Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet: Questions to Ask and What to Bring

What the meet-and-greet is for

The meet-and-greet is where the client decides whether they trust you inside their home while they are away. That is a bigger decision than hiring someone for a simple errand.

The meeting should happen in person, at the client's home, before the first paid service. Video calls do not replace seeing the pet, the access process, the feeding setup, and the home routine.

What to bring

Bring two printed copies of your contract, your client intake form, a key envelope or key tag, and your payment setup information. Preparedness creates trust immediately.

Your intake form should collect pet details, veterinarian information, emergency contacts, feeding instructions, medication schedules, behavior notes, and home access instructions.

Questions to ask

What is the pet's normal routine?
What is the feeding schedule?
Any medications, allergies, or medical conditions?
Any anxiety triggers, escape risks, or behavior concerns?
Who is the emergency contact if the owner cannot be reached?
Which veterinarian should be contacted in an emergency?
How should updates be sent?
Anything unusual about the home, alarm, locks, or access?

Take notes while the client answers. That one behavior separates a professional from a casual sitter.

Handling keys and access

If the client is comfortable, collect the key during the meet-and-greet. Label it with pet name and client initials only. Never label a key with a full address, apartment number, or phone number.

If the client prefers a lockbox, keypad, garage code, or smart lock, use that. The access method should be whatever makes the client feel safest.

How to close the booking

Before leaving, confirm the first visit date, exact time, payment expectation, and access method. Do not leave the meeting vague.

A simple close works: "I have availability on [day] at [time]. Would you like to get the first visit scheduled?"

Then send a same-day confirmation message. Fast follow-up makes you feel organized and reduces the chance the client keeps shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pet sitting meet-and-greet?

A meet-and-greet is an in-person visit at the client's home before the first paid service. It lets you meet the pet, review routines, collect intake information, handle access, sign the contract, and confirm the first booking.

Should pet sitting meet-and-greets be free?

Many sitters offer a short initial meet-and-greet for free because it helps close the booking. If the meeting is long, requires travel outside your normal area, or becomes a consultation, charging a small fee is reasonable.

What should I bring to a pet sitting meet-and-greet?

Bring your contract, client intake form, key tag or envelope, payment information, and a way to take notes. The more prepared you are, the safer and more professional you feel to the client.

What questions should a pet sitter ask at a meet-and-greet?

Ask about feeding, routines, medication, allergies, behavior, anxiety triggers, emergency contacts, veterinarian details, home access, update preferences, and anything unusual about the home.

Should I collect the key during the meet-and-greet?

Yes, if the client is comfortable. Collecting access details during the meet-and-greet prevents last-minute problems. Label keys only with pet name and initials, never with a full address.

Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet: What to Ask and What to Bring