Meeting a pet sitter: a complete meet-and-greet checklist
Prepare a professional first meeting covering routine, behaviour, access, communication and emergency decisions.
Lees in het Nederlands →A meet-and-greet is a practical check of the complete care arrangement, not a formality. It shows whether the sitter understands the routine, your pet can acclimatise calmly and access and communication are workable.
Arrange it before the first care day when possible. Dutch pet information centre LICG recommends introducing a new sitter in advance and providing written care instructions.
Send a concise care summary first
Share species, age, dates, care format, broad routine and relevant needs before meeting. This lets the sitter decide whether the work fits their experience, area and availability.
Keep sensitive access information for the appropriate stage and share only what is necessary. An initial brief does not need to expose full alarm or key details.
Walk through the routine in order
Show where food, water, leads, litter supplies, carriers and cleaning materials are stored. Demonstrate medication only if the sitter offers that task and has sufficient experience.
Discuss normal behaviour and signals that are unusual for your pet. Specific examples are more useful than a vague warning that an animal can be difficult.
- Feeding, exercise and toileting schedule
- Doors, balconies and escape prevention
- Behaviour around people and animals
- Actions that must not be taken
- Expected message or photo updates
Test access without unnecessary exposure
Check keys, intercom and relevant doors together. Agree how the key will be held and returned. Do not disclose alarm codes or backup access more widely than necessary.
Define what happens after a lock failure, missed access or lost key. A local backup contact prevents one access problem from stopping the entire care plan.
Confirm the emergency plan and final scope
Record your veterinarian, local emergency contact, medical details and carrier or lead location. Agree which signs require an immediate call and who may make decisions if you cannot be reached.
Finish with written confirmation of dates, duration, tasks, price, updates and access. Resolve every material ambiguity before the first care day.
Do not force interaction during the meeting. Give your pet space and discuss how the sitter can build trust calmly.
Find a suitable pet sitter
Browse profiles and arrange a clear introduction before the first care appointment begins.
View pet sittersFrequently asked questions
Does my pet need to like the sitter immediately?
No. Some animals need time and distance. Focus on whether the sitter behaves calmly, respects signals and can follow your instructions.
When should I hand over a key?
Only after the assignment and key arrangements are clear. Limit access to what is needed and explicitly agree custody and return.
What should be written down after the meeting?
Dates, duration, tasks, price, access, updates, veterinary details and emergency contacts should be available to both parties.
Sources and review
External rules and prices can change, so we show the source and review date.
Sources checked on: