I am a Traveling Sitter and before I get my first stay I was wondering what are some ideal Meet & Greet Question that you normally as potential clients who either have a cat and/or dog that they would like me to watch? As well as for dog (or cat. You never know!) walking?
You should ask the aboves and also how they are with other animals, dogs, cats, squirels, people, adults and kids. - if it's for a cat are they allowed outside? (even if they are i would not let them out until you know the cat well -are they an escape artist? -are there holes or loose/weak spots in the fence? do they try to jump the fence? -what brand and formula do you feed -where are things like paper towles, cleaner, carpet cleaner, fire extinguisher, flasklights, kennels/carriers kept -who else has access to the home (ask this so you don't think their relative checking in is a robber) and will they be coming by
This is a great question.... I always ask if the dog is a runner, does he take any chance to run away to find the owner, is the dog the kind that tries to get out of his leash so a harness would be most wise. Ill ask questions about how the dogs like to be picked up or petted you will be surprised that dog owners LOVE to talk about their Babies. So ask anything, anything is not a stupid question and you will be able to know what questions to ask as you have more stays. Like for me in the beginning didnt take the dogs out to potty before bringing them into my home for the first time since the owner dropped them, they always pooped right when they walked in, so my new thing was that when the dog is dropped off we go for a 5- 15 minute potty walk so they are set when we go inside, and its not always fool proof so you have to keep an open mind and have the carpet cleaner ready.
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 always ask where the cleaning supplies are, because when dogs are anxious, sometimes they have accidents that they don't usually have otherwise -- and I want to be able to tend to it right away in that case!
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 always ask about medications, food allergies, where they sleep and if they are allowed on furniture. How many walks do they need, how do they behave on leash, do they enjoy going to the dog park? What about the river or hiking? Are they friendly to other dogs? What is their favorite toy? Which commands/tricks do they know? Do they come when called by a human they don't know?
I also always spend ample time physically letting the owners take me through their dogs daily routines when I go to visit, including going for a walk or watching them do meal time, etc. That way I can get a feel for the dog's personality, I know exactly how their person does things with them and I am already starting to form a bond and relationship with the dog before I show up to sit them.
The more you pet sit the more questions you will be able to come up with! Good luck! Im sure you'll do great.
In addition, to all of the great answers above, you should make sure to ask the owner about any likes and dislikes the dog may have, as well as any quirky behaviors or habits. I once watched a dog who drank water so fast that he would cough very badly, as if he was choking on something, but the owner warned me of this before the stay took place and assured me that it was absolutely normal. If I had not asked the owner the question about quirky behaviors, then I would've been pretty freaked out when I heard the dog coughing so badly!
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. =)
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.
Great!! I am adding this one under issues or concerns I need to know about. Thanks Diana!
Here are my questions:
What type of dog do you have?
What is his/her weight and age?
Does he/she get along with other dogs or animals?
What is his/her temperament?
Is he/she active?
Any on-going ailments or issues I need to know about?
Does he/she listen to basic commands?
What is his/her favorite toy, foods and snacks?
Do you have an emergency number handy and is the person reliable?
What is the veterinary contact information?
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?
any food aggression, very important if there is any history of aggression towards other in house pet, commands to keep the training, how many treats per day, behavior with unknowns dogs during walks
I always ask if they have special instructions for me. This is a non-confrontational question that allows pet parents to mention things like "Fuzzy does not like to get too close to strange dogs on his walk". If they have no instructions, I just ask what "Fuzzy" enjoys doing (walking, playing ball, treats, etc.). I hope this helps.
What does the dog enjoy the most? Walks, runs, cuddle time. Allergies? Feeding schedule?