How long before your vacation should you post your sit?

Sometimes, last-minute plans can be the most fun. But what if it means leaving your beloved pets at home? Well, you’ll need to find a pet sitter! Hold up, how last-minute can these plans be to source animal care? How long before your vacation should you post your sit?

Let’s look a little more at pet parent membership listing etiquette (yes, that’s a real thing on TrustedHousesitters) to help you have the best experience possible without feeling too rushed.

Posting a sit: What’s considered too late?

Anything less than two weeks, we say! Two or three weeks should be the shortest amount of time you leave between finding a pet sitter and leaving for vacation. Any less and you’ll be leaving yourself open to the possibility of not finding a sitter you’re happy with, if you find a sitter at all.

There are a few things you can avoid to have a successful sit, one is to not rush when finding a pet sitter. While we would all love to follow a well-oiled schedule, in reality, things crop up out of the blue, and last-minute plans sometimes have to be made. But, when it comes to finding a reliable pet sitter time is your best friend. It offers a better opportunity to bond with your sitter, show them how paw-some you and your pets are, as well as highlight the great features of your home.

How early can you post a sit listing?

To be honest, there’s no such thing as too early! If you have a trip booked in six months, stick those dates up on your profile and invite sitters to apply. Leaving yourself as much time as possible to find a good sitter who suits you and your pet’s routine, who you can build a rapport with, and ensure they’re aware of what they need to do, will reduce last-minute stresses. It’s better for both you and your pet!

Remember, if you’re listing has been up for a few weeks and it hasn’t had any applications, it might be worth revising your profile. Ask other pet parent members on the Community Forum if they have any tips or tricks for making a more eye-catching listing. Once edited, this listing will be shown as ‘new’ on the sitter search which should boost new interest. 

Posting a sit and finding a pet sitter: The ideal time limit

So, where’s that sweet spot? If you’re keen to find a local pet sitter or paw-fect purr-son to become your pet’s new best pal, give yourself as much time as possible. If you like to plan your summer vacation during winter, stick those dates up once they’re booked.

However, we appreciate that life can’t always be that officiant, and not everyone rolls that way. If something sudden crops up and you need a sitter ASAP, make sure you have that listing up as soon as you know, just make sure your expectations are in check. Two or three weeks before a trip should be the very latest, but closer to a week (or less) prepare yourself for not finding a pet sitter. 

What do you think - how late is too late to post a listing? Well, tell us your thoughts on our Community Forum. Discuss the dos and don’ts of pet parent etiquette with other creature carers who know the secrets to sitting success. While you don’t have to be a member to join in the animal banter, it does help! If you’re curious to learn more about our global pet-loving community, take a look at our different membership options to see which one suits you.