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How to handle client keys?

Hi Everyone,

I need advice please. I had a meet and greet today and the client asked me to come back to pick up her key tomorrow and drop the key off again after my last visit because she doesn't feel comfortable with me leaving it anywhere (which I understand). However, it is quite a drive each way and an inconvenience to make separate trips to pick up and drop off the key. Every other client either gives me a garage code or a spare key. Would you charge for this? How would you handle it?

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Key lock boxes are a terrific way to handle access to a residence. They are readily available at hardware stores and amazon. Real Estate Agents use them also.

My clients have mounted them outside the house, used the go around the door knob kind, and given me the code to their garage door, and then you can have separate lock box inside - or access through door. I do NOT like having a key to person's house full time - and I now refuse to take one. I explain safety wise it is better for them to have control of the key. should they have other contractors coming into the house - we can all use the same key. When someone is no longer authorized to enter the residence, change the code.

An interesting side benefit, is the times when the resident locks themselves out of their residence - a key is right there - no more having to break into your own home. It also allows me as the sitter to respond from anywhere - should the owner get stuck in traffic, the meeting that won't end - stuff like that. I don't have to worry about going home, getting a key, which vehicle I left the key in and all that.

I now require it of my clients. Clients who don't wish to, well.....that is their decision. I'm not a fan of people "just leaving the door unlocked". it really just isn't the best - and will often mean the insurance company does not have to pay for items stolen/trashed in a burglary. The other benefit to you is when there is a break-in or some other incident where the police ask "who else has access to your house"? - you only have access to the house when you are at the residence - and were across town - walking another dog etc.

Remember, you set the policies for YOUR business.

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It is definitely an inconvenience, but I don't charge for this as my service radius is quite small. If it involved more than a fifteen minute drive each way I would definitely consider charging an additional fee. For future bookings I politely suggest a lock box.

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I would suggest rather than picking up a key ahead of time, that you just meet the clients at their home before they leave. This way you don't have to take an extra trip. Then just wait for them to get home to pass the key back off to them.
(I should mention to make sure you charge the client if the time extends over the 24 hours. ie: If they leave in the morning and not come back till the night time, I would charge the owner as Doggie Day Care for the extra hours on the last day)

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Lock box is the way to go and I keep a spare in my car at all times. If you want to charge the client for the return visits I would anticipate pushback from them and/or you lose the booking.

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I implemented a $10 fee for any key exchanges, but for this one I think you will have to eat the time/effort. Lock boxes are a great solution as well :)