What to Expect at a Pet Sitter Meet & Greet

A meet & greet is a short, no-pressure visit where you, your pet and your sitter spend time together at your home before any booking begins. It is the single best predictor of a smooth stay, and any sitter worth hiring will want one.

Why it matters

Pets read people quickly. A dog who barks at a stranger at the door will often settle within minutes when that same person has already visited with you in the room. For you, the visit is a chance to see how the sitter handles your pet, how closely they listen, and whether you feel comfortable giving them your house key.

What usually happens

1. Introductions. Let your pet approach on their own terms. A good sitter will wait, offer a hand or a treat (with your permission), and avoid hovering.
2. A home walkthrough. Show where food, leashes, medications, litter, towels and cleaning supplies live. Point out the thermostat, the circuit breaker, the water shut-off and the trash day.
3. Routines. Walk through feeding times, portions, walk length and route, bedtime habits and any house rules such as no couch or no unsupervised yard time.
4. Quirks and warnings. Mention the escape artist, the dog who guards the back door, the cat who hides under the bed, and any noises or objects that frighten your pet.
5. Paperwork and logistics. Expect to share vaccination records, your veterinarian's details, emergency contacts, and how you want updates delivered.

What to show and bring

• Current vaccination records
• Your vet's name, clinic and phone number, plus a backup emergency clinic
• Written instructions (see our pet care instruction sheet guide)
• Medications, with labels and dosing instructions
• Key, alarm codes and Wi-Fi password

Questions to ask your sitter

• How many years have you cared for pets, and for which species?
• What will you do if my pet gets sick or injured while I am away?
• Do you have a backup plan if you are ill or have an emergency?
• How will you send updates, and how often?
• Are you comfortable giving the medications my pet needs?

Plan the meet & greet at least a week before your trip so there is time to adjust anything that does not feel right. It is also a good time to start a conversation about the keys, the schedule and how many visits per day your pet will need.