Managing keys is one of the most basic skills a pet sitter needs to master. We all know that sinking when we can’t find a key! And security must be a priority.

So what are the options for managing keys as a pet sitter?  We share our favourite solutions below!

Lock Box

Lock boxes are secured to the outside of a customer’s property and need a PIN code to open them.  The house keys are kept inside so are available 24/7 without needing to hold a key yourself.

If your customer has one of these then you must ensure you keep the lock code somewhere securely, but with easy access to it.  The best way to do this is to store it in the customer’s record within Pet Sitter Dashboard.

What are the pros and cons of using a lockbox?

Pros

• The customer is control of their own keys and can use this method of storage for other people who might need to visit, like a cleaner for example.
• A PIN code is easier to share between more than one pet sitter if you run a team.
• A PIN code is easier to change, which is good practice for extra security.

Cons

• If the customer forgets to leave a key you can’t get into their property.
• The customer could change the PIN code and forget to tell you.

Colour-coded keyring

If you hold keys for customers you will need to have a system for storing and identifying keys securely.  You shouldn’t write their name or address on a key fob as it could be stolen and used to burgle the customer’s house.

Using coloured key rings is a good way to identify which key belongs to each customer. You can write a number on each key ring and store the colour/number away from the keys.  Pet Sitter Dashboard has a field for doing this within the customer record.

Here is the security data available within Pet Sitter Dashboard.

Key Chain

A variation on the colour-coded key rings is to store all the keys on a key chain (like a prison jailer!)

What are the pros and cons of using key rings or key chains?

Pros

• A key won’t fall out of your pocket.
• It’s easier to find a big key chain.
• A key chain can be attached to your belt.

Cons

• If you keep the keys at home there’s a chance you’ll forget them when you set out for a pet sitting appointment.

Key Safe

If you hold customers’ keys you should invest in a key safe.

This one is available from Amazon for £39.99 and can be fixed to a wall.

In summary

Security is vital when handling customers’ keys as a pet sitter so we hope these ideas help you manage them successfully!

We hope these ideas have helped you find a solution to storing customers’ keys.   Pet Sitter Dashboard has a range of features which help with the admin for running a pet business.  Find out more here 

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