What are some (ideal) Meet & Greet questions?

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You'll want to ask them:

• What is the dogs exercise routine?
• Ask them how the dog is on walks - do they have any leash aggression or quirks?
• Where does the dog sleep?
• What is the dogs potty routine?
• Discuss where the food is kept and the feeding times/amounts

You'll find that the owner will be asking you a lot of questions since you'd be staying in their home. I always wrap it up asking the owner if they have any questions for me. From there, you can talk about booking.

What breed, size, age is your dog?

If the dog is under a year old has the puppy been through basic obedience?

Does your dog get along with other dogs?

Does your dog have a tendency to bark?

Does your dog have any anxiety or fearful behaviors?

Drop off and pick up times:

Emergency contact information:

In addition to answers provided:

Ask them to show you their preferred walking route in their neighborhood if there is one.

Ask for their vet name, address, phone and after hours vet information and confirm who to contact if emergency Also request they authorize and give consent for you to contact vet re. care if they can't be reached (some contact their vet and tell them the name of sitter before the stay; for those that don't I ask them to date, sign, and write a simple statement of authorization to treat on a sheet of paper that is readily accessible, like in the kitchen.)

How do they prefer to be contacted (phone, text, email, etc.)?

Regular routines at home (especially if exercise or anti-anxiety measures)

House rules, such as where dog and you are/are not allowed, expectations regarding kitchen, phone/internet/TV, etc. privleges

Also ask what is the dog afraid of (thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, etc) and how does the owner normally handle the situation? Ask if the dog is crate trained and is used to being confined if needed.

Here are my questions:

1. What type of dog do you have?

2. What is his/her weight and age?

3. Does he/she get along with other dogs or animals?

4. What is his/her temperament?

5. Is he/she active?

6. Any on-going ailments or issues I need to know about?

7. Does he/she listen to basic commands?

8. What is his/her favorite toy, foods and snacks?

9. Do you have an emergency number handy and is the person reliable?

10. What is the veterinary contact information?

11. What do you do in a situation where a dog who was playful gets aggressive with your dog, in other words a sudden bite...?

..**Myself, I would get my dog out of harms way by pulling on the leash, shout at the other dog while looking for the owner, and use my bullhorn!

-- and you?

Aside from all the awesome answer above, I also ask whether the dog is spayed/neutered(if you have any problem with this) and whether they are up-to-date with their shots and flea treatment or have any fleas.

I once had a dog owner say that their dog's back left leg tends to get worn out after heavy exercise or play and not to worry if that happens, so I like to ask if they have any special limitations, quirks, etc.

I have a list made up with all these questions that I can hand the pet owner to fill out. One question not seen, the pets last flea treatment. Having our house filled with them once was enough.

I ask specifics on what they're looking for from me: do they want dogs walked, how much time would they like me to spend with their pets, how many times per day (I usually upfront say 2-3 times a day plus 1 walk if wanted) and if there are any special games/toys that might make their pets more comfortable.

With cats be sure to ask if they're allowed outside and if you need to change litter.

And this is important- where do they want you to put the poop after walks. =)