Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet Checklist: What Owners and Sitters Should Discuss

A pet-sitting meet-and-greet gives pet owners and potential sitters a chance to understand routines, expectations and safety information before care begins. A short meeting can make the first sitting arrangement clearer for everyone, especially when a pet has specific feeding, walking or medication routines.

What to discuss before pet sitting

Start with the pet’s normal day. Explain feeding times, walk schedules, toilet routines, sleeping arrangements and any house rules. Show the sitter where food, leads, cleaning supplies and other essentials are kept.

1. Pet personality and behaviour

Describe how your pet normally behaves around new people, other animals, children, food, toys and unfamiliar environments. Mention known triggers or situations that should be avoided. The goal is to give the sitter practical information rather than assume every pet behaves the same way.

2. Feeding and daily routine

Write down meal amounts and times, treats, water routines and foods the pet should not receive. Include normal exercise and rest patterns so the sitter can keep the day familiar.

3. Walking and safety

Demonstrate how the collar, harness and lead are used. Explain preferred walking routes, recall behaviour and any situations where extra caution is needed. If your pet should never be let off lead, say so clearly.

4. Emergency information

Provide your contact details, an alternative emergency contact and your veterinarian’s information. Leave clear instructions about what the sitter should do if the pet becomes ill, is injured or goes missing. See the OkTreat pet sitter emergency information guide for a fuller checklist.

5. Digital pet profile and Smart Pet Tag

Make sure the information you choose to share in your pet’s digital profile is current. If your pet uses an OkTreat Smart Pet Tag, check that the QR or NFC tag can be accessed as intended. Learn more in What Is a Smart Pet Tag? and What Information Should Be on a Digital Pet Profile?

Questions pet owners can ask

• What experience do you have caring for pets with similar needs?
• How will you communicate updates during the sitting period?
• What would you do if the pet became unwell or escaped?
• Are you comfortable following the pet’s feeding and walking routine?
• Is there anything about the care instructions that is unclear?

Before the first sitting

Prepare written care instructions and check that important contact information is current. For a broader preparation list, use the OkTreat Pet Sitting Checklist. First-time owners can also read Pet Sitting for First-Time Pet Owners.

How this fits the OkTreat community

OkTreat is built around pet owners helping pet owners. Members can contribute pet care, earn TreatCoins through eligible participation and use TreatCoins when they need supported pet care themselves. A good meet-and-greet supports that community model by helping owners share useful information before a sitting arrangement begins.

Frequently asked questions

Should I meet a pet sitter before the first booking?

A meet-and-greet can be useful because it lets the owner explain routines, safety information and expectations before care starts.

What should I give a pet sitter?

Provide clear care instructions, feeding information, supplies, emergency contacts, veterinarian details and any information needed to care for the pet safely.

What if my pet has special needs?

Explain the needs clearly before care begins and confirm that the sitter understands and is comfortable following the required routine. For medical needs, provide veterinarian-approved instructions where appropriate.