The safest way to hand over keys to a pet sitter is in person at a meet-and-greet before your trip, with every key tested and every code written down. Alternatives are a trusted neighbour or a lockbox. With PetHome Israel, keys are kept securely by the sitter for the duration of the booking, never labelled with your address, and returned exactly as agreed.
In person
At the meet-and-greet you show the sitter the doors, codes, alarm and safe room, and hand over the keys. Test each key in the lock while the sitter watches; stiff locks are a common reason for a missed visit.
Through a neighbour or relative
If you are already away, a neighbour or relative can give the key to the sitter. Send us their name and phone, and tell them the sitter's name.
Lockbox
A key lockbox near the entrance works if your building allows it. Send the code privately and change it after the booking.
What to include
- Apartment door key and any second lock.
- Building entrance, gate and mailbox keys.
- Intercom or door codes.
- Alarm code and instructions.
- Parking instructions if relevant.
- A spare key with someone you trust in case a key is lost.
How keys are kept
Sitters keep keys separately from anything that shows your address, never hand them to third parties, and return them in person, through the agreed neighbour or in the lockbox at the end of the booking.
Regular clients
Many regular clients leave a spare key with their sitter between bookings, so each new trip only needs a message. This is agreed in writing.
Smart locks and codes
If your apartment has a smart lock, you can create a temporary code for the sitter and delete it after the booking. Tell us in advance and send the code privately, not in a group chat. Check that the lock has fresh batteries before you leave, and keep a physical key with a neighbour as a back-up.