When you entrust your home and beloved pets to my care, I take my responsibilities seriously. The pre-booking forms and information I gather about pets are paramount and thorough. They ensure I know your pet family’s quirks, feeding schedules, and favourite toys. It also gives me all the information about their health, medication and vet details. This includes a Vet Release Form so that, in the unlikely event that I need to visit them with your pet, they will release them back to me after treatment. I have done several vet visits over the past year and not one has asked for this. However, it pays to be prepared, in my opinion.
Aside from the all-important information above, there are a few household specifics that reassure me that I will be equipped to handle any eventuality and also enjoy my stay. Here are five top things that may make all the difference:
1. Location of the Water Stopcock
Why is this important, you may wonder? Imagine the horror of a burst pipe or a leaky tap, discovered on a night-time loo visit at 2 am! Knowing the location of the water stopcock is crucial because it means I can swiftly cut off the water supply and prevent your home from becoming a mini–Niagara Falls. No one wants to wake up to an indoor pool, especially not your pets! So, a quick note or a marked spot on a map would be fantastic. Alongside that, an emergency plumber’s contact details for me to sort out the problem in the morning would be appreciated. Fortunately, so far I have never had to turn off the stopcock in any of my clients houses….long may that continue!
2. Location of the Fuse Box
Why is this important? Picture this: I’m peacefully watching TV with your pets, and suddenly, everything goes dark. Was it a ghost? A power outage? I must admit, those aren’t my first thoughts. As a homeowner, I am well used to thinking ‘tripped fuse’. Thinking this and locating the fuse box can be miles apart and difficult to navigate in the pitch dark! Knowing the fuse box location and having a basic understanding of its layout means I can quickly restore power. Plus, it keeps your pets from getting spooked by any unexpected extended periods of darkness – and listening to my cursing as I stumble in the dark looking in every room for the box. I have had to fix this issue in a couple of my clients homes and it really helped remedy the situation quickly, with minimum disturbance to the pets or myself.
3. Name and Contact for a Local Friend or Family Member
In case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances, having a local contact could be such a help. Maybe there is someone who holds your spare key in case I need it*. Or if there is a decision about an emergency to be made – in the event of not being able to contact my client – having a friendly, trusted local on speed dial is invaluable. Plus, it’s reassuring to know there’s someone nearby who can lend a hand if needed. I had to call on a clients family member once when a precious dog needed to go to the emergency vet and it meant I felt we were all doing the best for the poorly dog. On another recent occasion, one of my charges took ill suddenly and I had a 25 min drive to get to the family vet. Luckily, my own son was local and came with me to reassure the anxious dog on the trip. By the time we arrived, everything was much calmer and the little dog got treatment from her regular vet and we were soon home and recovering.
* I have an obsessive fear of losing keys! So far so good, but I did once think I had dropped them on a walk. It turned out they had fallen through a hole in my coat pocket and were rattling around in the lining of my coat, phew!
4. Instructions for Kitchen Appliances, Especially Induction Hobs
Alright, here’s where I can write from experience on the few things I have had problems with so far. They are not terribly serious but can make all the difference to how my experience of an assignment goes. For instance, have you ever tried to use an induction hob without the instruction manual? It’s like trying to crack a secret code! And they are all different. One wrong move, and you’re either staring at a cold pot, willing something to happen, or frantically waving your hand over a blistering hot surface, hoping the sensor picks it up. Detailed instructions or even a quick demo before you leave would be incredibly helpful. Trust me, your pets will thank you for the well-fed pet sitter that results from this!
5. TV Remote – Each Household Has a Different System
And finally, the TV remote. Every household seems to have its own unique setup and deciphering it can be a real head-scratcher. One remote turns on the TV, another changes the channels, and a third controls the volume—but only if you hold it at the right angle and ask nicely! Clear instructions or a universal remote would be most welcome. I often unwind in front of the TV and your pets will appreciate the company as we binge-watch the latest series.
I’ve got your pets covered with all the care and attention they deserve, quite rightly. However, these five household tips ensure I can handle any situation that arises. I’m sure other house and pet sitters might have different requests, these are mine. With your help, I’ll have an enjoyable stay, and your home will be in safe, capable hands. So, when you’re preparing for your next trip, remember to leave these crucial details. Your pets and I will be eternally grateful!
