Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm Blog

Still Trust Your Old Dog Walker with a Key? Why It’s Time to Rekey in Phoenix

If you’ve ever handed your house key to a dog walker, pet sitter, cleaner, or house sitter, you’re not alone. It’s a common part of modern life—especially in a busy city like Phoenix, where many families juggle work, school, and travel.

But what happens when those services end?

Do you know for sure they returned the key—or that it wasn’t copied?

The truth is, even people you trust can unintentionally create security risks. In this post, we’ll explain why rekeying your Phoenix home after giving someone a key is smart, simple, and surprisingly affordable.


🔐 Why Giving Out Keys Isn’t as Safe as It Seems

People mean well—but life gets busy. Keys get:

  • Misplaced
  • Forgotten in purses, cars, drawers
  • Accidentally left with friends or helpers
  • Copied at hardware stores
  • Used by others without your knowledge

Even someone who would never harm you might unknowingly leave access open to someone who would.


🛠️ Who Typically Has Your Keys (and You Might Forget)

We’ve seen it all. Most homeowners don’t realize how many people may still have access:

  • House sitters from years ago
  • Part-time cleaners or nannies
  • Lawn care or pest control workers
  • Pet sitters or dog walkers
  • Airbnb co-hosts
  • Friends or neighbors you forgot about
  • Ex-boyfriends/girlfriends
  • Adult kids who moved out
  • Contractors who once had temporary access

If you’re not 100% sure who has your keys, you don’t truly control your home’s security.


🧠 Why You Should Rekey Even If You Trust the Person

It’s not always about distrust. It’s about eliminating uncertainty.

  • They could’ve lost the key
  • Someone else might find or copy it
  • They might enter the home by accident later on
  • If something bad happens, insurance or police will ask who had access
  • You deserve total control over your space

Rekeying isn’t a judgment—it’s just smart.


🐾 Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers: The Hidden Key Risk

In Phoenix neighborhoods like Arcadia, Desert Ridge, and Biltmore, pet owners regularly hire dog walkers or pet sitters. These services often require a house key—but what happens after your last booking?

Even services with “key return policies” can slip up. We’ve rekeyed dozens of homes after:

  • Pet sitters ghosted
  • Duplicate keys were found
  • Locks felt loose or worn
  • Unexpected access occurred weeks or months later

🏠 How Rekeying Solves the Problem Instantly

Rekeying changes the lock’s internal pins so old keys no longer work. It:

  • Takes 30–60 minutes
  • Leaves your existing lock hardware intact
  • Issues you a fresh set of keys
  • Gives you full peace of mind

We can also match all your doors to one single key for convenience.


🔐 What If You Use a Smart Lock?

Even smart locks have vulnerabilities:

  • Most still include a backup keyhole
  • Codes don’t always reset properly
  • Old users may still have app access
  • Some brands are easily reset—by anyone

We rekey smart locks and also: ✅ Reset codes
✅ Remove old users
✅ Test full functionality
✅ Help you set up secure access for the future


🔑 When to Rekey After Service Access

You should rekey: ✅ Immediately after ending service with a pet sitter, cleaner, or contractor
✅ After a dispute, no-show, or bad experience
✅ If you suspect unauthorized entry
✅ If you’re switching to a smart system and want to start fresh
✅ If you just feel uncomfortable and want peace of mind

📞 Book rekeying now or call (602) 854-2766 for fast mobile service.


🧰 Locks We Rekey in These Situations

We can rekey:

  • Front and back doors
  • Garage entry doors
  • Side gates or pool gates
  • Patio sliders with keyed handles
  • Storage sheds
  • Bedroom or office doors (if needed)

We also rekey smart locks from Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and other major brands.


💲 How Much Does Rekeying Cost in Phoenix?

ServiceAvg. Cost
Rekeying 2–3 locks$60–$90 total
Smart lock backup key rekey+$15–$30
One-key system setupIncluded ✅
Garage or gate locksAsk for quote

📍 Areas We Serve for Residential Rekeying

We serve homeowners and renters across:

  • Arcadia
  • Desert Ridge
  • Central Phoenix
  • Garfield
  • Roosevelt Row
  • South Mountain
  • North Phoenix
  • Ahwatukee
    …and all surrounding areas

Whether you live in a single-family home, a townhouse, or a rental—we come to you.


Final Word: They Don’t Need to Be a Threat to Be a Risk

Even the nicest dog walker, the most reliable cleaner, or the most trusted neighbor can accidentally leave your home at risk—without ever knowing it.

If someone used to have access and doesn’t anymore, it’s time to rekey. Your safety starts with your key.


Regain Control. Rekey Today.
Protect your Phoenix home from accidental access and old keys with our fast, mobile rekeying service—done with care and discretion.

Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com


Get Service Now

Call 602-854-2776

For more than 25 years, Affordable Locksmith Service has established itself as the first choice of Phoenix, AZ

Our mobile locksmith service is available in the following areas:

Anthem | Apache Junction | Buckeye | Casa Grande | Carefree | Cave Creek | Chandler | Coolidge | El Mirage | Florence | Fountain Hills | Gilbert | Glendale | Gold Canyon | Goodyear | Laveen | Litchfield Park | Mesa | Paradise Valley | Peoria | Phoenix | Queen Creek | San Tan Valley | Scottsdale | Sun City | Surprise | Tempe | Tolleson