What to Expect at Your Meet & Greet

Every new client of Spare Human Services starts with a free 15-minute meet and greet at your home. It's not a sales pitch — it's a consultation. You get to see how I interact with your pet, ask questions, and decide if it's a good fit. No pressure, no obligation.

If you've never used a professional pet sitter before, the idea of a stranger coming into your home can feel like a big step. Here's exactly what happens so you know what to expect.

Before the Visit: The Phone Consult

Before we schedule the in-person meet and greet, we'll have a brief phone call. This is a quick screening to make sure we're a match — I'll ask about your pet (species, breed, age, temperament), what services you need (dog walking, drop-in visits, overnight care), and when you need them.

I'll also give you a quick overview of pricing and policies so there are no surprises. If everything sounds good, we schedule the in-person visit.

The Meet & Greet: 15 Minutes That Matter

The in-person visit takes about 15 minutes at your home. Here's what we cover:

1. Meeting Your Pet

I meet your dog or cat on their turf, at their pace. I don't force interaction — I let them approach me when they're ready. This tells me a lot about their temperament: are they shy, outgoing, reactive, relaxed? I watch how they respond to a new person in their space, which helps me plan how to handle future visits.

2. Care Routine Review

We go through your pet's daily routine in detail:

• Feeding schedule, amounts, and food location
• Medication schedule (if any) — how it's administered and stored
• Walk route preferences and walking routine
• Treats — what's allowed, what's off-limits, any allergies
• Behavioral quirks — triggers, fears, things that calm them down
• Crate or free roam — where your pet stays when you're not home

3. Home Access & Logistics

We sort out the practical details:

• Keys, lockbox codes, or smart lock access
• Alarm system codes (if applicable)
• Where supplies are kept (food, leash, waste bags, treats)
• Light switches, thermostat, any home-specific instructions

4. Emergency Contacts

This is the part most people forget, but it's the most important. I'll ask for:

• Your veterinarian's name, address, and phone number
• An emergency contact (friend, family member, or neighbor)
• Your contact info while you're away (phone, email, time zone if traveling internationally)

5. Questions & Answers

You ask me anything. How do I handle reactive dogs? What happens if your pet gets sick during a visit? Do I send photo updates? What's my backup plan if I can't make a scheduled visit? Nothing is off-limits.

Why the Meet & Greet Is Required — Not Optional

According to pet care industry experts at Time To Pet, the meet and greet is "the first and sometimes only chance that you or your staff members will have to meet your clients face-to-face." RCO Pet Care notes that "the initial meeting with a new pet care provider is crucial in establishing a long-term relationship" and "sets the tone for a trusting, enduring bond."

I don't skip this step because it's the foundation of everything that comes after. Without it, I'd be walking into your home and handling your pet blind. With it, I know your dog's name, where the food is, what scares them, and how to reach your vet if something goes wrong.

What to Have Ready

To make the most of those 15 minutes, have these things ready before I arrive:

• Your pet's food and feeding schedule (written down is fine)
• Any medication with instructions
• Vet contact information (clinic name, address, phone)
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Keys or access method you plan to use for future visits
• Any questions you want to ask me

That's it. If you can have those things ready, 15 minutes is plenty of time to cover everything.

← Back to Blog