Intake Form vs. Meet-and-Greet Questions
If you've already sent a written intake form, you've covered the basics — vet info, emergency contacts, vaccination status. The meet-and-greet is your chance to go deeper on things that are easier to understand in person: how the dog actually behaves, where things really are in the house, and any details the client didn't think to write down.
Questions About the Dog, In Person
| Question / Observation | Why It's Better In Person |
|---|---|
| How does [dog's name] react to a new person walking in? | You can observe this directly rather than relying on the client's description |
| Can you show me how you put on the leash/harness? | Confirms the right equipment and technique for this specific dog |
| Are there any commands [dog's name] responds well to? | You can test them in the moment |
| How does [dog's name] do with stairs, doors, elevators? | Relevant to the specific home layout |
Questions About the Home and Routine
- Can you walk me through how you'd like me to enter and exit? Confirms access details from the intake form actually work in practice
- Where do you keep the leash, treats, and cleanup supplies? See them firsthand rather than relying on a description
- Is there anything in the home I should avoid or be careful around? Fragile items, other pets, areas that should stay closed
- What's the usual route or area you walk in this neighborhood? Helps you start with something familiar to the dog
Questions About the Schedule
- Is your schedule fairly consistent, or does it change week to week?
- How much notice can you typically give for schedule changes?
- Are there any days or times that are off-limits?
If you haven't already covered your cancellation policy and service agreement, the meet-and-greet is also a good time to walk through them together and answer any questions.
Pay attention to more than the answers. How a dog responds to you in the first few minutes — and how the client talks about their dog — often tells you as much as any specific question.
Wrapping Up the Visit
Before you leave, it's worth confirming next steps out loud: when the first walk will be, how the client will receive updates, and how to reach you if something comes up before then. A short recap reduces the chance of miscommunication in the first week, when both sides are still getting used to the new routine.
If anything during the meet-and-greet raises a safety concern — about the dog's behavior or the home environment — it's okay to take time to think it over before committing. See our guide on when to say no to a client for how to handle that conversation.
Turning the Meet-and-Greet Into a Client Record
Everything you learn during a meet-and-greet is only useful if you can find it again later — especially months down the line, or if someone else ever covers a walk for you. Writing up quick notes right after the visit and attaching them to the client's profile means the details from this one conversation stay useful for as long as you work with that client.
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