One question I'm frequently asked about pet sitting (besides wondering if pet sitting is one word or two) is how I deal with cameras. Everyone is quick to exclaim they could NEVER be in a house with cameras.
You mean, except for your own house, right?
If worrying about hidden cameras is preventing you from jumping into the world of pet sitting, here are a few tips to help you take a giant step into this century.
Let’s start with the basic assumption that everyone has cameras, whether they realize it or not.
Ding Dong! A Digital Doorbells is a Camera
On the exterior of their home, most homeowners have a video doorbell (I’m looking at you, Ring), as well as cameras monitoring the exterior of their property. While these cameras are meant to protect from outside elements, homeowners quickly realize they can monitor your comings and goings, and you’ll never be the wiser.
This means you need to be clear on expectations up front and deliver on those expectations. If the owner walks the dogs three times a day, you walk the dogs three times a day. If you are an overnight sitter, your car better be in that driveway all night long. Keep in mind the neighbors also have cameras, so you really want to do what you say you’re going to do.
Hey Google, Are You Watching Me?
Moving to the interior of the home, most people are open about where cameras are located and happy to point them out during the initial meet and greet. Typically, cameras are focused on areas where pets eat, play, and sleep. Owners like to check in virtually during the workday.
For you, dear pet sitter, these cameras are a bit of a nightmare. I have to admit, I find it very annoying when the owner is constantly texting to tweak how thinly I’ve sliced the three, peeled cucumber pieces for their pet (another story for another time).
However, this is all part of the job. My ultimate goal is for the client to enjoy their time away. I feel sharp pangs of disappointment when an owner feels they have to monitor things back home.
Privacy, Please!
Of course, you’re entitled to some privacy during your stay. During your initial meeting, you should request no cameras in the bedroom and bathrooms you'll be using. You can also add this language to your contracts to give you a legal leg to stand on if needed.
Once you're there, you'll notice every home has its creaks, bleeps, and hums. It’s hard to detect if you’re being watched. Here’s a fun way to check for hidden cameras. Grab something to eat and sit somewhere you should not be eating it. A Pop Tart on a white sofa usually does the trick. If the texts start rolling in – the client forgot to mention they never eat anywhere but the dining room – you know what you’re dealing with.
But seriously, here are five steps for when those texts start rolling in:
When you hear the ding on your phone, BREATHE. Exhale, then BREATHE!
Acknowledge you’ve received the text.
If you did something incorrectly, confirm you understand the correct way they'd like it done moving forward and commit to doing it that way.
Try not to overexplain yourself – you’ll only sound defensive. Put yourself in their shoes to help get them back on track and enjoying their vacation as quickly as possible.
Remember, this too shall pass. You are a guest in their home for a limited amount of time. Once you complete your stay, you can decide if you’d like to continue servicing this client.
Good chat. Bark at you soon!
©That Copy Cat 2024
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