Keys, Access & Home Security
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Your home is treated with the same care as your pet
Inviting someone into your home requires trust.
Little Spirit takes access, privacy and security seriously, with clear arrangements made before every booking so you know exactly how your home will be accessed and cared for while you’re away.
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Key Handover
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Keys can be provided during your meet & greet or at another mutually agreed time before your booking.
Depending on what works best for you, access may be arranged using:
• A physical key
• A secure lockbox
• Reception or concierge collection
• Another agreed access method
Any instructions relating to access will be confirmed before your booking begins.
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Key Storage
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If I am holding a key for you, it will be kept securely and will not be labelled with your full address or identifying personal information.
Keys are only used for the purpose of providing the agreed pet care.
They are never shared with another person without your permission.
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Alarm Codes & Entry Instructions
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If your home has an alarm, smart lock, gate code or other security system, please provide clear instructions before your booking.
Any access codes or security information you provide are treated as private and used only where necessary to enter or secure your property.
If there are any unusual entry procedures, it’s always helpful to run through them during the meet & greet.
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Lockboxes
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Lockboxes can be a convenient option for repeat bookings or where handing over a physical key isn’t practical.
If you choose to use one, you are responsible for making sure it is securely fitted, functioning correctly and accessible on the day of your booking.
Please let me know immediately if the code changes.
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Hotels & Holiday Accommodation
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For holiday pet sitting, access arrangements vary depending on where you are staying.
This may involve:
• Meeting you at your accommodation
• Being provided with a room key or access card
• Key collection from reception
• Access through a holiday-let lockbox
• Another arrangement agreed with you or the accommodation provider
Where necessary, please confirm that your accommodation provider is happy for a pet sitter to access the property.
Parking permits, reception instructions or other access requirements should also be arranged in advance wherever possible.
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During Your Booking
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Your home will be treated respectfully throughout your pet’s care.
I will only use areas of the property that are reasonably necessary for looking after your pet unless we have agreed otherwise.
Doors, windows, gates and access points will be secured according to the instructions you provide.
If I notice anything unusual such as an open window, damaged lock, alarm issue or unexpected access problem I will contact you as soon as practical.
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Other People Entering the Property
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Please let me know in advance if anyone else is expected to access your home during the booking, such as:
• Family members
• Friends or neighbours
• Cleaners
• Gardeners
• Maintenance workers
• Other pet-care professionals
This helps avoid confusion and makes sure everyone knows who may be entering the property.
Little Spirit cannot take responsibility for the actions of other people accessing the home during the booking.
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Cameras & Home Monitoring
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If you use indoor security cameras, pet cameras, doorbell cameras or other recording equipment, please let me know before the booking.
Outdoor security cameras and doorbell systems are absolutely fine.
For privacy, cameras should not be positioned in areas where a pet sitter would reasonably expect complete privacy, such as bathrooms or any room being used for sleeping during an overnight booking.
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Returning Your Keys
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After your final booking, keys can be:
• Returned directly to you
• Left in an agreed secure location
• Returned to reception or another authorised person
• Retained securely for future bookings, if you would prefer
If you would like me to hold a key for future visits, this can be agreed separately.
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If a Key Is Lost or Damaged
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Every reasonable precaution is taken when handling client keys.
If a key entrusted to Little Spirit is lost or damaged while in my care, I will let you know immediately and work with you to resolve the situation. Little Spirit's insurance currently covers costs for lost or damaged keys.
For security reasons, keys are not stored alongside identifying address details.
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Emergency Access
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If an emergency occurs involving your pet or property and I am unable to reach you, I may need to contact the emergency person listed on your booking information.
Please make sure their contact details remain up to date.
If urgent action is reasonably necessary to protect your pet or property, I will always try to contact you first wherever circumstances allow.
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Clear Arrangements. Peace of Mind.
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Before every booking, access arrangements are agreed in advance so there are no surprises on the day.
If you have a particular security system, unusual access requirements or anything you would like to discuss privately, just mention it when you enquire or during your meet & greet.
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