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House & Pet Sitter Requirements (Not negotiable)

All house sitters are required to be SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS between the ages of 23 and 65 (working or retired) and must be in the possession of the following before being selected to house/pet sit:

POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE (ensuring no criminal record), and a copy of valid driver’s license and ID.  A recent head and shoulder digital photo along with CV and two or more written / contactable references must be submitted with all of the above.  OWN TRANSPORT IS ESSENTIAL.   

House sitters must be reliable, responsible, and available to house sit homes and pets during the day or for sleepovers as requested by the client.

House sitters must be animal lovers; must be of sober habits and non-smokers; must be house proud – leaving the house in the condition, it was found in. 

House sitters are required to report in daily to confirm all is in order via sms. 

House Sitters and Pet sitters offer the same services, while House Sitters sleep over and Pet Sitters can come in once or twice per day.  Our Retired Sitters stay all day and night, and are permitted to go out 3 hours per day if needed.  Please email hothfoundation@telkomsa.net with your specific requirements.

Housesitting Services Include:

  • Collection of keys no less than 24 hours before client departs on leave/business trip and returning of keys within 24 hours after the client arrives back home/or as arranged with client
  • Arrive at client’s house no later than 19h00 in the evenings to sleep over (if working).  House-sitter/s are not permitted to leave the premises before sunrise unless in an emergency and have notified HOTHHS.
  • House-sitters are to send an sms to the client and HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS  daily indicating “All is OK” from personal cell phone/or as arranged with client.
  • To take reasonable instructions regarding the client’s house and pets whilst on the premises as follows: 
  • House Sitters and Pet sitters offer the same services, while House Sitters sleep over and Pet Sitters can come in once or twice per day.  Our Retired Sitters stay all day and night, and are allowed to go out 3 hours per day if needed
  • Water plants and garden
  • Feed animals, fill water bowls, administer medicine and play with pets, feeding garden birds and filling up bird baths (Walking dogs is at an additional charge of R50)
  • If there are more than five animals, an additional charge of R50.00 will be added per day.
  • Switching lights on and off and Activating and deactivating your alarm system
  • Taking out garbage bins and removing junk mail from your letter box/gate
  • Open up for gardener/garden service or domestic worker upon client’s instruction
  • Maintain the swimming pool (Mowing the lawn is at an additional charge)
  • Are not to play load music or disturb the neighbors in any way
  • Are not to help themselves to food, toiletries, detergents, etc. in the client’s house, but must cater for their own needs at their own cost.
  • Are not permitted to use the client’s phone, internet cable or similar.
  • Are not permitted to entertain friends on the premises or allow strangers onto the premises without the owner’s notification/consent.
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How to book a House Sitter

Should be in agreement with our rates, kindly request a quotation via e-mail specifying your date of departure and return date, the area in which you reside, your requirements for the house or pet sitter and your full contact details.

Once we receive your confirmation via email, we will forward you a profile of an available and confirmed house sitter to meet with you.  Upon your approval thereof, you will be required to pay the R160.00 deposit into the following business account:

 

BUSINESS BANKING DETAILS: WOLLNIK AND ASSOCIATES / ABSA BANK – RIVONIA

CHEQUE ACCOUNT 405 955 2113 / BRANCH CODE 632005

Kindly forward proof of payment through to us via email or fax 086 293 5066

 

Once we have received proof of payment, the house sitter will make direct contact with you to set up an appointment suitable to you to meet with you. You are to please go through the instructions with them and introduce them to your pets (if applicable).  You can then arrange for a time to collect and drop off keys or do so on the day.  Please advise the house sitter if they are to call you daily from your landline to say, “All is fine” or whether they are to sms you stating, “All is fine”.

 

If you are happy with the house sitter sent to you, you will be required to make a payment of the full amount outstanding two weeks before you go on holiday.  We do not pay the sitter in advance-they are paid once we receive feedback from the client upon their return. 

Client Terms &Condition's

The Client shall be entitled to give reasonable instructions to house sitters while they are on the premises.  Additional services will be charged separately, kindly refer to our rate sheet.

The Client shall not be entitled to dismiss house sitters nor demand that they leave the premises until HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS has been given reasonable notice of a request for such dismissal or demand to leave the premises.

HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS will not be responsible for any theft on the Client’s premises.  House sitters do not provide security; they only occupy the Client’s home at night, feed pets, and water plants, should the Client require them to do so.

HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS only act as agents on behalf of the house sitters, they are not employed by HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS.  HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS will not be held liable for any of the house sitter’s actions.  WE DO, HOWEVER book the same sitters on a regular.

HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS does not accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused to the Client’s house while the house sitter is occupying the house.  Should such damage be caused due to the negligence or willful act of the house sitter looking after your property the said house sitter will be personally liable for all such damage caused.

The house sitters are not permitted to eat of the food in the Client’s house, unless the client gives his/her express permission.

The house sitters are not permitted to invite a friend or friends over to the Client’s house, unless the client gives his/her express permission.

The house sitter is instructed to be at the Client’s house by 19:00 in the evenings and to sleep over.

The house sitters are not permitted to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages in or around the Client’s house.  The majority of our house sitters do not drink or smoke.

Cancellation fees:

Cancellation policy is applicable to all services booked through HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS.  Cancellations must be done in writing.


0 - 14 days prior to departure date: 50% of the total cost
15 - 30 days prior to departure date: 30% of the total cost
31 - 45 days prior to departure date: 10% of the total cost, Minimum R160
46 days prior to departure date and earlier: R160 deposit is forfeited.

No Refund For Early Return

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Haven of the Heart House Sitters utilize the services of working and retired people only aged between 23 and 65 years to house sit and pet sit and has over 15 years selection experience in the industry.

All house sitters are instructed to be house-proud and to leave the client’s home exactly as they found it.  They are to provide their own groceries and toiletries.
House sitter/s are paid once we have received a satisfactory response from the client.
PLEASE NOTE:  If a client’s friend or family member looks after the home prior to the house sitter/s taking over, the client must kindly instruct them to leave the house clean and tidy.  House sitters are instructed to only clean after themselves and leave the house as they found it.

House sitters may not use washing machines or other appliances other than the kettle, stove, and microwave, unless the client permits them to do so.

Clients are required to provide a bedroom for the house sitter to sleep in.  The house sitter will bring his or her own bedding only if instructed to do so by the client.

Our prices are on a sliding scale, the longer the client is away, the less the client is required to pay per night.  Please view the different pricing on our pricelist.

Clients are to provide the House Sitter with a list of duties, including feeding of pets, playing with pets, giving them medication, walking of dogs, and other pet related services.

All house sitters are screened, reference checked, and short- listed by Haven of the Heart House Sitters before their personal records are added onto our database. 

Please remember that pets may react differently to being left with a pet / house sitter.  They may experience loss of appetite, become anxious, restless, or dehydrate.   

Remember to sign the contract that is available from us, with the house sitter in full.  The contract serves to protect, both the client and the house sitter.  If both the client and the house sitter do not sign the contract.  The contract is not valid and may not be used as protection.

We recommend that the client lock all rooms where the house sitter is not required to go into.  The client is advised to put away small valuable items, to avoid any unnecessary disputes.  The house sitters are reliable and will not take anything from your house.  In the event that something does go missing, the client must report the house sitter to the police, Haven of the Heart House Sitters will provide the client with all the house sitter's details.

House-Sitter Requirements (not negotiable):

All house sitters are required to be SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS between the ages of 23 and 65 (working or retired) and must be in the possession of the following before being selected to house/pet sit:

POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE (ensuring no criminal record), and a copy of valid driver’s license and ID.  A recent head and shoulder digital photo along with CV and two or more written / contactable references must be submitted with all of the above.  OWN TRANSPORT IS ESSENTIAL.  

House sitters must be reliable, responsible, and available to house sit homes and pets during the day or for sleepovers as requested by the client.

House sitters must be animal lovers; must be of sober habits and non-smokers; must be reliable, responsible and house proud – leaving the house in the condition, it was found in.  House sitters are required to report in daily to confirm all is in order via sms. 

PLEASE NOTE: A registration administrative fee of R50.00 (R10 for pensioners) is required prior to being shortlisted!

 

BUSINESS BANKING DETAILS: WOLLNIK AND ASSOCIATES / ABSA BANK – RIVONIA

CHEQUE ACCOUNT 405 955 2113 / BRANCH CODE 632005

KINDLY ATTACH PROOF OF PAYMENT WITH YOUR CV

 

Kindly Note: WE REQUIRE MORE HOUSE SITTERS DURING THE YEAR WHO WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE DURING THE DECEMBER AND JANUARY HOLIDAYS.  WE ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF RETIRED PEOPLE TO HOUSE AND PET SIT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
HOUSE SITTERS WHO ARE SELF EMPLOYED AND ABLE TO WORK FROM THE CLIENT'S HOME ALL DAY AND NIGHT, WITH OWN LAPTOP AND OWN INTERNET CONNECTION ARE ALSO A REQUIREMENT (Use of the client's telephone/internet is strictly prohibited).

Please advise the geographical areas you are available to house sit at.

Please advise the periods you are available to house sit in and whether this includes the December holiday season (low season or peak season).

An administrative fee of R50.00 is payable by all working house sitters.  Pensioners* are required to pay a fee of R10.00 (*Proof will be required)

Please note that if you do not hear from us, we are not looking for sitters at present, and may contact you another time when we do need more sitters.

Housesitting Services Include:

Collection of keys no less than 24 hours before client departs on leave/business trip and returning of keys within 24 hours after the client arrives back home/or as arranged with client
Arrive at client’s house no later than 19h00 in the evenings to sleep over (if working).  House-sitter/s are not permitted to leave the premises before sunrise unless in an emergency and have notified HOTHHS.
House-sitters are to send an sms to the client and HAVEN OF THE HEART HOUSE SITTERS daily indicating “All is OK” from personal cell phone/or as arranged with client.
To take reasonable instructions regarding the client’s house and pets whilst on the premises as follows: 
House Sitters and Pet sitters offer the same services, while House Sitters sleep over and Pet Sitters can come in once or twice per day.  Our Retired Sitters stay all day and night, and are allowed to go out 3 hours per day if needed
Water plants and garden
Feed animals, fill water bowls, administer medicine and play with pets, feeding garden birds and filling up bird baths (Walking dogs is at an additional charge of R50)
If there are more than five animals, an additional charge of R50.00 will be added per day.
Switching lights on and off and Activating and deactivating your alarm system
Taking out garbage bins and removing junk mail from your letter box/gate
Open up for gardener/garden service or domestic worker upon client’s instruction
Maintain the swimming pool (Mowing the lawn is at an additional charge)
Are not to play load music or disturb the neighbors in any way
Are not to help themselves to food, toiletries, detergents, etc. in the client’s house, but must cater for their own needs at their own cost.
Are not permitted to use the client’s phone, internet cable or similar.
Are not permitted to entertain friends on the premises or allow strangers onto the premises without the owner’s notification/consent.  

Apply to House Sit:

Please follow these instructions carefully should you wish to be considered as a house / pet sitter for Haven of the Heart House Sitters:

House Sitter Terms &Conditions:

Please be advised that you are not an employee of Haven of the Heart House Sitters.  We simply act as an intermediary agent for your services as a house sitter.

Once your details are added onto our database, Haven of the Heart House Sitters does not guarantee that we will use your services.

Haven of the Heart House Sitters reserves the right to decide which house sitter is booked according to feedback received from our clients and according to how quick the house sitter responds to enquiries regarding their availability.

Should anything go missing from the client's house or is damaged in any way; the house sitter assigned will be immediately removed from our database and will not be paid for services rendered.

We, “Haven of the Heart House Sitters House Sitters” will not be held responsible for stolen or missing goods and will provide the Client with all house sitter contact details should they seek to pursue the matter further.

House sitters are held liable for all damage or loss to the property caused due to their own negligence or willful intent.

Haven of the Heart House Sitters cannot be held responsible for any injury or death because of any house sitter’s duties.

House sitters will look after the property at own risk and Haven of the Heart House Sitters cannot be held responsible for any damage to any personal property whilst executing duties as a house sitter.

House sitters MAY NOT offer this type of service to any other client / company, other than “Haven of the Heart House Sitters” as long as they remain on our database.  In the event of this happening, Haven of the Heart House Sitters will remove you from our database and reserve our right to proceed with legal action against the you should we incur any loss as a result of your actions.

In the event that you decide to terminate your agreement with Haven of the Heart House Sitters, you will not be allowed to carry on the same business or trade, to Haven of the Heart House Sitters’ clients.

You are required to hand in the minimum of 84 hours’ notice if you are unable to carry out your duties at a client you agreed to house sit for.

No smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages are allowed in or around the Client’s house

You are not permitted to have friends or a friend over at the Client’s house

You have to be at the Client’s house by 19:00 in the evenings and sleep over.  You are not allowed to leave during the night, unless pre-arranged or in case of an emergency.  In which case you must contact us immediately on 072 415 8452

You are not permitted to eat any food in the Client’s house nor use any other products.  You may not use the landline for any calls or internet activities unless otherwise stated by the
Client.  Make sure that the client specifies this in the contract that you sign with him to prevent disputes afterwards.

You must bring your own food, towels, etc.  Kindly pay close attention when making use of kitchen ware and report any damage to client's pots and pans etc., this will be for your own account.

Ask the client if they want you to phone them from the landline every night at 7pm to update them on the status of their pets and home or whether you should sms them.
Always leave the house in the condition you found it in (clean and tidy) – your reputation is on the line.  Should the house be left in a worse state than you found it in, you will NOT be paid for your services.

No loud music or excessive noise is permitted!  Neighbors may complain to the client.

You may not allow anyone onto the property unless instructed otherwise by the client.
Haven of the Heart House Sitters cannot be held responsible for any attacks by thieves and/or robbers on your person or on the property.

You are to carry out the tasks as per the Client’s instructions so that you may receive compensation as per the agreement.  You shall receive pay once the Client has contacted us and has found your services to be satisfactory. 

Please note: We may randomly check in or phone you to see if everything is fine.

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