Why an Intake Form Matters
The first time you walk into a new client's home, you want to already know the basics — what the dog is like, where the leash is, whether there's an alarm code, and who to call if something goes wrong. An intake form does the work of gathering all of that before you ever set foot in the door, so the meet-and-greet can focus on building rapport rather than collecting logistics from scratch.
Questions About the Dog
| Question | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Name, breed, age, weight | Basic identification and handling considerations |
| How does your dog behave around other dogs/people? | Helps you plan routes and group walk suitability — see group walk guidance |
| Any commands or cues your dog responds to? | Useful for keeping the dog comfortable with a new walker |
| Favorite toys, treats, or routines? | Small details that make a big difference in building trust quickly |
| Anything that scares or stresses your dog? | Helps avoid triggers (loud trucks, other animals, certain people) |
Questions About the Home and Access
| Question | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| How will I access the home? | Key, lockbox, code, or other arrangement — see our key and lockbox guide |
| Is there an alarm system? What's the code/procedure? | Avoids accidental alarm triggers |
| Are there any rooms or areas that should stay closed off? | Respects the client's home and the dog's boundaries |
| Where are the leash, treats, and cleanup supplies kept? | Saves time and avoids searching through the house |
| Is there anything else in the home I should be aware of? | Open-ended catch-all for anything not covered above |
Health and Emergency Questions
| Question | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Vet name and contact information | Needed if a health issue comes up during a visit |
| Any medications or health conditions? | Helps you recognize and respond to changes appropriately |
| Emergency contact (if you can't reach the client) | A backup point of contact for urgent situations |
| Is your dog up to date on vaccinations? | Standard practice for many independent walkers and required by some group settings |
Client Preference Questions
- How would you like updates? Text, photo, app notification, or none — see our guide on update preferences
- What's your ideal schedule? Recurring days/times vs. as-needed
- How do you prefer to communicate for scheduling changes — text, email, or app messaging?
- Anything else you'd like me to know before our first visit?
Keep it focused. The goal is information you'll actually use on day one — not an exhaustive questionnaire. If a question doesn't change how you'd handle the visit, it's probably not essential for the intake form.
When to Send It
Many walkers send a basic intake form before the meet-and-greet, so they can review it and arrive with context — then use the in-person meeting to confirm details, ask follow-up questions, and handle anything easier to explain face-to-face (like exactly where the lockbox is hidden). For a full walkthrough of what to cover at that first meeting, see our meet-and-greet checklist and meet-and-greet questions to ask.
Keeping Intake Info With the Client Record
Once you've collected this information, the goal is to actually have it on hand when you need it — not buried in an old email or a paper form in a drawer. Keeping intake details attached to each client's profile means the information travels with the booking, whether you're checking it before a first visit or referencing it months later.
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