On housesitting forums, you'll find homeowners sharing a frustrating pattern: “This year we've had four sitters withdraw after committing.” “My sitter cancelled with five days notice.” “Third cancellation this year.”
While most sitters absolutely honour their commitments, cancellations do happen – and they can be devastating when you've already declined other applicants, booked flights, and made plans. Let's look at why this happens and what you can do about it.
Why sitters cancel
The “rushed decision” problem
On platforms that limit applications (like TrustedHousesitters' 5-applicant pause), sitters must apply quickly before listings close. This encourages hasty decisions without fully thinking through dates, location, or logistics. Later, reality sets in – and they withdraw.
“Better sit” syndrome
The uncomfortable truth: some sitters confirm your sit, then keep looking. When a more appealing option appears – better location, nicer home, easier pets – they cancel. This is a genuine breach of commitment, and platforms do little to prevent it.
Life genuinely happens
Family emergencies, health issues, job changes, relationship breakdowns – these are legitimate reasons for cancellation. No one plans for them, but they happen. These cancellations are unfortunate but understandable.
Cold feet after details emerge
Sometimes sitters confirm based on the listing, then receive the welcome guide with fuller details. Undisclosed pet behaviours, additional responsibilities, or house quirks that weren't mentioned can cause them to reconsider. (This is also partly a communication issue on the homeowner side.)
Too much lead time
Ironically, booking far in advance can increase cancellation risk. A sit confirmed 8 months ahead leaves a lot of time for circumstances to change. The further out, the more uncertain.
What platforms actually do about it
Most platforms have policies stating that confirmed sits shouldn't be cancelled except for “extraordinary circumstances.” In practice, enforcement is limited:
- • Cancelled sits often don't appear on sitter profiles (hiding the pattern)
- • “Investigations” rarely result in account action
- • Premium insurance options help, but come with conditions and limits
- • Sitters can cancel and simply create new accounts
This means prevention is largely in your hands.
How to reduce your risk
Also see our guides on questions to ask housesitters and the housesitting video call.
1. Look for zero-cancellation history
On some platforms, you can see gaps in a sitter's review history (in the app, not always on web). Experienced sitters with many reviews and no gaps have proven reliability over time. Prioritise track record over charm.
2. Build relationship during lead time
Stay in touch between confirmation and sit. Monthly check-ins, sharing pet updates, confirming travel plans. Sitters who feel personally connected are far less likely to cancel. Silence breeds detachment.
3. Ask for flight confirmation (international sitters)
International sitters who have booked flights are significantly more invested. Ask them to share their travel confirmation once booked. This isn't distrust – it's mutual commitment.
4. Choose couples or established pairs
If one half of a couple gets ill or has an emergency, the other can often still manage. Solo sitters have no backup. For important sits, couples offer built-in redundancy.
5. Moderate your lead time
Booking 6-8 weeks ahead often hits the sweet spot: enough time to find good sitters, not so much time that life intervenes. Very long lead times increase uncertainty.
6. Have a backup plan identified
Know your fallback before you need it. A neighbour who could step in? A local boarding option? A professional pet sitter on standby? Having a Plan B doesn't mean expecting the worst – it means being prepared.
7. Be thorough in your listing
Cancellations sometimes happen because sitters discover things that should have been disclosed. Be honest about pet behaviour, house quirks, and responsibilities upfront. A sitter who confirms with full information is far less likely to withdraw later.
Warning signs during the lead-up
Pay attention to these patterns after confirmation:
Slow to respond to messages
May be disengaging or having second thoughts
Vague about travel plans
Might not have committed to getting there yet
Keeps "checking their schedule"
May be weighing other options
Stopped initiating contact
Initial enthusiasm has faded
Asks questions already answered
May not have read details carefully
Mentions "possible" commitments
Their calendar isn't as clear as they implied
If you see these signs, consider reaching out directly: “I want to make sure everything is still on track for [dates]. Is there anything you need from me?” Sometimes a direct conversation resolves concerns. Other times, it prompts an honest conversation about doubts – better to know early.
When it happens anyway
Despite precautions, cancellations can still happen. Here's what to do:
Don't panic. Take a breath and assess your timeframe.
Immediately re-list your dates if using a platform. Time is critical.
Contact previous applicants you declined – some may still be available.
Activate your backup plan. This is why you have one.
Report to the platform so there's a record, even if they take no action.
Why paid arrangements reduce cancellations
When you pay for housesitting, the dynamic shifts:
Experienced sitters who've built their reputation over years of verified sits don't throw that away lightly. Their history is visible proof of reliability.
The bottom line
Cancellations are stressful but not inevitable. Choose sitters with proven track records, stay connected during the lead time, be thorough in your listing, and always have a backup plan.
The best protection is choosing sitters who have demonstrated commitment over years of verified sits. A long history of completed sits with zero cancellations tells you everything you need to know about reliability.