Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a vareity of common questions and answers. Got a question we don't have listed? Get in touch with us today!

Why use SafeHouse Enterprises?

We are a local company to the West Sussex and surrounding areas and offer a personal, yet professional service with you and your peace of mind at heart. The business has been founded to offer a cost effective solution to the worries that many people have when vacating their properties – prevention is better than cure! SafeHouse is a member of NARPSUK (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters) , CRB checked and fully insured so that you can be assured that you are leaving what matters most, in very safe hands. Your property is never more vulnerable than when you are away, allowing SafeHouse to mind your property, drastically reduces the risk of unwanted attention and ensures you can truly relax in your absence without worrying about what may have happened in your absence. Traditional “house-sitting” is not only expensive (£250-£400 per week) and intrusive, but in most cases unnecessary. We offer an unobtrusive, more cost effective solution without any hidden costs attached.

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What type/ size of properties do you look after?

Our service is for everyone - from a flat, small cottage or town house to a large country estate - no matter the size of the property; we know it is valuable and important to you! We can also offer sitting staff to stay in houses that are vacant for sale or those awaiting probate.

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What will SafeHouse Enterprises do whilst we are away?

We visit the property at least twice a day to safeguard the security of the property. We will keep the areas of the house that we use clean and tidy; will water houseplants; deal with callers; all relevant care for all pets and livestock according to your instructions. If you want us to take on additional tasks it is essential that these are discussed with us at the outset to ensure that we fully understand and agree your requirements. There may be an additional charge for such tasks. SafeHouse Enterprises cannot accept any responsibility for activities outside those stated on our Terms and Conditions and detailed on our confirmation of booking.

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Do you offer a live-in Service?

Our core service is designed for the “mass market” and what we believe is a great value for money service, however we are happy to tailor our service to what suits you the customer and so any arrangements can be discussed and be assured that not only will you be leaving your property, possessions and pets in safe hands but we will also offer very competitive rates on all our services. Please contact us to discuss any specific requests or arrangements that you would require.

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Do you only visit twice a day?

This is our standard core service and what we believe offers the minimum care required to mind a vacated property and reduce the risk of unwanted attention/ visitors. If you would like more numerous visits then we are happy to discuss this with you.

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How do we know you have visited twice a day and everything is ok?

We offer a simple “missed call” service to a nominated number. When we are at your property we call the designated number from your home phone to notify you that your property has been visited and all is well. If there is an issue we need to discuss with you then we will extend the call to be answered, or leave a relevant message if unavailable.

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What happens if there is a problem while we are away?

We react sensibly to emergencies and if necessary will contact you directly to inform you of the problem that has arisen. We have a reliable list of troubleshooters and local professionals who are available at very short notice. Alpha Pet vets are on hand in case of any animal emergency or treatment required. No action will be taken without your prior knowledge and consent, unless deemed an emergency and then you will be contacted and notified at the earliest opportunity. SafeHouse Enterprises are fully insured with public and employer liability so you can be assured that no problem would be “left for you to find” on your return.

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How can I be sure that my pet(s) will be happy with you?

As animal lovers, we understand and appreciate just how much your animals mean to you. When you book, we take a very full brief on your pet’s requirements and normal routine. We always visit you prior to a booking being confirmed. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you/ your pet(s) to familiarise themselves with us. We have vast experience with a wide variety of pets and conform to NARPUK code of practice. If there are any special or unique requirements for your animals we are more than happy to discuss and agree these with you.

You can then go away happy and confident that your property, possessions and pets will be happy on familiar territory and in very safe hands

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Will you need to use my car?

Generally speaking no, however we are sometimes permitted & asked by the client to drive the client’s own vehicle; usually this is for a specific purpose where our own vehicles might be unsuitable (e.g. transporting large or numerous dogs etc) We are insured to drive any vehicle if this should be a requirement you need.

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What happens if my return is delayed?

Simply notify us of the delay and we will ensure that your service continues without interruption until your return. This is written into our standard terms & conditions and will be charged accordingly as per our daily rate.

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What animals do you have experience of?

We are proud to be experienced with a vast range of animals and are proud members of NARPSUK (Nationwide Associates of Registered Pet Keepers). Rest assured that as well as experience with cats and dogs we are also knowledgeable and experienced with rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, tropical ,coldwater & marine fish, ducks, chickens, domestic birds and reptiles – we understand that animals require care, love and attention to remain happy & healthy.

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Why is it better for my cat/ dog to stay at home rather than a kennel or cattery?

For most cats & dogs, their owner going out is not a problem; they're used to it, and they know that they will be back soon. Cats and dogs, particularly, worry when suitcases appear because they associate them with a longer separation and - worse - being taken to dog kennels or cattery. Placing pets in dog kennels or catteries can cause unnecessary stress and suffering.

When the pack goes away, the rule for all dogs and cats (but particularly dogs) is "guard the territory and wait until they return". If they're removed from the territory and the pack they can suffer significant "separation stress". This can present in symptoms such as pining, loss of appetite, gnawing, kennel cough, diarrhoea and self-harm.

Although most domestic cats appear to be very independent, they are territorial animals.  They become very attached to their home environment and are naturally frightened of unfamiliar places and smells.  Also most cats enjoy and benefit from human company (interacting with people on their own terms, of course!).  Cats are intelligent animals and they need both mental and physical stimulation – play is an important aspect of their behaviour.

If they are removed from their territory and their human companions, cats can suffer significant "separation stress".   Signs of this can include loss of appetite, spraying, scratching, hiding and excessive meowing.

The kindest and best arrangement you can make for your cat(s)/ dog(s) while you're away is to leave them at home in their familiar environment, following their normal routines looked after by Safehouse Enterprises, so they can feel "as if you’d never been away"!

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I'm going away, how do I book SafeHouse I can’t see a booking form online?

Due to the nature of the service we offer we do not deem it professional or ethical to accept a booking prior to meeting you first. We will be looking after what matters most to you so the least you can expect is our time in introducing ourselves, getting to know you, your property, your pets/ animals (if you have them), your requirements, routines and answering any questions you may have. To give you an idea here is an example booking:

You tell us your requirements; dates, duration, situation, special responsibilities etc. To ensure that we have a full brief, we will ask about your home (size, facilities, location, etc.) and will discuss security considerations and domestic and any other duties you may require. We will also want details of anyone else with access to your property in your absence.

If you have pets to be cared for, we will take details of their breed, age, temperament, state of health, any medication, sleeping arrangements, diet, exercise and grooming routine. Similarly, should you have livestock to be cared for, a careful brief will be taken on the duties and responsibilities involved.

We will arrange a personal visit to meet you, get to know the property, pets if have any and get a full understanding of your requirements, completing a check list to cover all key information for both parties.

You set off on your trip secure in the knowledge that your home, possessions and pets are being carefully looked after while you are away.

When you return, your home will be ready to welcome you – as if you’d never been away!

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When do we pay?

As customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to us here at SafeHouse we only request a 50% deposit before you depart and the outstanding balance paid once you return, with the knowledge that you are totally happy with the service we have supplied. Caring for your property, possessions and pets is a responsibility that we treat with care and honour ... we want you to value our service as much as we do!

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Is there a code of conduct for your service?

Although SafeHouse Enterprises Ltd is quite unique in the services we offer, you can rest assured that as members of NARPUK (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters) we adhere to their code of practice for all animal welfare (copy available on request) as well as being fully insured and all employees are CRB checked for your peace of mind. We want you to go away and relax knowing you’ve left everything in safe hands, every time you go away ...

Thank you for your interest in SafeHouse Enterprises Ltd and the Valuable services we offer, we look forward to hearing from you.

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