Do I charge for a dog walking meet-and-greet?

Most professional dog walkers do not charge for the meet-and-greet. It is considered part of the client onboarding process. Some walkers offer a discounted first walk rate instead. Do not offer a free first full walk — that devalues your service. The meet-and-greet itself is free; the first walk is charged at your standard rate.

How long should a dog walking meet-and-greet take?

Plan for 20–30 minutes. This is enough time to go through the intake form, review the contract, meet the dog, and confirm the first walk. If a meet-and-greet runs significantly longer than 30 minutes, it usually means the client has unusual needs or questions that should inform whether you take them on.

What do I do if the dog is aggressive at the meet-and-greet?

Do not accept the client. A dog that shows significant aggression during a calm meet-and-greet with the owner present will be worse on a walk without them. Your right to refuse service should be written into your contract. Decline politely: 'Based on what I observed today, I don't think I'm the right fit for [dog's name]. I wish you well in finding the right walker.'

Should I do a meet-and-greet for every new client?

Yes, for every new client. No exceptions. A meet-and-greet is your opportunity to assess the dog, collect essential information, sign the contract, and establish your professional standard. Walkers who skip meet-and-greets for 'quick' or 'easy' dogs take on the most preventable problems.

Can I do a meet-and-greet over video call?

No. The meet-and-greet must be in person at the client's home. You need to meet the dog in its environment, assess how it behaves there, and walk the route you will use. A video call does not allow you to collect a key, sign a contract in person, or meaningfully assess the dog's behavior.

Dog Walking Meet-and-Greet: How to Run It and Close the Booking

What the meet-and-greet is for

The meet-and-greet is the most important appointment in a new client relationship. It is not a formality. It is where you:

Collect information about the dog that will affect every future walk
Establish your professional standard before the first paid appointment
Get the contract signed so the relationship starts with clear terms
Assess whether the dog (and the client) is someone you want to work with

Do not skip it. Do not do it over video call. Show up in person, to their home, every time. A client who books you without meeting you in person is a client who has not thought through what they are trusting you with — their dog and their home.

What to bring

Two printed copies of your contract — one for them, one for you. Both signed before you leave.
A client intake form — covers the dog's medical history, behavior, vet information, home access, and walk preferences. Fill it out together in person.
A key envelope or tag — if they are giving you a key, have something to store it in professionally.
Payment setup — tell them how you collect payment before you leave. Square, Venmo, Zelle — whatever your system is, get it arranged at the meet-and-greet.

The questions to ask

Go through these during the intake form. Do not fire them as rapid questions — have a natural conversation while filling out the form together.

What is [dog's name]'s daily routine?
Any medical conditions, allergies, or medications I need to know about?
How does [dog's name] do with strangers?
How does [dog's name] do with other dogs on walks?
Any history of aggression, biting, or reactivity?
What commands does [dog's name] know?
What is the preferred walk duration and any preferred routes?
Who is the emergency contact and what is the preferred vet?
How would you like to receive updates during the walk?

Take notes. Clients notice when you write things down. It signals that you are thorough and will actually remember what they tell you.

How to handle the contract

Do not email the contract in advance. Bring it to the meet-and-greet and go through it together. This is not a negotiation — it is a review. Walk through the key sections: rates, cancellation policy, emergency authorization.

Say something like: "I want to make sure we are both clear on everything before we start. My rate for a 30-minute walk is $42. For cancellations I ask for 24 hours notice — same-day cancellations I do charge 50%. And this section here authorizes me to get [dog's name] emergency vet care if I cannot reach you."

Most clients will sign without questions. If a client pushes back on the cancellation policy or the emergency authorization, pay attention. Those are the clients who will cause problems later.

Reading the dog

Spend 10 minutes with the dog during the meet-and-greet. How does the dog respond to you? Does it approach comfortably or show signs of stress? Is it manageable on a leash when the owner demonstrates?

Trust your instincts. If a dog shows significant reactivity, resource guarding, or aggression during a relaxed meet-and-greet, it will be worse on a walk without the owner present. You have the right to decline a client at any point. It is better to decline at the meet-and-greet than to take on a dog that injures someone or creates a liability claim.

How to close the booking

Before you leave, confirm the first walk. This is non-negotiable. A meet-and-greet where you leave without a confirmed first walk is a wasted visit — the client will "think about it" and you may never hear from them again.

Say simply: "I have availability [day] at [time] and [day] at [time] this week. Which works better for you?" Then send a confirmation text the same day with the date, time, and your Square booking link if applicable.

Do not leave the decision open-ended. Book the walk before you leave the home.

How to Run a Dog Walking Meet-and-Greet