When we joined in July 2019, I did not ask enough Q’s, I felt like I was being intrusive, also the HO were new also, some did very extensive Handovers/Manuals etc, some so basic like the Vet’s Number, a local CP for ICE and the basics about the Dog or Cat. After a couple of experienced HO sits, I got my own list together after each HO provided either the TH Manual or their own via Email and then I would fill in the gaps.
Vets: Please make them aware and have my Name, Mobile number and ID i would be providing if there was an emergency. We got caught out when a dog came on heat early and there was male dogs at the sit also, the Receptionist wanted to speak with the Owners, I just wanted clarification, I was not taking the Dog in for morning after pill etc, the Owners were in NZ.
Pets: Nature, their quirky behaviours, dislikes (all of them) that one Dog that makes them very reactive and seem threatening even though they are just scared. The Lady down the Street who just doesn’t like the Dog breed and her Dogs react every time they see the Dog because they can pick up on her Energy. The area of the Garden that the Dog could escape if it really wanted to.
I ask loads of questions about the Pets, so much so that the HO quite often say “My Vet doesn’t ask this many questions” usually your Pets are going for a check up or needles, if they are going for surgery, your pet is not going to behave “normal” if it’s an emergency your Pet is going to be “highly destressed”.
I have had HO let me know that they have an Elderly Parent who might forget where they are and turn up at the Door, I said I’d happily make them a cup of tea and call the CP to come collect them, however is there a Photo of them? well there is now. The same with eg Adult Children who have their Mail and Parcels sent to HO home, again there is a Photo now and said Children have been advised not to just use their Keys to walk in like they usually would, ring the Bell and wait.
I always ask after I have done a 100 Q’s on the Pets, the Home, is there a sticky door or key, what Windows don’t close after being opened! noises that the HO are used to that might startle us and in turn the Pets, a Stair that’s a bit iffy, when does the Hot Water/Heating turn on and off etc, Fridge/Freezer/Cupboard space is a must as we bring all our food and fill fridges full of F&V, we are not so worried about Wardrobe, Draw space (unless it is more than 4 weeks, then it gets a bit annoying living out of a Bag) Bathroom space is a yes, a Parking space.
I ask the HO to note down all the CP and Mobile numbers for them, their Kids and local CP just in case coverage is Bad etc, you want to be able to resolve a problem quickly.
Quirky things in the Home, eg Electrics, when we get there, I ask them to show me where the said fuses are and what rooms or appliances are likely to trip it off and the Electrician’s number’s, this applies to the Water and Gas ( the HO has always had a local tradesmen who knows their property and them ) We found this out and he came over before he started his day, I had come downstairs at 5.30am ( that’s a sleep in for me…) the fridges and freezers were all off and I checked the 1 fuse box I knew about, however couldn’t find the other one, I texted the Electrician so he would get the text when he started his day, he rang me and came over before starting his other jobs for the day, it did happen again, I didn’t need to call him, I just went to the other fuse box.
I ask so many Q’s because I don’t want to bother the HO on their time away, and I don’t want the unexpected of things that can usually happen in a Home/Pets, having lived in lots of Homes around the World and having many Pets over the Years, I have learned “there’s always something” I want to be able to send a HO a happy update each am/pm with a Pic of their Pets that everything is good and have a great day.
If a HO was ever not willing to disclose details about their Pets/Home i’d be curious. I have only ever had 1 who after messages back and forth and then got to the Video interview, started to tell me about the Breed of the Dog and it’s “quirky” behaviours, I decided it was not a good fit for my Tweens (they are both Autistic) I wasn’t bothered for myself as I have owned what is considered a dangerous breed and with the right training and reinforcement you can have a very well behaved, obedient dog (you still don’t leave them alone with small children unsupervised) however I wanted the Tweens to be able to Walk the Dog without me for the pm walks, we do the am they do the pm. When I explained this to the HO they suggested just doing the am walk, I explained I wasn’t comfortable with that as the Dog has it’s routine and we try to stick to the routine as much as possible as to make sure the dog is happy and settled, they agreed.
I think it depends on the sitters because if you need to go to Work, your on Public Transport, you want to know all the details, eg the local bus (is it reliable or are going to miss your first connection several times a week etc)
For us it’s a good Wifi connection as I work remotely and the Teens do HE online via modules, We are all on different mobile networks to gain coverage, I have an unlimited Sim so they can Hotspot off mine if coverage is not good.
Sorry this is so long, there are so many Q’s that could be asked, I think it’s a HO/Sitter unique situation and after the House Manual has been sent to you, then formulate your Q’s that have not been answered already.