Why My House Sit Application Got Rejected

I am a solo female housesitter and petsitter. I’ve completed dozens of sits across the United States, and one thing I know for sure is that rejection is just part of the experience. My advice has always been: don't take it personally.

Even after so many successful sits, I still get rejected. Most of the time, the "no" has absolutely nothing to do with you. Here is a breakdown of the factors I've identified—the ones you can influence and the ones that are completely out of your hands.

1. Rejection Factors You Can Control

• Limited Reviews: Without verified proof on the platform, you are seen as a higher risk. Focus on building your base with local assignments first. Read my: guide for landing your first sit.
• Volume of Competition: Even if you have several reviews, there are often sitters with dozens more applying for the same high-demand homes. You can improve your odds by applying quickly to new listings.
• Profile Quality: If your photos are not clear or your bio feels generic, homeowners will likely pass over your profile. You can fix this immediately using my: profile mastery tips.
• Application Specifics: If your initial message is a template and does not address the specific pets or home requirements, homeowners will skip your application.

2. Rejection Factors You Cannot Control

When these factors are at play, the best strategy is simply to move on to the next opportunity immediately.

• The Returning Sitter: A previous sitter applied to the same listing. They almost always get priority because the owners already trust them and the pet already knows them.
• Demographic Preferences: Some homeowners specifically look for solo female sitters or retired couples. If you do not fit that vision, it is completely out of your hands.
• The "Mirror" Effect: Owners often pick sitters who reflect their own lifestyle. A young active couple might pick a young active couple. A retired solo homeowner might feel more comfortable with a solo female sitter.
• Solo vs Couple: Some owners believe a couple provides more "security" or better care for multiple pets. Others prefer a solo person because they have a small guest room or want less wear-and-tear on their home.
• Age Range Filters: Some owners seek a specific age range, for example, “a retired couple over 55”, to match the pace of their lifestyle or neighborhood.
• Subconscious Resemblance: Owners often subconsciously choose a sitter who resembles themselves. They believe the pet will adjust more easily to someone who feels familiar.
• Sitter Location: Even though the platform is focused on travel, many owners prefer a sitter from their own town. This often leads to rejections that have nothing to do with your profile or experience.

"A rejection is never a reflection of your worth as a sitter. Usually, it just means the owner found a specific 'type' of person they had pictured in their head."

My approach:

I send my application and I move on. I don't spend time wondering why I wasn't picked. The right sit is always the one that says "yes."