I always start with going over a pet’s day-to-day routine- When do they wake up? When/how much do they eat? Do they have any walks they go on on a regular basis? How often does litter get scooped? And more- I always go over all this information during the initial meet and greet. Usually during these first meetings, I also like to get a peek at the space I’ll be working in, and where all the pet supplies are stored- in addition to meeting the critters, of course! I also try to have their healthcare provider on record, (just as a precaution!), and the specifications surrounding any medications they may be taking. Information on their personality and behavior struggles they may have is always a bonus as well- it is much easier to plan a visit and bond with an animal when I have an idea of what’s going on in their head. I always encourage owners to share any additional details about their pet that may not be covered by my questions- every animal is different! I also encourage folks to ask as many questions as they need to feel comfortable and confident about leaving their furry family members in my care. I get it- leaving your baby with a stranger is stressful! It’s totally natural to be anxious, and I want to do whatever I can to ease that anxiety.

I try to follow the general outline of your pet’s usual routine, especially during my initial visits- I don’t want to cause any additional stress by switching up their “average day” more than it already is with a sitter around! But when it comes to filling the gaps, I am always happy to work on some training, play chase in the yard, or just hang out together for a nap on the couch. Once we’ve had some time to get to know each other, though, I’m always open to taking a trip out of the house. That could mean spending an afternoon at the dog park, hiking at the nearest lake, or going through a drive-through for a pup cup- all at the owner’s discretion of course!