OP, I know you prefer individual names over agencies, so my experience might not be helpful. On two different trips, I used Destination Sitters. Maybe out of luck or maybe because it is a small office operation, I got the owner both times I called. I was given the name of a specific sitter (whom the agency had used for years) and was given her background and experience. She was awesome, so I specifically requested her the 2nd time and will do so again this November. The billing was straightforward and exactly as described on their website and repeated on the phone.
The first time, I made a suggestion about the $10 parking fee to the sitter, and the owner mistakenly thought I was complaining. I received a call within a couple hours to address my concern (which wasn't actually a concern at all). I share that because the agency was trying to satisfy its customer, even one who isn't local and wouldn't use their services regularly.
Good Luck! When you get a good sitter you can trust, you'll enjoy your dinner that much more!
