{"id":2074,"date":"2018-03-19T08:15:20","date_gmt":"2018-03-19T12:15:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catsandhamsters.com\/?p=2074"},"modified":"2018-03-19T20:40:34","modified_gmt":"2018-03-20T00:40:34","slug":"giving-me-keys-to-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catsandhamsters.com\/en\/2018\/03\/19\/giving-me-keys-to-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving me keys to your home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keys, glorious keys. As I provide in-home cat visits, I carry a huge, heavy key ring of client keys. The weight of the keys is not just physical; it’s the weight of trust that my clients have in me to allow me access to their pets and their homes while they are away. I take this trust and responsibility very seriously.<\/p>\n

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Process<\/h3>\n

I normally receive client keys at the free consultation meeting, along with a non-refundable deposit that is credited back to the client’s upcoming pet sitting balance.<\/p>\n

I can also return at a later date to collect keys, if the client hadn’t gotten copies made yet, or wants to go over their cat’s routine again, however as I charge new clients for each additional pre-service visit, normally clients give me keys at the free consultation. Currently, I don’t charge for key return and subsequent key pick ups or key returns, or for picking up new keys if a current client’s locks are changed or if a current client moves within my service area.<\/p>\n

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Key issues I avoid<\/h3>\n

Some apartment buildings restrict the number of keys each tenant can have, so it’s not always possible to have a spare set of keys. Aside from that, it is a good idea for clients to have a spare set of keys to give me, and even just to have around for themselves. It is stressful coordinating\u00a0 if I have the client’s only set of keys. I never want the client to be locked out of their own home! Maybe the client is running late, or I am running late (traffic, unpredictability of animals, etc.), and it’s always tricky coordinating the exchange and someone is left waiting for the other person.<\/p>\n

I’m sometimes asked to pick up and return keys at concierge desks or from a friend\/neighbour, but I’ve just had bad luck with this arrangement. Either the front desk is unmanned for a long time – shift change? lunch? just… no one? – or the building office is only open one or two days per week for a couple of hours. This wastes my time and creates stress because I’m never sure if I’ll actually get the keys so I can get to the cat, or be able to return the keys to the appropriate person.<\/p>\n

Some clients ask me to leave their keys under the front mat, in the mail box, or on the kitchen table\/counter. No, I do not do this.<\/p>\n

A) Someone could see me put your keys under the mat or in the mail box, and once I leave, retrieve them and enter your home.<\/p>\n

B) Once I hide them and leave, who do you think has accountability for those keys? I followed your instructions… but if you cannot find the keys, how would you feel and what would you do about it?<\/p>\n

C) If I leave your keys inside your home and lock the door behind me, should you be delayed for whatever reason (weather, canceled\/missed flights, illness, last-minute change of plans) and need me to return the next day, I won’t be able to get in to care for your cat.<\/p>\n

Therefore, I must deliver keys in person.<\/p>\n

A number of my clients offer to drop off and pick up their keys at my home, thinking this will be easier for me. It’s not. I appreciate the thoughtful consideration, though! I am not, as I think some clients think, sitting on my couch all day watching Netflix with my cats. My business is full-time, seven days per week, and I do not have time to wait at home when I have a full day of cat visits to do. Places to go, cats to see! Also, I cannot disrupt my family by welcoming visitors early in the morning when we’re getting ready for the day or late in the evening when we’re trying to have family time or get ready for bed.\u00a0 This is why I offer complimentary key pick up and drop off.<\/p>\n

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Leave your keys with me<\/h3>\n

Logistically, it is more convenient to leave keys on file with me, and I encourage all of my clients to do this if they plan on using my service again. It’s great for:<\/p>\n