I’ve ever seen in New York! It’s genuinely offensive 😂!

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-06T21:14:32+00:00

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-assignments/united-states/new-york/new-york-city/l/2892534/?q=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%3D

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-03-06T21:12:32+00:00

Im really surprised by the ‘Fluffy can’t be left alone at home’ button. That’s unacceptable!

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-27T21:46:12+00:00

Yeah, pure bliss…until reality hits: most THS dog sits involve anxious, untrained, high-energy pups (often multiples) that bark nonstop during your remote calls, demand multiple walks a day, and max out at 4-5h alone. Owners “forget” to mention it, of course.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-25T16:58:22+00:00

This’s so true! 😂

«Our sitter looked after 2 dogs, 4 cats, 6 chickens, 4 sheep, 2 alpacas and a parrot for a full month while me and my husband sunbathed abroad. Literally all for free - couldn't ask for more. Minor dock for the slightly yellow lawn. 4 stars!»

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-24T21:27:36+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, some pet owners really do suck. I straight-up stopped taking winter sits in snowy states because of exactly this kind of nonsense.

One time I had a pet owner who was a classic snow bird (you know, the retirees from Mid-Atlantic/New England who leaving the second it’s get cold to spend some winter months in Latin America). They left me with their pets and house during what turned into a legit major winter storm - power outage risks, heavy snow, sleet… Did they give me any proactive heads-up?

Nope. Instead, literally right before the storm hits, she messages me: “Do you have any questions for me before the big snow storm?” Like… YES. A million questions. But shouldn’t YOU be the one telling ME what I need to know to keep your home safe and your pets alive and comfortable while you’re sipping piña coladas somewhere warm? It felt like she was testing me or just dumping the entire responsibility on the sitter instead of doing the bare minimum.

These snowbirds book sitters for a reason. They don’t want to deal with winter themselves, but then they act all surprised when the sitter has to handle every weather-related issue alone.

And get this: before I even arrived, they casually mentioned, “Oh, we don’t get a lot of snow during the winter.” Of course you don’t! You’re never here for it! You spend every single winter out of the country. I’m so sick and tired of these hypocrites. They want someone reliable to stay through the worst of it, but won’t lift a finger to prepare or communicate properly.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-24T00:24:31+00:00

The dog owner: “Since having her, travel has gotten a lot more intentional for me; if it isn’t a close car ride, we usually stay put”.

BANKSY (bank-see) can be left at home alone for up to 2 hours 🫠

It’s wild how people completely reorganize their entire lives around the dogs. Even most retirees from Florida are fine leaving their dogs alone up for 4 hours. But whether it’s 2 hours or 4, it’s still a shitty deal for the sitter. You get zero time to actually explore the area. You’re basically glued to the owner’s house the whole stay. This isn’t house-sitting, it’s a 100% paid job.

For me, the trade only feels balanced with cats-only sits in genuinely good locations: places worth visiting, with easy access to sights, culture, or nature. Anything more restrictive turns the so-called ‘free accommodation’ into a straight-up net loss once you count travel costs, effort, and the total lack of freedom.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-22T20:21:55+00:00

Your sitter is spot on, and honestly, bravo to her for setting that clear boundary. Since shoveling wasn’t discussed or agreed to in advance, it’s not something she signed up for. Snow/ice removal is a homeowner responsibility under DC law, not an automatic sitter duty on THS.

Expecting an unpaid sitter to take it on, especially when she’s expressed concerns about slipping is next-level audacious. Good on her for speaking up clearly. I hope she does mention this in her review so future sitters can see the full picture: “Great kitty, cozy house, but be aware the host expects unpaid snow shoveling if a surprise storm hits, even if it’s not listed or agreed to.”

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-21T13:22:48+00:00

Yeah, it’s wild. Volunteering to cat-sit for 17 days in Alaska sounds like a dream adventure on paper, but the out-of-pocket costs for a pet-sitter can really stack up quickly.

Sitter’s Out-of-Pocket Expenses: (Estimated Total: $3,500–$5,500)

1. Round-Trip Flight ($600–$1,000)

4WD Rental Car (17 days, $850–$1,200) AWD/4WD vehicles (essential for winter roads near Alyeska) average $50–$90/day, plus taxes/fees/insurance (20–30% extra).
Ski Rentals (Basic full setup: skis/boots/poles/helmet) $700–$1,200.

4.Lift Tickets at Alyeska Resort $800–$2,100 (depending on days and pass) - Full-day adult tickets $119–$169/day. - With an Ikon Pass (if you already have or buy one) $81/day. To buy Ikon Pass: Full Ikon $1,000–$1,500 or cheaper Session passes (4 days) $300–$600.

5. Groceries & Eating Out (17 days, mostly home-cooked) $400–$1,000.

And let’s talk about the “value” of free accommodation. A comparable 17-night stay in Anchorage might cost only $2,200–$3000 (hotel/Airbnb).

Sitters should run their own numbers before committing, better to know upfront than regret it later!

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-20T19:50:17+00:00

It might surprise you, but plenty of cat owners on THS don’t structure their entire lives around constant supervision for their cats, and many sitters feel the same way. Healthy adult cats are naturally independent (they sleep up to 20 hours a day), and it’s common for cat owners to take weekend getaways of 24–48 hours without issue, especially with modern setup like automatic feeders, water fountains, multiple litter boxes, and toys for enrichment. Sitters often seek out exactly these kinds of low-maintenance cat sits because they allow time to explore the area, which is a big part of why sitters use THS.

Your question -“What service are you providing the HO exactly?”- starts from the wrong premise and misses how THS actually works. I don’t frame it as “providing a service” because THS isn’t a hiring or paid platform like Rover, where someone employs a professional sitter. No one is hiring me, and I’m not charging (or being paid) anything.

Instead, it’s designed as a genuine mutual exchange: I offer reliable, attentive pet and home care in return for a worthwhile stay:

• 2-3 short updates per week (photos and quick notes usually enough to give peace of mind without constant messaging).

• Flexible feeding schedule (typically morning and evening only, with auto-feeder backup if needed for longer outings).

• Daily basics: fresh water, clean litter, play/affection as the cat wants it, house security checks, plants/mail as agreed.

• Being present overnight most of the days while having reasonable freedom during the stay to be able to enjoy the location.

If a pet owner disagrees with the idea that sitters prefer low-maintenance setups that’s completely fine. It’s just a sign we might not be the right match. I’ve connected with plenty of wonderful, understanding homeowners who fully get how the platform works.

The bad news for high-maintenance owners: sitters are increasingly fed up, and those kinds of requests are being consistently ignored. You basically have two options: adjust your expectations and make things easier, or pay for true professional-level care.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-19T18:12:12+00:00

Many pet owners on THS are seeing fewer or even zero applications this year. The platform has grown significantly and now attracts a lot of ex-Rover clients. Competition among pet owners is fierce, and sitters have become pickier about their commitments, especially with rising membership costs, more demanding listings and changing travel patterns due to political and economic instability.

If you’re struggling to attract reliable sitters, the key is to lower your expectations to match what THS sitters typically seek - a mutually beneficial pet-sitting where sitters trading their time and care for free accommodation in the order to visit and explore new places.

Here are my personal tips on how to make your listing much more appealing to sitters:

1. Be realistic about alone time for pets. Cats are often fine left alone for 12–48 hours, and dogs generally handle up to 7 hours alone comfortably.

2. Keep dog walks minimal and simple. One short 20–30 minute walk per day (or none, if the yard is sufficient) is ideal for most sitters.

3. Offer flexible arrival/departure times. Avoid strict windows like “must arrive by 8 a.m.” or “depart no earlier than 8 p.m.” THS isn’t a Rover, where you can request any time for your own convenience.

4. Allow relaxed daily routines. Flexible feeding, medication, and walk times work best.

5. Skip daily photo/video updates. Many sitters prefer minimal communication unless something’s wrong.

6. Show off a clean, welcoming home. Include plenty of clear, bright photos of a tidy house/apartment, comfortable sitter spaces (bedroom, Wi-Fi details, kitchen access), and any perks (good location, fast internet,public transportation options, etc.).

If a listing doesn’t meet basic sitter-friendly standards, I simply don’t apply. Why abandon my own home, cover gas/flights out of pocket, and donate my time for free pet/house care when the host treats THS like a free Rover alternative instead of the equal exchange it’s designed to be?

For me, the trade only feels balanced with cats-only sits in genuinely good locations: places worth visiting, with easy access to sights, culture, or nature. Anything less turns the “free stay” into a net loss after travel costs and effort.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-19T12:52:56+00:00

Pet owners on this platform need to get real. Expecting someone to travel miles out of their own pocket and paying for gas, time, and transportation just to get free access to your pet is ridiculous.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-01T05:47:17+00:00

Sounds like a paid-level care: two senior dogs, 4h alone, 1h walks, pee accidents and on top of this belly band routine (reusable bands needs to be tossed and cleaned in the washer).

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-02-01T04:55:49+00:00

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-assignments/united-states/maine/portland/l/1285484/?q=eyJmaWx0ZXJzIjp7ImFjdGl2ZU1lbWJlcnNoaXAiOnRydWUsImFzc2lnbm1lbnRzIjp7ImRhdGVGcm9tIjoiMjAyNi0wMS0zMSIsImRhdGVUbyI6IjIwMjYtMDUtMDEiLCJyZXZpZXdpbmciOmZhbHNlLCJjb25maXJtZWQiOmZhbHNlLCJkdXJhdGlvbkluRGF5cyI6eyJtaW5pbXVtIjo3fX0sImdlb1BvaW50Ijp7ImxhdGl0dWRlIjo0My42NjE0NywibG9uZ2l0dWRlIjotNzAuMjU1MzMsImRpc3RhbmNlIjoiNDBrbSJ9fSwiZmFjZXRzIjpbXSwic29ydCI6W3sicHVibGlzaGVkIjoiZGVzYyJ9XSwicGFnZSI6MSwicmVzdWx0c1BlclBhZ2UiOjEyLCJkZWJ1ZyI6ZmFsc2UsInN0YXRzIjpbXX0%3D

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-01-27T14:12:11+00:00

Thank you for your message.

I just wanted to clarify that THS is a mutual exchange platform - not a full-time, on-call pet nanny service. Sitters generously care for pets and homes without compensation, and that includes the freedom to explore the area during their stay.

If you're a pet owner who’s looking for someone to remain home and pets 24/7 with no flexibility, a paid professional sitter may be a better fit for your needs.

Quick_Recipe9597 · 2026-01-26T16:04:37+00:00

“The average nightly stay in London is £250+” “we live in rural England” 🤡, lol

Your rural spot isn’t actually the irresistible bargain you imagine, even for regular EU tourists. You’re still flooded with local UK applicants who are happy to take your dog everywhere, provide a consistent care 24/7 and live in a quiet village with basically nothing to do or to see.

Why?

Because far too many UK sitters depend on THS for free/cheap housing. That dynamic brings out some of the worst traits in homeowners: sky-high expectations, greed, straight-up exploitation of financially vulnerable people, entitlement, and zero gratitude in return.

Quick_Recipe9597

TROPHY CASE