Meet & Greets are key to making sure it’s a good fit before you book.
Tips for a successful Meet & Greet
Meet in a safe place
We recommend always taking steps to ensure your safety when meeting someone new. Try suggesting a meet-up in a public place first or, if you want to meet at the home where the booking will take place first, have a friend there with you.
If you hit it off, that’s great! Suggest booking to make it official. If something feels off, you’re under no obligation to book.
Be an advocate
Ask questions and make sure to discuss your expectations. No question is unimportant! Remember: Pet parents are the experts on what their pet needs to have a safe and happy stay. Sitters are the experts about their business and the care they can provide.
It’s okay to say no
Finding the right fit can take time—and that’s okay. It’s best to be honest about your needs and the needs of your pet. For sitters, it’s best to be honest about the care you can provide to ensure it’s a good fit. Your safety is important to us. If you receive requests that make you feel unsafe, report them through Rover. Declining these types of requests won’t affect sitter stats.
Report inappropriate behavior
It isn’t common, but if someone makes you uncomfortable please report them to Rover and block their profile. Learn how.
What to talk about at a Meet & Greet
Stumped on what to review at your Meet & Greet? Check out the categories below for some questions to ask to make sure it’s a good fit.
Discuss the pet’s personality
Review the pet’s unique personality quirks to help ensure the service goes smoothly.
• Is the pet good with other pets?
• Are they good with people?
• Are they good with other animals? (squirrels, bunnies, chickens, etc.)
• What is their play style?
• Do they have any toys or activities they love?
• How do they like to be handled?
• What are their triggers, if any?
• When was the last time your pet was apart from you? How did it go?
• Are they shy?
• What helps when your pet panics? (Ex: Meds, treats, music, safe zone)
• Does the cat hide from visitors?
• Are they kept indoors only?
• Are they prone to vomiting/hairballs?
• How long should each visit last?
• How often should the litter box be cleaned?
• Are treats okay? How many per day?
• Does the cat need engaged play time? (e.g. wand toy)
• How long should walks be?
• Do they have a medical history/concerns of note?
• What is their normal activity/energy level?
• Do they require extra potty breaks or diapers/pee pads?
• How much food/water is normal?
• What does normal poop look like?
• Is the puppy still teething?
• Are they potty trained?
• How trained are they (recall/sit/stay)?
• How much food/water is normal?
• What does normal poop look like?
Go over care instructions
Discuss routines and specific care needs such as meal times and any medical needs.
• What’s the pet’s potty break or litter box cleaning schedule?
• Do they get regular walks or playtime?
• Are treats expected at certain times?
• How often will the pet be alone during the stay?
• Are there any other commitments to be aware of that might affect care?
• How much food will be provided during the stay?
• How to measure a serving size
• What time do they eat and how often?
• Does the pet get treats? If so, how many per day?
• What is their normal appetite like?
• Do they always finish their food?
• Ask about specific ID tags/collars
• Do a run-through on how to use walking gear properly (ie: harness, leash)
• Any favorite or preferred bowls?
• Any favorite toys/scratching post?
• Where/What are their beds/comfort items?
• Clothing/cooling gear/compression vests
• Where are extra poop bags located?
• Do they need to be brushed/groomed? Where are grooming tools stored?
• Does the pet take any medications? If yes: Do a demo for administering and pre-measure doses
• Any allergies or chronic conditions?
• Note any indicators that might show the condition/illness/issue is getting worse
• Ensure the emergency contact will be available
• Go over vet info and payment plan
• Microchip details
Review any property details
Share important details about the location of the pet’s stay to prevent any incidents.
• Where does the pet sleep?
• Where is their food kept?
• Where are the food and water bowls kept?
• Are there any dangers in the yard, such as a pool, broken fence, or poisonous plants/chemicals?
• How secure is the fencing?
• Is the backyard and fence adequate enough to secure the pet?
• Look for gaps in the fence, areas where the pet might be able to dig, unsecure latches, or low fencing.
• Does the pet try to escape when you enter/exit the door?
• Indicate the best way(s) to enter the home
• Discuss home safety (keys, locks, alarms, lockbox)
• Note any neighborhood expectations (parking, smoking, trash days, other dogs close by)
• Are any areas of the home off-limits?
Questions by location and service type
Find specific questions based on the service type, whether it’s a walk or an overnight stay.
• Are guests or other pets OK during drop-ins?
• Are guests or other pets OK overnight?
• What is off limits in the kitchen/bar?
• Will there be access to laundry machines?
• Will walks be needed or just outdoor access?
• Note any expectations on yard cleaning
• Note any expectations on cleaning the home (as well as where to find the supplies)
• Will anyone else be around during the day (house cleaner, tradespeople, mail deliveries?)
• Note any neighborhood expectations (parking, smoking, trash days, other dogs close by)
• Where should the sitter sleep?
• Where does the pet usually sleep?
• Indicate the best way(s) to enter the home
• Discuss home safety (keys, locks, alarms, lockbox)
• Indicate any other important information they should know
• Note any strange or unusual noises
• Review wifi access and/or home entertainment
• Indicate if the mail/packages should be collected
• Indicate if you have a fenced or unfenced yard
• Note if you have a pool
• Mention if you have other animals on the property (ie: chickens, rabbits, etc.)
• Is the pet good with kids? When was the last time they were around kids?
• Where does the pet usually sleep?
• Does the pet try to eat unattended food or eat out of the trash?
• How many treats are OK in a day?
• What kind of play does your pet prefer (ie: tug of war, fetch, puzzles, feather wand)?
• How frequently does the dog get walked?
• What is the usual duration of a walk?
• Where are the best places to dispose of poop bags?
• If possible, go on a walk together on a preferred route
• Demonstrate how to use walking gear properly
• How does the pet do with other dogs?
• What is the pet’s play style?
• Are walks needed or just outdoor access?
• Is the pet good with dogs of all sizes?
• Will there be loud noises like fireworks?
• Are your pets ok around a lot of people?