As a professional pet sitting business owner, one of the most important parts of my job isn’t just caring for pets; it’s ensuring that we can reliably and securely access a client’s home to care for the pets. For years, this meant our clients trusted us with a set of keys to keep filed away at our office for use during visits. In recent years, we’ve transitioned to promoting the many benefits of using a lockbox to securely keep keys at your home. I can confidently say it’s a system that works wonderfully for pet sitters, pets, and pet parents alike. Lockboxes & pet sitting go hand in hand!
Hearts at Home Lockbox Policy
To deliver the most dependable service, Hearts at Home requires two sets of house keys and the use of a key storage lockbox, even if electronic access is provided. This policy ensures continued access to your pet in the event of electronic entry malfunctions. Most keypad locks are battery-operated and can malfunction when the battery is depleted. Similarly, garage doors fail during power outages, which is why key access is so important.
Lockbox Best Practices
The use of a secure lockbox provides clients with the assurance that their keys are safely stored at their residence. To make this process as seamless as possible, we recommend following these tips:
-
Acquire a lockbox with a minimum four-digit code, suitable for hanging from a doorknob, railing, or wall mounting. My favorite lockbox can be found here.
-
Place the lockbox in an easily accessible yet secure location. Making it easily accessible to both you and your Hearts at Home pet care specialist(s) increases efficiency and convenience for future services.
-
Place two (2) full sets of keys – each set on its own ring – in the lockbox. Do not stuff the rings in to avoid jamming the lockbox. If you have too many keys, either get a larger lockbox or narrow it down to the most important key, i.e., your front door key.
-
Enter your lockbox code into Time to Pet and keep your lockbox code updated if you change it. Time to Pet is the most secure way for us to communicate and store this kind of information, as all communication in Time To Pet is done with the same 128-bit level encryption used by banks. Their data centers are also staffed by 24/7 security.
For pet parents residing in apartments and condos, exceptions may be considered, and alternative arrangements will be discussed to accommodate specific circumstances. Contact us if you have any questions on your particular situation.
The Convenience of Lockboxes
First, lockboxes make the handoff of keys incredibly simple. Instead of trying to coordinate schedules for us to pick up or drop off a key before every trip, which I have had pet parents request, homeowners can place keys in the lockbox and share the code with us in advance.
If you travel frequently or book pet care on short notice, the lockbox ensures we have immediate access when needed. It’s also helpful for multi-day reservations, as we don’t need to carry a client’s key around town between visits. And, if you unexpectedly need a same-day visit, we can head directly to your home; no need to dig into the office keys before rendering care.
The Security of Lockboxes
From a safety standpoint, lockboxes are far superior to hiding keys under doormats or fake rocks. Those “secret” spots are often the first place burglars check, which is why Hearts at Home Pet Sitting does not accept keys this way.
By storing keys in a sturdy, combination lockbox, homeowners can rest assured that only trusted people with the code can gain access to the home. Additionally, the lockbox eliminates the risk of key loss because, when used correctly, keys remain locked when not in use.
A Back-Up for Your Back-Up
With a lockbox, you can easily grant backup access to a neighbor, family member, or other trusted individual. All you have to do is share the code. You own the box and the code, so you get to decide who to share it with and when to change the code, too.
When inclement weather hits or emergencies arise, this flexibility is invaluable. If we were ever unable to complete a visit due to severe weather, road closures, or any other unforeseen circumstance outside of our control, we would call you and work together to find a solution, be it through your emergency contact or someone located within walking distance to your home. For the pets, that means their care remains consistent and uninterrupted no matter what.
Lockboxes & Pet Sitting
At the end of the day, pet sitting is about creating peace of mind. As a pet parent, you want to know your pets are safe, your homes are secure, and your sitter can be relied upon without complications. Lockboxes offer a simple yet powerful way to ensure all of that. From convenience to security and backup flexibility, they’ve become one of my favorite tools as a pet sitting professional.
The Best Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers in Yorktown & Neighboring Communities
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting has been providing trusted, professional pet care in the Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia areas since 2012. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.
Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
0 Comments