What Sitters Actually Experience
Here's something hosts don't want to hear: a significant number of sits go wrong not because of the sitter, but because the home wasn't properly prepared.
Experienced sitters have stories. Dirty homes. Missing information. Undisclosed cameras. Pet behaviours that weren't mentioned. Empty fridges. Broken appliances. The difference between a five-star review and a frustrated sitter often comes down to what happens before they arrive.
What Sitters Actually Say
“I arrived at a home that was dusty with trash in all trash cans and unmade beds. I left it better than I found it, but still received a low score on cleaning.”
— Sitter, THS Forum
“A lot of reasons why this sit was terrible — from neglected pets to very dirty broken house. I felt very cheated because the HO didn't tell all the truth about the pets and the house.”
— Sitter, THS Forum
“I treat it as though I'm providing an AirBnB, just happening to leave my stuff and cat in place.”
— Host, THS Forum (the right mindset)
That last quote is the key insight. If you're asking someone to stay in your home and care for your pets, treat the handover like you're welcoming a guest — not abandoning them in your mess.
The Cleaning Conversation Nobody Has
This is the number one source of conflict between hosts and sitters. What does “leave it as you found it” actually mean?
“Some hosts are just getting us in to do the cleaning. I like to leave a place as I would expect to find it, which means spending a huge amount of time doing a deep clean.”
— Sitter expressing frustration, THS Forum
What Hosts Expect
- • Home returned in same condition
- • Kitchen and bathrooms cleaned
- • Sheets washed and bed made
- • Bins emptied
- • No trace the sitter was there
What Sitters Experience
- • Arriving to dirty homes
- • Spending hours deep cleaning
- • Being criticised no matter what
- • Confusion about sheet washing
- • Unclear expectations
The Sheet Controversy
This comes up repeatedly in forums. Some sitters wash sheets automatically. Some hosts have specific reasons for preferring unwashed linens. Neither side communicates beforehand.
“A sitter ignored my explicit instructions not to wash the linens. I had important reasons for that request.”
— Host, THS Forum
The solution: Have this conversation before the sit. “Here's what I'd like you to do with the sheets/towels. Here's the level of cleaning I expect. Is that reasonable?”
Cameras: The Disclosure You Must Get Right
This is non-negotiable. If you have cameras — inside or outside — you must disclose them clearly. Not in fine print. In conversation.
“I belatedly noticed after a sit reading the fine print that the home owner had internal security cameras which made me feel very uncomfortable in retrospect.”
— Sitter, THS Forum
“I was walking around the house in a state of undress at various times en route to pool or shower” — discovered hidden cameras after sit concluded.
— Sitter, THS Forum
“Homeowners should actively make a point about conveying the fact they have internal security cameras in a pre-sit chat rather than burying disclosure in listing fine print.”
— Sitter, THS Forum
Camera Disclosure Checklist
- Disclose ALL cameras (indoor and outdoor) in your listing
- Mention cameras explicitly during the video call
- Explain what cameras cover and why you have them
- Confirm indoor cameras will be disabled during the sit
- Be honest about Ring/smart doorbell notifications
- Give sitters the option to decline if uncomfortable
Vet Emergencies: The Arrangement Nobody Makes
“Some sitters might be left without a way to pay for an unexpected veterinary visit. This should NOT be happening.”
— THS Forum
If your pet needs emergency care, who pays? How does the sitter access those funds? This conversation happens far less often than it should.
Payment Options
- • Leave card on file at vet
- • Pre-authorise emergency limit
- • Provide emergency fund access
- • Clear reimbursement agreement
Information Needed
- • Regular vet contact details
- • Emergency/out-of-hours vet
- • Pet insurance policy number
- • Authorisation for decisions
The Practical Preparation
Now that we've covered what usually goes wrong, here's what you actually need to prepare.
Make Space for Them
- • Wardrobe/drawer space cleared
- • Fresh bedding on clean mattress
- • Bathroom space and toiletries
- • Fridge space cleared
- • Desk/workspace if needed
Stock the Basics
- • Tea, coffee, basic provisions
- • Toilet paper (generous supply)
- • Cleaning supplies, bin bags
- • Dish soap, laundry detergent
Pet Supplies (More Than You Think)
- • Food (more than needed — deliveries fail)
- • Medication (full supply with clear instructions)
- • Treats, poo bags, litter (generous amounts)
- • Spare leads, collars, carriers
- • Favourite toys and comfort items
- • Contact for where to buy more
The Information They Actually Need
Leave written instructions. Even if you've discussed everything, having it on paper means they can check details without bothering you on your trip. A written agreement template can help you cover the essentials.
Pet Information (Be Honest)
- • Feeding: Exact amounts, times, locations
- • Medication: What, when, how (demonstrate)
- • Routines: Walks, play, sleep, quirks
- • Behavioural issues: Be honest about these
- • Emergency signs: When to call the vet
- • What they're afraid of: Fireworks, storms, etc.
A Note on Honesty
The most common sitter complaint is undisclosed pet issues. Aggression, anxiety, destructive behaviour, health problems — hiding these doesn't help anyone.
Your sitter will discover the truth. The only question is whether they discover it before they can prepare, or after they're already committed and frustrated.
Home Information
- • Heating/cooling (how it works)
- • Appliance quirks
- • WiFi password and router location
- • Bins and collection days
- • Water shut-off location
- • Fuse box location
Security and Access
- • Alarm codes and quirks
- • Lock instructions
- • Spare keys location
- • Camera disclosure (indoor/outdoor)
- • Neighbour who has spare key
Essential Contacts
- • Your contact details while away
- • Local emergency contact (neighbour, friend)
- • Vet (regular and emergency)
- • Plumber, electrician, locksmith
- • Pet insurance claims number
The Handover: Don't Rush This
If possible, overlap with your sitter for at least a few hours. Ideally, have them meet the pets the day before you leave. A well-structured welcome guide makes the handover smoother for everyone.
- Walk through the entire house together
- Demonstrate anything quirky (locks, appliances, heating)
- Introduce the pets properly - let them get comfortable
- Watch the sitter feed/walk the pet at least once
- Answer all questions - there are no stupid ones
- Leave your mobile on for the first 24 hours
Then: Trust Them
You've prepared properly. You've been honest about your pets. You've chosen someone with experience and good reviews. Now let them get on with it.
“If the pet owner is monitoring comings and goings while away, they can't be having a fantastic holiday if they are getting their kicks watching their ring app.”
— Sitter, THS Forum
Good sitters don't need micromanaging. If you've chosen well and prepared properly, you can actually enjoy your trip.
Quick Reference: What Sitters Actually Want
What Works
- • Clean home, clean sheets
- • Clear, written instructions
- • Honest pet information
- • Vet payment arranged
- • Camera disclosure upfront
- • Space made for them
- • Adequate supplies
- • Time for proper handover
- • Trust once you leave
What Doesn't
- • Dirty home, no preparation
- • Verbal instructions only
- • Hidden pet problems
- • No vet payment plan
- • Cameras in fine print only
- • No space cleared
- • Running out of supplies
- • Rushed handover
- • Constant monitoring