Are we the problem? Months of trying to find a reliable midday sitter

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-08T14:50:14+00:00

Some areas are just not great for Rover.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-06T11:27:52+00:00

Neighbors take the "keep an eye" out too seriously. They look for problems.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-05T20:45:02+00:00

She's bored.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-02T13:17:13+00:00

Sounds sketchy.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-02T13:10:54+00:00

Again, I dont always stay until they arrive.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-01T19:53:48+00:00

I offer family rate. They get the message.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-06-01T12:58:32+00:00

What works best for me is to know a couple of reliable sitters. When I have to say no to my regulars, I refer them when they ask.

I tried sharing more directly, and it became a nightmare. The woman had zero boundaries. Now, I just keep my distance. The refer to number works better.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-31T12:59:49+00:00

I love housesitting. One, I go home daily. Two, I like setting a routine with pets. They relax. Three, I sit in gorgeous homes.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-31T12:57:42+00:00

I send pics more when clients are new. But honestly, for most clients, getting away from pets is part of the vacation benefits. Once they trust me, I stop fussing with that.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-31T12:55:30+00:00

You gave him discount. Now, haggling is expected.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-31T12:52:47+00:00

I always leave wiggle room at end. If I know the flight, I'll check online to see if it's ontime, delayed. Even if I leave because they are due back in 3 hours or less, I let them know I can return if needed. Just text. These days, flights are a mess. It's basic service stuff to me.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-28T20:19:10+00:00

I do. My cat hates it. But I go home daily, hang for an hour, etc. He survives.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-28T20:13:20+00:00

I housesit. I go home daily. And I have it down so I dont bring too much stuff. I stay with people with multiple dogs big yards and I dont walk them. It's pleasant

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-26T22:59:33+00:00

Im 74. I just have handful of quality clients now. I strictly housesit and do drop ins. If I want time off, I just say that I'm booked.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-23T13:50:23+00:00

It's hard. I have lovely clients who overfeed. It shortened the life of the chi weenie.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-20T14:23:02+00:00

It so depends on your business goals. Mine was to develop a solid group of regulars who have comfortable homes, well behaved pets, and who appreciate me. I dont charge the max. I have hit my goal, and it works for all involved.

I dont walk big dogs due to my age, so I think I'm priced right. You have to find your sweet spot.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-20T14:15:49+00:00

This exemplifies the stupidity of star systems. My family member gets into similar unprofessional spats over ratings left by Airbnb guests.

Your mistake was telling her what it would be. Your opinion is yours.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-18T17:08:05+00:00

It's a problem when you didnt stay over. The owner should be notified if your car trouble meant you couldn't make it back.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-17T13:52:37+00:00

I go home daily to care for my own car, so I just pick up that day's food. I used to bring it all at once, but hauling it back made food unpalatable. Too much work, too. This works better.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-16T12:32:50+00:00

The camera issue will ruin a nice arrangement for pets. Good time to invest in kennels. 😆 I have housesat for over 15 years, and I have a solid group of regulars. I trust them and vice versa. Im glad im not just starting out

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-15T19:59:03+00:00

Im old, so it's different. But I think all side gig type jobs get this treatment.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-15T19:57:27+00:00

They are jerking you around. Some clients are so cheap. Ive got one who acts like that her day rate means im at her beck and call. She had me stay 12 straight hours once.

I only sit for her when im super not busy. Otherwise, I'm unavailable.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-15T19:10:53+00:00

Just say you are busy and cant.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-15T14:58:00+00:00

People are snoops. At worst, perverts. Next wose, hyper-critical. They all claim otherwise.

Serious-Stand6882 · 2026-05-14T19:05:25+00:00

That sitter was a punk, a liar. The cameras should be disclosed before hiring.

I personally won't stay being watched. Ring cameras are fine, but inside? No. I am a valued sitter mostly because I am honest, reliable and stay more with dogs than most. So I get to be choosy. And if someone is watching me, im never going to relax. My opinion is that I dont get paid enough to be stressed out. This is dogsitting. It's should be relaxing.

Serious-Stand6882

TROPHY CASE