Since I only sit in clients’ homes, my first priority is learning that space and the pet’s normal routine before anything else. I do a full walkthrough early on: locating food, medications, leashes, emergency vet info, and any hazards specific to that home, along with confirming that doors, gates, and fencing are secure. I ask detailed questions upfront about the pet’s habits, triggers, and any past experiences that affect how they respond to new people, since that shapes how I approach them from day one. With anxious or guarded pets, I don’t assume trust right away. I move slowly, let them come to me, and give them space to adjust instead of forcing interaction in an unfamiliar setting with someone new. I also stay closely attentive to a home’s existing routines rather than imposing my own, since consistency matters a lot for a pet’s sense of safety while their owner is away. If anything seems off, whether it’s a behavior change or a safety concern in the home itself, I communicate with the owner right away rather than waiting.