If you're a new client, I'll schedule at least one meet and greet so I can meet and get acquainted with you and your pet(s). I'll ask you numerous questions about your pet(s). These include but are not limited to: -- Does it have any health issues? How do I handle those? Do I need to administer medication? -- Does it allow strangers to enter its house? -- Does it allow strangers to walk it? -- How do I contact its emergency vet in case something happens? Whether you're a repeat or new client, I'll have you write up a complete sheet of instructions on a piece of paper, or email them to me, that tells me how often to feed the pet, where its food is, how often to walk it, etc. I'll also have you list your pet's emergency vet and its contact info and the contact info of 1-2 friends/neighbors that can help me in an emergency. If you request references, I'll provide two of these, which are clients for whom I regularly care for their dogs/cats when they go on vacation. Before providing this info, I'll contact my references to ask if it's okay if I provide them as references. I'll also tell them to expect to be contacted by you. If you live in an apartment or condo complex, I'll follow the security protocols of the apartments. I'll also go with you to the front desk to introduce myself to the receptionist(s). When I take your dog for a walk, I'll keep it on a leash (and harness/gentle leader/etc if there's one) the entire time. I'll only let the dog off-leash if you say it's okay, and only in places you say it's okay. I'll also tend to walk your dog in neighborhoods/residential areas, which have less traffic. If you say your dog has problems with certain breeds or with all other dogs in general, I'll keep the dog away from those dogs. I don't accept dogs that have bitten a person or another animal. I accept pets that aren't microchipped. If it's a dog, I'll never let it off-leash, except for it's a fully enclosed yard on your property. However, I highly recommend you microchip your pet. If your pet escapes from the house or during a walk, it's important to have your pet microchipped so the microchip can be read at a shelter or vet's office and the animal can be returned to you. I accept outdoor cats, but only if they'll stay indoors during the time I watch them. I will not let them outside for any reason. Whether walking dogs during the day or at night, I'll keep my phone, a whistle, pepper spray, and a flashlight with me, and I'll always monitor my surroundings. I'll avoid areas that are known to be sketchy. To reduce risk of gastric dilatation volvulus/bloat in dogs, especially in deep-chested breeds, I'll walk your dog before feeding it. I'll only feed your pet its kibble, wet food, and/or treats that you say it can have. I'll only give it plain water to drink. I'll also refill the bowl or replace the old water with fresh water at least twice a day so it can stay hydrated. If I want to feed your pet something else like my own treats, I'll ask you first in case it has allergies or other dietary restrictions. Your dog must also be fully trained. I don't accept dogs that are under 1 year old and/or not fully potty-trained.