Greetings,

Our Pet’s safety is often taken for granted, but it should be at the
top of the list when it comes to planning any out of town trips, or even
weekend getaways. Your Pet’s safety is priority for any serious pet
owner as we all know that our pets are inevitably to become very
important members of our family.

Let me please relate to you a story that happened last week.

I was called by a company that does pet sitting service. It seems the
owner of the pet sitting service lost, or misplaced the keys to a house
she was pet sitting. Needless to say, she needed to get into the
house that was locked, (to walk, feed and water the pet she was
caring for) and if I (who has a locksmith company) would come and
open the house.

Now this might sound simple enough, but one small problem for me.
How was I to know she was allowed in that particular house? What if
she was an “ex” with an agenda? What if her and her “boyfriend”,
“husband” or whatever were just staking out the house and wanted
in? I know these scenarios may seem absurd, but now a days,
thoughts like this run through my head.

We as locksmiths have to think liability.

So I asked the appropriate questions; do you live there, do you have
ID, do you have permission? As I said, sounds simple to start off with,
but this is serious, very serious. As locksmith’s we have the ability to
“compromise” the security of a house’s locks. We really just can’t ride
around and “break-in” to peoples homes just cause someone says
they are pet sitting.

The lady was very gracious, and understanding. She even offered to
call the owner to give me permission over the phone. I know, sounds
simple, but wait. What if it was just someone, anyone with a cell
phone and that house address. I could be given permission to let the
pet sitter into the house, but it might still not have been by the owner.

So, how could this whole unfortunate event have been different?

Let’s take time to do a little planning, for the sake of the pet sitter;
professional, next door neighbor kid or the locksmith that gets called
on jobs like this, and most of all, the poor pet that is like a family
member that just wants to go to the bathroom and eat!

Here’s my solution, simple and easy, only requires a few steps,
and everyone is protected.

As the home owner/pet owner, get a blank sheet of paper, photo
copy your driver’s license onto it. Write something on their giving
whoever is going to be watching Fido, or fluffy, permission to be given
access to your home should keys be lost or stolen. Next step, bring it
to a Notary and have them witness your signature then have them
emboss it with their seal.

These few steps, as drastic as they may seem will ensure that a
locksmith if needed is only letting an authorized person into your
property.

Of course we as locksmith’s would require proof of identification
from the pet sitter, neighbor etc that holds the piece of paper with
their name on it from you.

Remember, you don’t want to forget about  the safety of your furry
four-legged companions.

Trapper
Sherwood Locksmithing

PS…the above pet in question was “rescued” safe and sound.

Tags: home, locksmith, pet safety, pet sitting service, safety