Meet & Greets: What to Ask and What to Bring
A meet & greet is one of the most important parts of a successful pet care booking. It sets expectations, builds trust, and helps both sides decide if the fit feels right.
Whether you're a pet parent hiring care or a sitter accepting a booking, this guide covers exactly what to ask, what to bring, and what to look for.
What Is a Meet & Greet?
A meet & greet is a short, in-person introduction before a booking begins. It’s commonly used for house sitting, boarding, and recurring walks.
- Confirm expectations
- Walk through the home setup
- Introduce the sitter to the pet
- Make sure everyone feels comfortable
Meet & Greet Prep: Pet Parent vs Sitter
| Category | Pet Parent Should Prepare | Sitter Should Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Setup |
Complete House Profile with entry instructions, supply locations, and emergency info. Updated Pet Profile with feeding schedule, behavior notes, and vet details. |
Review House + Pet Profiles fully before arriving. Prepare clarifying questions about routine and behavior. |
| Supplies | Show where leash, harness, food, litter, cleaning supplies, and medication are kept. | Confirm location of all supplies and ask about backup items. |
| Routine | Explain feeding times, walk length, alone-time limits, sleep arrangements. | Take notes on schedule and confirm expectations clearly. |
| Behavior | Disclose reactivity, triggers, separation anxiety, food guarding, or escape risks. | Ask specific behavior questions and clarify handling instructions. |
| Home Details | Walk through lock-up steps, alarms, cameras, parking, and restricted areas. | Confirm entry method and security steps before leaving. |
| Emergency Plan | Provide vet contact, emergency contact, and spending approval details. | Confirm emergency approval limits and preferred communication method. |
| Professionalism | Be clear, honest, and realistic about expectations. | Arrive on time, dress professionally, communicate clearly. |
For Pet Parents: What to Ask Your Sitter
Experience & Style
- Have you cared for this breed before?
- How do you handle pulling on walks?
- What does a typical day look like during house sitting?
- How often do you send updates?
Safety & Emergencies
- What would you do if my dog got sick?
- Are you comfortable giving medication?
- How do you handle reactive dogs on walks?
Logistics
- What time would you typically arrive?
- Do you accept other bookings at the same time?
- How do you handle extended care if I’m delayed?
For Sitters: What to Ask the Pet Parent
Daily Routine
- What time does your pet eat?
- How long are their walks?
- Where do they sleep?
- Can they be left alone? For how long?
Behavior
- Are they reactive to dogs, people, bikes, or noises?
- Any history of biting or escaping?
- Do they guard food or toys?
Home Details
- Where are walk supplies located?
- What are the lock-up instructions?
- Are there cameras in the home?
- Are there restricted areas?
What Pet Parents Should Bring
- Updated House Profile (on SitSignal)
- Clear entry instructions
- Vet information
- Emergency contact details
- Medication list (if applicable)
What Sitters Should Bring
- Phone (fully charged)
- Notepad or notes app
- Calm, professional demeanor
- Optional treat (ask first)
Red Flags to Watch For
For Pet Parents
- Avoids answering questions clearly
- Dismisses safety concerns
- Pushes off-platform payment
For Sitters
- Incomplete pet history
- Unrealistic expectations
- Unsafe home conditions
- Requests unpaid extras
How Long Should It Last?
15–30 minutes is typically ideal — long enough to review routines, supplies, and expectations without overwhelming anyone.
After the Meet & Greet
- Confirm the booking in-app
- Double-check dates and times
- Review the cancellation policy
If something feels off, it’s okay to decline. Fit matters.
Final Thoughts
A smooth booking starts before the first walk or overnight stay. Preparation and clarity prevent nearly all future issues.