Having strangers stay in your house is a worry but trustesthousesitters vet them and provide insurance (for an extra fee) to reassure you that your home and pets are in safe hands. Unfortunately when things go wrong, as they did in our case, they will not step in and help.

We had a sitter for 17 nights who left our dog for hours on end, 11 hours on one occasion, resulting in multiple complaints from neighbours. When we returned the house was filthy and we were left with hundreds of pounds of damage. They also had a guest when we’d said no. Not what you want to come home to after 24 hours of travelling.

I’ve sent lots of emails and video / photo evidence to trustedhousesitters but not had a proper response. They really couldn’t be less interested. This sitter is probably still on their books so be aware and check reviews carefully before booking. I certainly won’t use the service again.