Why a Welcome Message Matters
The gap between booking and the first walk is where most client anxiety lives. A new client doesn't know what to expect — will you text when you arrive? What if their dog is anxious around strangers? What happens if something comes up and they need to cancel?
A single, well-organized welcome message answers these questions before they're asked. It also sets the tone: clients who receive a clear, thoughtful message before the first visit tend to trust the process more and communicate more smoothly throughout the relationship.
The goal isn't to write something new every time — it's to have a solid template you adapt slightly for each client.
Template: New Client Welcome Message
Send this once a booking is confirmed, ideally a day or two before the first walk.
Hi [Client Name]! Thanks so much for booking with me — I'm looking forward to meeting [Dog Name].
Here's what to expect for our first visit on [Date] at [Time]:
- I'll arrive within a 15-minute window of the scheduled time
- I'll send a quick message when I arrive and when the walk is finished
- If [Dog Name] has any specific routines, feeding instructions, or behavior notes, feel free to share them anytime before the visit
A couple of quick policy notes: if you ever need to cancel or reschedule, just give me [24 hours'] notice when possible. Full details are here: [link to cancellation policy, if applicable].
If you have any questions before then, just message me — otherwise, see you and [Dog Name] on [Date]!
Template: Meet-and-Greet Follow-Up
If you offer a meet-and-greet before the first paid walk, send this shortly after to confirm next steps.
It was great meeting you and [Dog Name] today! [He/She/They] seemed [comfortable/curious/a little shy at first but warmed up] — totally normal for a first visit.
Based on what we talked about, here's what I have scheduled: [walk details — days, times, duration].
A few things I noted for my records: [any behavior notes, gate codes, feeding instructions discussed].
Let me know if anything looks off, and I'll see [Dog Name] on [first scheduled date]!
Template: First Walk Confirmation (Day Of)
A short message the morning of the first walk reduces no-shows and last-minute confusion on both sides.
Good morning! Just confirming I'll be by for [Dog Name]'s walk around [time]. I'll send a message when I arrive and again when we're done. Let me know if anything's changed on your end — otherwise, see you soon!
Keep it to one message, not three. Combining the policy info, expectations, and contact details into a single welcome message is easier for clients to find and reference later than the same information spread across several separate texts.
Template: Recurring Client Welcome (Ongoing Schedule)
For clients who book a recurring weekly schedule rather than one-off walks, set expectations for the ongoing relationship up front.
Hi [Client Name]! Excited to start [Dog Name]'s regular walk schedule — here's a quick overview of how things will work:
- Schedule: [Days/times] each week
- Updates: I'll send a quick message after each walk with how it went
- Schedule changes: If you need to adjust a specific day, just let me know with as much notice as possible
- Holidays/vacations: I'll reach out ahead of any planned time off, and please do the same if your schedule changes
Looking forward to it — see you [first date]!
Customizing These Templates
These templates are starting points. A few ways to make them feel more like you:
- Match your natural tone. If you're naturally more casual or more formal in your texts, adjust the wording — clients respond to consistency between your messages and your in-person demeanor.
- Add specific details about your service area or process if relevant — for example, if you always park in a specific spot or use a particular entrance.
- Mention certifications where relevant — if you're pet first aid certified, a brief mention in the welcome message is a natural trust signal.
- Don't over-explain. A welcome message that's too long can bury the important parts. Keep policy mentions brief, with a link to fuller details if needed.
For the policy details these templates reference, see Dog Walking Cancellation Policy Template.
How DogWalkr Automates This
Sending a thoughtful welcome message to every new client is easy when you have one or two clients. It gets harder to remember — and easy to skip — once you're managing a full schedule.
DogWalkr can send automated booking confirmations to new clients, so the basics (what to expect, your policies, contact info) go out consistently without you having to type it out each time. You can still add a personal note, but the structure is handled for you.
Ready to run bookings after your rate card is clear? Start your free 14-day trial.