The purpose of a meet and greet is simple: see how the sitter communicates, introduce the pets, and decide whether the practical arrangement feels right. It is not an interview designed to catch someone out, and it is not a commitment made because the conversation was pleasant.
What to cover in the first meeting
- Let the pet approach in its own time and explain its normal routine.
- Walk through feeding, walks, medication, sleeping arrangements and behaviour triggers.
- Show the sitter the key areas they would use and any areas that are off limits.
- Discuss house rules, guests, cameras, vehicles, garden tasks and the expected condition of the home.
- Ask how they handle updates, emergencies and a change of plans.
- Confirm references and badges are only part of your decision, not a substitute for a conversation.
Questions worth asking
Ask what sits they enjoy, what kinds of pets they are comfortable with, how they would contact you in an emergency and what they need from you to do a good job. Listen for clear, realistic answers, not a promise to do everything.
After the meeting
Take time to decide, then send a written summary if you want to proceed. For a broader set of questions, see 15 questions to ask before confirming a sitter.
