In less than a month, we are starting a pet sitting where the woman says we have to pick up the keys the day before because she has nowhere to leave them.
She didn’t say this from the beginning, and we’re currently at another pet sitting in a different country.
She said like 3 weeks ago something like will be great if we can come the day before for the keys and I pointed out that it depended on whether we had another pet sitting or not and she doesnt answer me so i supposed thats ok.
Also, she speaks to me in another language, and I answer her in English but anyway she said that like is the only option…
What should I do? We are in another country until the same day that start this pet sitting.
Even if we can find a solution we will need to pay a hotel that cost minimum 80 euros, we are used to that but i dont see any solution.
Sounds like poor communation. Important things like this should be agreed on in advance. It’s both parties responsbility to be comfortable with the handover. I don’t see language as a huge barrier as it’s quite a simple thing. What info/advice are you actually seeking here in the forum?
If the conversation happened as you said and you did not promise her and specifically told her ONLY if you didn’t have another sit would that be possible then she needs to make some arrangements for you to pick up the key. Maybe if she is not comfortable leaving with a neighbor or under the mat, she has a friend or family member she can leave it with who is willing to get it to you or you getting it even if an hour away. I think this needs to be worked out now. Sounds like there are two of you. Can one leave early, pick up the key and stay there overnight if you don’t want to pay for a hotel. I have a feeling there may have been a language mixup in understanding.
Reply to the host explaining that is not possible The host will have to find a solution - you could suggest that she gets a key box
You could send a message like this
“Unfortunately, it won’t be possible for me to change my travel arrangements, as I have already made plans to arrive in the country on the agreed start date.
My travel itinerary is as follows:
Flight number: [Flight number]
Arrival date: [Date]
Arrival time: [Time]
Airport: [Airport]
I can also provide a copy of my flight ticket as confirmation that my travel arrangements have already been made and that I will be arriving on the start date.
As I will be arriving as planned, I would be grateful if you could please arrange a way for me to access the property when I arrive. One possible option could be a key box, if that is suitable, but I’m happy for you to decide what arrangement works best.
Please let me know how you would like to arrange access.”
Could you perhaps suggest she fit a key safe? They aren’t expensive and come in handy for the homeowner if they ever lose or forget their keys..
It is very important to discuss and confirm arrival and departure times well in advance.
She was very clear in her last message that she doesnt have where to put the keys. Of course i know under the mat, a box locker etc can be an option but she was that or nothing. If we cant go the day before to take the keys i think she will cancel. The pet sitting start begining September, so very soon…
She sounds unreasonable and it doesn’t bode well for a stress free sit. If she does cancel she will also be in a fix and will need to find cover at short notice.
I agree with sending her your flight details.
Let us know the outcome.
This is a quote from a recent thread from the host’s point of view. They have a similar issue and it emphasises the need for good communication and not changing plans at the last moment (unless there is an emergency).
Have you asked her to leave the keys with a neighbour, family member, emergency contact? Tell her you’ll happily go to their house to collect the keys from them.
Is staying at her place the night before not an option?
I know that may not be optimal, but it sounds like the problem (for you) isn’t that you have a flight or train ticket for a different day, it’s the cost of accommodation. On top of being uneasy about this HO in general, of course.
I think you need to decide if this is a sit you still want. If so, let the HO know you can come the day before if they host you. If that option does not appeal or make it worthwhile, or if they say no, just cancel.
And it does sound like communication about this in both directions was sloppy. I put the responsibility on the HO to make their needs very clear from the beginning, but once this came up it was in your best interest to be more clear than your message here indicates, and to keep following up if an agreement hasn’t been communicated.
From recent posts, I think this is a sitter who doesn’t like video calls or overnight stays with hosts which may make the situation a bit more tricky to navigate. #timetotalk
Yes, and this is why I think OP needs to really evaluate what they wants from sits and look at how they can adapt to have more success in the vetting process.
Yes I completely understand that. I could be wrong but I thought you were the same sitters who don’t like doing video calls or committing to overnight stays. If you were open to arriving early then that could be one solution or you could do an extra lengthy video call and cover all the bases with the host including a potential key solution. Apologies if I’ve confused you with another sitter. #bestofluck
@Traveler27, suggest communicate with pet parent. Use google translate, or equivalent, for written messages as appropriate.
As a suggestion for future learning, we never make such assumptions. Like you, we housesit internationally. We cannot simply change our plans on the whim of a pet parent. So we agree logistics upfront.
At this time, suggest reflect on how much do you want to progress this sit? Then advise pet parent if collection of key day before is a dealbreaker for them. While most of our housesits have involved in-person handover then a good handful have not … and pet parent has found some way to pass keys. It’s usually not that difficult.