The Meet-and-Greet Process
How to make the most of the first meeting between your pet and their carer.
Why the Meet-and-Greet Matters
The meet-and-greet is your opportunity to evaluate the provider in person, see how they interact with your pet, and give your pet a chance to get familiar with a new person (and possibly a new environment) before the actual stay.
A good meet-and-greet serves three purposes:
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Compatibility check — Does the provider seem confident and comfortable with your pet? Does your pet respond well to them?
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Information exchange — This is when you hand over detailed care instructions, discuss routines, and address any concerns.
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Familiarisation — Your pet starts to associate the provider (and their environment, if applicable) with positive experiences before the stress of separation.
Never skip the meet-and-greet. It is not a formality — it is one of the most important steps in the process.
What to Do During the Meet-and-Greet
For Your Assessment
- Observe how the provider approaches your pet — they should be calm, patient, and let your pet set the pace
- Watch your pet’s body language — are they relaxed, curious, or showing signs of stress (panting, whale eye, tucked tail)?
- If visiting their home or facility, assess cleanliness, safety, and fencing
- Note whether the provider asks thoughtful questions about your pet’s needs
Information to Share
- Your pet’s daily routine in detail
- How they behave when anxious (hiding, pacing, barking, destructive behaviour)
- What calms them down (a specific toy, music, a blanket)
- Any triggers or fears (thunderstorms, other dogs, loud noises)
- Medical needs and emergency contacts
- Commands they know and how you use them
Questions to Ask
- What will you do if my pet is anxious or won’t eat?
- Can you walk me through what a typical day will look like?
- How will you handle [specific concern about your pet]?
- Can we arrange a short trial stay before the main booking?
If the meet-and-greet does not feel right — if the provider does not seem engaged, if the environment does not look safe, or if your pet is clearly distressed — it is perfectly acceptable to politely decline and look for another option. Better to have an awkward conversation now than worry for the entire trip.