House Sitters

On arrival at the Client’s home at the beginning of an assignment, the Sitter must go through with the Client the items listed on the “Client’s Checklist” prior to the Client’s departure.  For new clients this procedure is normally carried out at the pre-visit.

During the assignment the Sitter must respect the Client’s privacy and the whereabouts of the Client must be kept confidential, unless specifically requested otherwise by the Client.

Any telephone messages received or visitors calling must be accurately logged, including name, telephone number, date and time of call.

Great care must be taken at all times to prevent damage or loss to the Client’s property. In the event of any breakdown or damage to the Client’s equipment which cannot be easily rectified, professional assistance must be sought and a receipt obtained for reimbursement by the Client on their return. Any breakages, losses or damage incurred by the Sitter to the Client’s property must be noted on the Employee Report Form which the Sitter must prepare in respect of each assignment. Any item of significant value shall not be moved or cleaned during the assignment.

Receipts must be obtained for all food purchased or any cost incurred to the Client, such as emergency vets fees, for reimbursement by the Client on their return.  The Client will not be expected to reimburse you for these costs unless a receipt is obtained.

Should the Sitter need to make personal telephone calls, a note of these must be made and the Sitter must reimburse the Client prior to his/her departure.

We operate a No Smoking Policy.  Sitter may not smoke on the Client’s property at any time.

The Sitter must not leave the Client’s premises for more than three hours during daylight hours and no longer than an hour after dusk.

No personal visitors are allowed except in exceptional circumstances and never without prior permission by the Client.  Any visits must be discussed with HouseMinders prior to us approaching the Client for permission.

If the Sitter becomes ill during an assignment the Sitter must contact HouseMinders immediately.

Our Sitters are not authorised under any circumstances to accept bookings privately from a Client, which must be made by application to HouseMinders at its offices.

It is HouseMinders’ policy not to divulge our Sitters telephone numbers or addresses to Clients in the interests of our Sitters’ privacy and security.  Sitters are employees of HouseMinders and all contact with our Sitters must be made through HouseMinders.

HouseMinders shall not be held responsible for insurance cover on the Sitters’ own private car during an assignment.  Should the Sitter need to take an animal to the vet, the Sitter own car is unlikely to be adequately covered by their own insurance and HouseMinders therefore suggests that all vet visits are made at the Client’s property; alternatively use public transport or take a taxi to the vet.

If the Client offers the use of their own car, this is strictly a private arrangement between the Sitter and the Client.  HouseMinders accept no responsibility for any such arrangement made and it will be entirely at the risk of the Client.