Pet-Sitting Options: Weighing Pros and Cons

I have a pet sitter coming to the house tomorrow after work. I'm under no obligation to book them for future pet-sitting and there's no charge for the initial visit. This particular employee has been with the company only since March, though she has a farm background and has pet-sat privately. I have her police background check (from our city, not from other jurisdictions) and I've contacted a past client for a reference.

I have the option of giving them my house keys tomorrow, which they would keep on file and which would make a sudden need to fly east a bit easier. My first reaction is not to do this at this time, but just pay the $5.50 charge for key pick up if and when I do book with them.

However, and here's where the pros and cons come into play, would it be worth it to hand over a set of keys to them, in the event of any emergency for ME? What happens if I'm hit by a bus and end up in hospital? There's no one to call to come and immediately take care of the boys, whereas I could have a note in my purse to contact the pet-sitting company in the event I'm incapacitated and can't get home to care for them.

Giving house keys to strangers does NOT sit well with me. Hell, I don't even trust people I know, let alone people I don't.

But would it be practical, in my situation? There's nothing of value in the house to steal, that's not a concern.

Thoughts?

Comments

Rian said…
Kim, I don't know what to tell you concerning giving your key. I would have the same hesitations you mentioned and the fact that you basically live alone (with the boys) would make me even more hesitant. But I understand that it could be helpful. However, if anything happened to you, I'm sure there are people you know that would take care of the boys in an emergency.
May 26, 2015 at 10:54 AM
ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
Kim
I think I would interview them first and then think about it. Your concerns are very valid. But I think you can say that logically you've had nothing happen to yourself up to this point and odds are nothing will happen (in for foreseeable future) anytime soon. Give yourself the chance to evaluate all aspects of this. I thought there were two services you were going to interview? Did you narrow it down to this one?
May 26, 2015 at 11:10 AM
Kea said…
I'm not interviewing the second company at the moment because I don't like their business model. The consult with the second co. is free IF you book a minimum of 3 visits @ $15 each. In other words, the consult would be $45. I don't agree with that, I think an initial consult should be without charge.
May 26, 2015 at 11:17 AM
Angel Simba said…
As you say, pros and cons. Perhaps go with the idea that, if you give them a key in order to pet sit, then after that you could leave it with them for the "just in case" scenario?
Simba's Mom
May 26, 2015 at 11:22 AM
John Bellen said…
I don't like the idea of handing my house keys to strangers, either. Let them take what they want to steal, my concern would be my cats. I would probably not give them keys if it were solely for helping myself if I were in an accident.

Have you gone on-line to search for reviews of the business and any mention of the individual in question?

There's also the option of intimating to the person that there isn't anything you wouldn't do to someone who harmed your cats...
May 26, 2015 at 11:24 AM
Kea said…
I'm actually waiting for references from two police officers for whom this person has pet sit.
May 26, 2015 at 11:28 AM
Kea said…
My current thought is to meet with her and if that meeting goes well, to book (paid) her to come back 2 - 3 times *while* I'm home, so that I can become more comfortable with her--and the cats too. Ideally I'd like her to be able to administer the Flovent, because it would free me up to be away for a day or even overnight if need be. I'll see how things go tomorrow, though. NO key exchange! I do have keys at work, and all my instructions and contact info is at work, at home on the fridge, and always in my purse too.
May 26, 2015 at 11:41 AM
Kea said…
P.S. They ARE very well reviewed, can't find anything negative about them. Also, I called my vet clinic to ask if anyone there knows them and someone there knows OF the company, again, with nothing bad heard.
May 26, 2015 at 11:45 AM
Cat Lover said…
I think you are on the right track. See how you feel about her and how the boys feel about her. I agree with you about the key exchange. You are very well organized with all your info so there should be no problems.
May 26, 2015 at 12:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Go with your gut...and your heart! Hug.
May 26, 2015 at 1:46 PM
Angel Simba said…
Yup. That sounds good.
May 26, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Cats Herd You said…
That sounds sensible. My previous cat sitter kept a key and actually offered a lock-out service. I forget the fee, but they would come and let you in your house if you managed to lock yourself out. Probably less expensive than replacing a window, anyhow. But I didn't give them my key until I needed the service, then had them keep it. The only time I needed the lockout service was the time I locked myself inside the front porch, and I probably would have been too mortified to call them for help if someone else with a key hadn't been available!
May 26, 2015 at 2:18 PM
BeadedTail said…
I totally understand your reservations but you also have a very good instinct so you'll make the right decision. Hope Nicki is doing well! Isabella had an attack the other day but it's the first in a very long time so hopefully a fluke.
May 26, 2015 at 2:57 PM
Katie Isabella said…
I understand, but my sitter has had my house keys for 12 years. She is bonded, insured and passed a background test and is well known. Katie is crazy about her and I have invited her recently to visit just for the fun of a visit.
May 26, 2015 at 3:07 PM
Katie Isabella said…
I think you'll be fine really Kim.
May 26, 2015 at 3:08 PM
Katie Isabella said…
If this person is vetted, meaning of course checked out and is local, I would not worry that they will harm the boys. If they are licensed and bonded and perhaps affiliated with a Vet? Ask. Call the Vet and some of the others she sits for.
May 26, 2015 at 8:10 PM
Poppy Q said…
Is there an option for you to leave a set of keys with a work mate? I uses a company that came in and fed my old cat puss several times and they were awesome, they also bought mail in and watered house plants.

Julie
May 27, 2015 at 3:28 AM
meowmeowmans said…
I agree with Katie and her Mom. But you have to do what YOU feel comfortable with, Kim.
May 28, 2015 at 12:12 AM
Laila and Angel Minchie said…
I'd be a little leary too leaving my keys with strangers. However, I would consider if they sat for police officers. I do cat/dog sitting but only for people I know. I have most of their house keys.
May 28, 2015 at 9:53 AM
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