I know to ask about location, if my dog is okay to come along and if they want me full-time vs part-time. What other questions do you like to ask upfront to make sure its worthwhile to meet?
Before the M&G, I ask about Internet. I also work online so I require an Internet connection be available. Do they want me there 24/7 or can I come and go during the day? Has the owner left the dog before? How did the dog react to the stranger keeping it / staying in its home?
Internet! Yeh, thats good one....
Some of these you might use during the meet & greet, but some you may need to ask in advance. For example, for some sitters, deal breakers may include: the location of their home, the need to stay in their home 24 x 7, their dog being aggressive with other humans and/or dogs, not being okay with your dog being there, or other medical conditions/statuses,
People have different q's. Before I agree to a meet, I ask health issues- esp. if need medication (I don't offer injectable), if up-to-date w/ vaccinations, flea treatment, & regular fecal test for parasites; if any dog or human aggression; able to walk leashed. Medical & Aggression are deal breakers for me. I won't intentionally&unnecessarily subject myself/my dog to health and safety issues. If dog can't walk leashed, but safely does business inside home or in their private yard that's fine, but I learned to ask before going to meet - only to later hear oh, they only walk off leash throughout the neighborhood.
From the Help Center: https://www.rover.com/blog/meet-greet... Ask questions. For example, what tendencies or special quirks should you know about? If the dog has certain behaviors, do they show up only when they're away from their pet parent? Listen carefully to the answers, and ask yourself honestly whether you can handle the challenges and special needs the dog might present. Ask for a Tour Now is the time to learn where they store their food, where the dog’s favorite toys are kept, and if they have a pet first aid kit. It’s also a good time to ask about where you might sleep or how you would care for the home if you’ll be spending the night. Clarify expectations Make sure that both you and the pet parent understand all expectations about the stay, including the services you provide, how long the dog may be left alone, exercise and feeding routines, drop-off and pick-up times, and whatever else you consider essential to a happy booking.If you plan on balancing multiple drop-in visits—or walking for one dog and overnights for another—let the owner know and make sure it’s okay with them. Be careful to never take on more dogs than you can handle comfortably (or more dogs than you advertise on your Rover profile).
Thank you..as I mentioned above these would be questions BEFORE the meet. Seems like the 3 I mentioned are the main important ones. Good! Just double checking hadn't missed something
Great! People have different q's. Before I agree to a meet, I ask health issues- esp. if need medication(type/when), if up-to-date w/ vaccinations, flea treatment, & regular fecal test for parasites; if any dog or human aggression; able to walk leashed. Medical & Aggression are deal breakers for me.
Yep aggression is a deal-breaker for me too but I figure people won't be upfront or honest about it lol, so I just wait to see on that one.... ;)
In addition to the great questions above, I always ask if dogs have a favorite toy or any odd quirks that I should/should not worry about. Others include if they have separation anxiety, if they have been away from owners before, and if their background fencing is secure.
Cari's post gives ideas on how to word dog's reaction to others staying in home (which may give insight into possible aggression). Finding out as much as I can about the dog's temperament & level of medical care matter most to me- above everything else. Some parents will tell you if ask right Q's.