Anyone used Trusted Housesitters?

[Bellabelloo]

Just that really! We're meant to be going on holiday, sitter has let us down and we need to find a solution. They look great, but if someone is sitting for free surely there's no obligation. What if they just decide not to turn up as we're due to go to the airport?!

Yes, we have. We used them for 3 months to look after our cats in our old house when we were selling up and relocating. Then we found one near our new house for our dog and although we found her via Trusted Housesitters we just text her direct now. She's great. We always bring her back a pressie. I think some people just like spending time somewhere different. If they fail to turn up they would get slated in their reviews which would affect further bookings so I suspect they wouldn't. We Skyped/met all ours beforehand and with the 3 month one Skyped a few others that we didn't go with in the end. I would go for an older person as the young couple we used for 3 months left our house in a disgusting state and we had a row with them about it (they thought that as the house was being sold it would be professionally cleaned so they didn't have to lift a finger...) but either way just make it clear what you expect. In most cases you would expect the house to be left in exactly the same state of cleanliness as you found it.

Thanks Pigeonpost!! We'll give them a go! X