Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet Checklist: What to Ask and Observe

A good meet-and-greet does three things: it lets the pet get used to you, it lets you see the home and the routine, and it ends with clear agreements in writing. Many sitters plan for 30 to 45 minutes. Bring a notepad or your phone's notes app, and treat it as an interview in both directions. The client is deciding whether to trust you, and you are deciding whether the job is a good fit.

This checklist is written for independent pet sitters and dog walkers in the U.S. and Canada. Adjust it for the animals and services you offer.

What should you do before the meet-and-greet starts?

A little preparation makes the visit smoother.

Confirm the basics by message. Ask which pets will be there, the dates being considered, and which services the client has in mind.
Share your process. A short note such as "I'll spend about 30 minutes, meet your pet, and look at where things are kept" sets expectations.
Bring your own paperwork. Your service agreement, rates, and cancellation terms, ready to read or send.
Plan for the pet's pace. Some animals warm up quickly, and some need time. Let the pet come to you rather than reaching out first.

What questions should you ask the client?

Start with the routine, then move to the exceptions. Write the answers down as you go.

Feeding. What food, how much, how often, and where it is stored? Are there treats the pet should not have?
Medication or special care. What is given, when, and how? Who should you contact if a dose is missed?
Walks and exercise. How long, which route, and what equipment is used? Any known triggers, such as other dogs, bikes, or loud trucks?
Escape risks. Does the pet slip out of doors, collars, or harnesses? Are there gate or fence concerns?
Quirks and fears. Thunder, the vacuum, the mail carrier. Small details help you avoid avoidable stress.
Vet and emergency contacts. Clinic name, phone number, and a backup contact who can be reached if the client cannot.
Home details. Where supplies, leashes, waste bags, and cleaning products are, and how alarms, locks, and lights work.
Update preferences. How often, how many photos, and by which channel the client would like to hear from you.

That last item is easy to skip and worth asking out loud. Some clients like a note after every visit, while others only want to hear about changes.

What should you observe during the visit?

You will learn as much by watching as by asking.

How the pet greets you. Notice body language such as relaxed posture, hiding, or excited jumping. Describe what you see in your notes rather than labeling the pet's personality.
How the pet moves around the home. Note where the pet rests, eats, and goes to the door.
The leash and gear. Check that the collar, harness, and leash fit and are in good condition.
The environment. Look for hazards, locked doors, stairs, and anything that could affect your visits.

If anything about a pet's behavior or health concerns you, mention it to the client and suggest they ask their vet. Health questions are for the vet to answer.

What should you agree on before you leave?

Before you walk out, confirm these in writing, even if it is a short message that evening:

Dates, visit times, and the services included
Rates, payment timing, and any extra fees, such as holiday or last-minute charges
Cancellation and rescheduling terms
Key or access arrangements
What happens in an emergency, including who you call first
Whether you may share photos of the pet outside the client's updates, such as on your business page (ask this on its own)

Insurance, bonding, and business licensing requirements differ by state, province, and city. Check what applies where you work, and describe your own coverage accurately.

What should you do after the meet-and-greet?

Send a thank-you message within a day. Summarize what you agreed on, repeat any special instructions in your own words, and ask the client to correct anything you misunderstood. Then file your notes under that client's name so you can find them on the first morning of the job.

If the pet seemed very nervous, consider offering a short second visit before the first booking. Extra time at the beginning can make the job easier for everyone.

Where does Pawstcard fit in?

Pawstcard is a pet sitting report card app we are building for independent sitters and dog walkers. The idea is simple: you take your visit photos, the app drafts a warm note in your voice, you review it, and your client receives a link, with no app or account required. It is not released yet, and we are keeping an early access list.

If you want to hear when it opens up, you can join the early access list. The checklist above works on paper or in any notes app, so you can use it at your next consultation.