Sometimes, the most powerful decider in a placement is a stakeholder who hasn’t read a single CV nor spoken a solitary word to any contending candidates. We don’t call it a final interview anymore. It’s now called ‘The Canine Clearance’.

Anyone who has spent any time in a High Net Worth residence or has been onboard a luxury superyacht with a family who owns a dog knows the truth. The real power at the top doesn’t wear a Rolex, they wear a bespoke Italian leather collar and are the kind of CEO that works for scrumptious little treats.

I have seen House Managers with 20 years of extremely impressive experience and glowing references from Royal Households pass all of the interview stages to only fail within their first 48 hours on site. Why? Because the family's Golden Retriever or Doberman simply didn’t approve.

The modern High Net Worth Hound is far more than your average ‘pet’, they are an entire logistical operation. In some circumstances we are looking at things like:

Aviation Etiquette: A private jet specifically for the hounds. The family will travel separately on a different plane.

Chauffeur Protocol: A dedicated Bentley Bentayga (for the boot space) to ensure the staff can transport the pack without scuffing the family’s primary fleet.

A Michelin-Starred Bowl: A Private chef who works alongside a holistic vet to design organic seasonal menus.

Canine Concierge: A dedicated Dog Nanny who is tasked with 2 hour grooming session each day to ensure the family's beloved old English Sheepdog is looking impeccably presentable at all times.

So while we spend our days vetting for high caliber expertise and ultimate discretion, we never forget the ultimate gatekeeper in some cases. Domestic excellence is always about harmony across the entire inner clique, furry members included.

Because in the worlds most elite homes, you don’t just work for one person, you work for the entire lineage. And as any Estate Manager will tell you, the one with the tail always has the final say.

Biarta, founder of Clique Private Staffing.