Pet Sitter House Key Handoff: A Home Access Checklist

A good key handoff settles four things in writing before the stay: how you get in, what you do if the lock fails, who else holds access, and how and when access comes back to the client. Home access is one of the most sensitive parts of the job. The client is trusting you with the door to their home, and a small slip, such as a key that does not turn or a code that was typed wrong, can derail the first visit. A short checklist takes the guesswork out.

This article is general guidance for independent sitters and dog walkers. Every home, building, and lease is different, so follow the client's instructions and any building rules that apply.

Why does home access need its own plan?

Because failures here are easy to run into and awkward when they happen. A sticky lock, a dead battery in a keypad, or a gate code that changed last week can leave you on the porch with a dog who needs to go out. And the client is often hours away. Settling access ahead of time means you can solve many problems yourself.

What are the common ways to get access?

Each has its own questions to ask:

• A physical key. How many copies exist, and which one are you getting? Is there a second lock, such as a deadbolt, gate, or garage door?
• A keypad or smart lock code. Is the code just for you, or shared? Can the client change it after the stay?
• A lockbox. Where is it, and who set the combination?
• A building contact. Doorman, concierge, or property manager, if the home is in a managed building. Ask whether they need to be told you are coming.
• The client or a neighbor at the door. Useful for short jobs, but it depends on someone else being available.

What should you check at the meet-and-greet?

Do not accept the key and head home. Test it while the client is standing next to you.

1. Lock and unlock every door you will use, from both sides.
2. Try the full route. Gate, building entrance, front door, and any inner door to the pet's area.
3. Ask about alarms. If there is a system, get the instructions for turning it off and on, and what happens if it goes off.
4. Note the quirks. "Pull the door toward you as you turn the key" is the kind of detail that saves a visit.
5. Check the entry for the pet. Which door is used for potty breaks, and is there a gate or latch to remember?

How should you handle a physical key?

Agree on this in writing:

• A label that does not identify the home. If a key is lost, a tag with the client's name and address makes it far easier for the wrong person to use. Many sitters use a code or number that only they can match to the client.
• Where the key stays between visits. On your person, in a locked place at home, or left with the client's lockbox. Pick one and keep to it.
• A note of when you received it. A short text such as "Received one front door key on Oct 28" is enough.
• A return plan. Hand it back at the end of the stay, or leave it where the client asked.

How should you handle codes?

Entry codes are easy to share and easy to leak, so treat them with care.

• Ask the client to send the code separately from the street address, when possible.
• Avoid leaving codes in shared notes, in a plain note next to the address, or on paper in your car. If you must keep one, use a locked or password-protected place and delete it when the stay ends.
• Ask whether the code can be changed or turned off after the stay. Some smart locks let the owner do this.
• Confirm the code works before the client leaves for the trip.

What if the lock fails?

Ask the client for a backup plan before they go.

1. Who else has a key? A neighbor, relative, or building contact.
2. Who should you call first if you cannot get in, and how long should you wait for an answer?
3. What should you do about the pet's needs in the meantime? Make a note of the time you arrived and the steps you tried.

If you are locked out, tell the client right away and say what you have already tried. Waiting until the end of the day to mention it only creates more worry.

What should you do when the stay ends?

• Return or hand off the key as agreed, and confirm it by text.
• Remove saved codes you no longer need, if your phone or notes hold any.
• Ask whether the client wants to change the code or lock settings. That is their call, but it is fair to mention it.

Keep a one-line record of the return, such as the date and how the key was handled. If a question comes up later, that record is quick to find.

Where does Pawstcard fit in?

Pawstcard is a pet sitting report card app we are building for independent sitters and dog walkers. It is for the update after the visit, not for keys or codes: you take your photos, the app drafts a note in your voice, you review it, and your client gets a link with no app or account needed. It is not released yet.

If you would like to hear when early access opens, you can join the early access list. The checklist above works with a paper form or any notes app.