Why a Meet & Greet Matters Before Your Dog's Stay

What a meet and greet is really testing

Three things, in order of importance: how the sitter greets your dog, whether your dog relaxes, and whether the space fits. Everything else, including price, can be decided later.

In the first ten minutes

• Watch the greeting. A good sitter lets your dog come to them, crouches rather than looms, and avoids reaching over the dog's head.
• Let your dog explore on a loose lead. Note how long it takes before your dog stops scanning the room.
• Walk the route your dog will use: the door, the yard, the sleeping spot, the water bowl.
• Notice the noise and the smell of the space. Both tell you what your dog will live with.

The signs your dog will settle

• Your dog takes a treat from the sitter's hand.
• Your dog lies down, or leans against the sitter, within the visit.
• Your dog stops watching the door and starts sniffing.
• The sitter knows when to stop interacting and let the dog settle.

The signs to think twice

• The sitter crowds your dog, or pulls it towards them by the collar.
• Your dog stays rigid, tucks its tail, or keeps backing away for the whole visit.
• The sitter brushes off your description of your dog's behaviour.
• The space is chaotic: multiple loose dogs, no quiet area, food left out.

What to talk about while you are there

• Routine: feed times, walk times, toilet habits.
• Medication, allergies and any past health problems.
• Behaviour: how your dog is with other dogs, children and strangers.
• Sleeping preference and crate use.
• What helps your dog calm down, and what to avoid.
• Your vet and an emergency contact.

If it goes well

Book the stay, then send the routine, the food and something that smells like home on the day. If your dog is anxious, ask about a short day of day care first, so the overnight is the second visit rather than the first.