Tips for a Successful Meet and Greet
The Importance of a Meet and Greet for Your Pet Sitter
When it comes to leaving your pet in the care of someone else, whether for a few hours, a day, or an extended holiday, one of the most important steps in the process is the meet and greet. This initial meeting between you, your pet, and the pet sitter is a crucial part of ensuring a successful and stress-free pet-sitting experience for both parties involved. Here’s why a meet and greet is essential and what to expect, and what to let the sitter know during the process.
Building Trust and Rapport
First and foremost, a meet and greet helps establish trust between you, your pet, and the sitter. As a pet parent, it’s natural to want someone who will not only care for your pet’s basic needs but also show them the love, attention, and respect they deserve. The sitter, wants to feel confident in the pet’s behaviour and routine, so they can give the best care they can.
During the meet and greet, you'll have the chance to see how comfortable the sitter is with your pet, and vice versa. You can observe if they interact well and if your pet seems relaxed or anxious around them. This is your opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns, which can go a long way in making both you and your pet feel secure.
Discussing Pet-Specific Needs and Behaviour
Every pet is unique, and it’s important that your pet sitter understands your pet’s specific needs. The meet and greet is the perfect time to go over essential details, such as:
Feeding Schedule & Preferences: Does your pet have any dietary restrictions or a specific feeding schedule? Are they on a special diet? Is there a water bowl for the dog(s) that needs to be topped up? What food? How much food? Where do they get fed? When do they need to be fed? If there is more than one pet, do they need to be separated when eating (do they show food aggression towards each other?)
Medical Requirements: Does your pet take any medication or have any medical conditions that require attention?
Exercise & Playtime: How active is your pet? What activities do they enjoy? Do they need a walk every day, or perhaps playtime in the yard?
Behavioural Traits: Is your pet shy, social, or a bit of a troublemaker? Does your pet have any anxiety triggers or behavioural quirks that the sitter should be aware of? Is the dog good with other dogs? Does he/she pull on leash? Are any of the pets afraid of rain or storms? Is there a toy/blanket they need with them? Are they given any medicated treats or medication beforehand?
Leads: Where are the leads kept? Is a harness or halti used?
These discussions will help the sitter understand how to best care for your pet while you’re away.
Providing the Sitter with House Instructions
The meet and greet is also an ideal time to walk the sitter through your home, pointing out important details such as:
Household routines: If your pet has any habits (like being crated at night or needing access to certain areas), make sure the sitter is aware. Do they need to be supervised when inside? Do they chew/go to the toilet inside? Are they allowed on the furniture? Are there any rooms they are not allowed in?
Access: Is the dog taken out through the side fence or through the house? If house access is needed, where is the key lockbox location? Which doors do the sitter use?
Where are the pets left: Are they left outside during the day? Are they inside at night (kept in the bedrooms/laundry/anywhere in the house)? Do they have access to a doggy door?
Security details: Key codes, alarm systems, or gates to secure certain areas. If you have any special instructions about how to handle the home or if there’s anything in the house that needs to be monitored (such as plants or fragile items), let the sitter know.
Seeing How Your Pet Reacts to the Sitter
Pets have a sixth sense when it comes to picking up on new people. Some pets are immediately friendly and affectionate toward new people, while others may be more reserved or shy.
If your pet seems uncomfortable, anxious, or fearful, it may be a sign that they need more time to adjust, and maybe book in another visit or walk. If your pet is happy and comfortable, that’s a good indication that your pet will be ok when the sitter comes back to mind them without you there.
Setting Clear Expectations
Finally, the meet and greet is your chance to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Set clear expectations regarding:
What’s included in the sitting arrangement? For example, daily walks, playtime, administering medication, plants watered, mail box checked etc.
How often the sitter will check in with you and that you understand how to use the app to communicate.
What room would you like the sitter to sleep in if it is an overnight visit? Will there be clean sheets, and is the pet allowed in that room with them?
Are there any rooms that are out of bounds for both pets and the sitter?
What bathroom would you like the sitter to use?
Are there any appliances/pieces of furniture that are not working/damaged that should be made aware of?
Let the sitter know if there are cameras inside or outside the house.
This clarity helps both you and the sitter feel confident in the arrangement and minimises any misunderstandings during the time you’re away.
When a meet and greet isn’t possible
In some cases, a meet and greet may not be possible due to time constraints which can be common for last-minute bookings. When this happens, we’re happy to offer Zoom or FaceTime calls as an alternative.
We also maintain a secure online portal where videos, photos, and detailed pet care routines are uploaded. Our team keeps all notes up to date, and clients are welcome to update their pet’s information or add any special instructions for the sitter.
You can find a full overview of our meet and greet policies here.
A meet and greet is an invaluable opportunity for you to get to know your pet sitter before you leave them in charge of your beloved animal. It builds trust, clarifies responsibilities, and ensures that both you and your pet are comfortable with the sitter. Taking the time to meet in person or via video call can set the stage for a positive and successful pet-sitting experience. After all, when you leave town, knowing your pet is in good hands brings peace of mind—and that’s priceless!
Happy Hounds is always here to help and make sure that you and your pet feel comfortable!