LETS TALK ABOUT KEYS

REMINDER: Our booking terms include the secure storage of your keys between cat-sitting visits…and there are some very good reasons why.

Today, we had 26 sets of keys waiting to be collected. 3 were picked up.

Each collection requires messages, scheduling and time set aside for me to remain at home. This often means rearranging cat visits or paying another sitter to cover them while I wait in.

Unfortunately, when people dont arrive as agreed, collections must then be rescheduled - sometimes more than once - creating even more scheduling, administration and waiting time.

For regular clients, I’ve found the same process happens every booking.

* Arrange and wait for the key collection after the booking

* Arrange and wait for the key to be returned to me before the next booking

* Chase keys that have not arrived in time

* Transfer keys between sitters where necessary

* Repeat the entire process after every future booking

As you can imagine, this quickly adds hours of unpaid work to every booking and may affect the time I have available to care for other clients’ cats too.

BUT - Secure key storage is part of our service and included in our booking terms!

Yep, to avoid all the back-and-forth, our booking terms state that Love Cats Croydon will safely store your keys between visits.

• Keys are kept securely, without names, addresses or identifying information attached.

• They are ready for your next booking and held by someone you already know and trust.

Professional keyholding is often a paid-for service, but Love Cats Croydon provides this at no additional cost.

Keeping your keys also means:

* You save two journeys every time you book

* Future bookings are easier to arrange

* Emergency and last-minute visits may be easier to accommodate

* There is no risk of a booking being delayed because keys have not arrived

* You have a trusted spare available if you lock yourself out

Lockouts happen more often than you might imagine…we assisted clients with 10 lockout rescues during August alone!

So this is a shout out, to say: Please leave your keys with us

Theyre your keys to your home, so of course, I understand, but unless we have agreed otherwise, please allow us to retain your keys securely after your booking, in accordance with our booking terms.

If you need them back between bookings, just note, you will be responsible for arranging their collection and returning them in plenty of time before your next booking. Availability for collections cannot be guaranteed, and missed appointments may delay future bookings.

I honestly believe leaving your keys with us saves everyone time, reduces unnecessary journeys and allows our sitters to focus on what you booked us to do: caring for your cats! That's why we include it as part of the service 🐈🔑🐈‍⬛️