Cover Yourself and Schedule a Meet & Greet
The Pawshake Guarantee provides essential coverage, including veterinary care for guest pets during the booking period. This coverage only starts if you and the pet owner have a Meet and Greet before confirming the booking. Skipping this step leaves you unprotected and exposed if something unexpected happens.
Why the Meet and Greet is Crucial for Sitters
For pet sitters, the meet and greet is more than just an introduction. It is a chance to make sure the arrangement is safe and suitable. This also helps secure the protections provided by the Pawshake Guarantee. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Clarify Service Expectations: Use the meeting to ensure that you and the client are on the same page about care routines, house rules, and other important details.
- Activate the Pawshake Guarantee: The Meet and Greet is a required step to activate the Pawshake Guarantee. This includes veterinary coverage for the guest pet during the booking period, giving you peace of mind in case the pet requires medical attention. Without this meeting, neither you nor the pet is covered.
- Assess Compatibility: Meeting the pet in person helps you determine if you’re comfortable and equipped to care for their needs, ensuring a good fit for both you and the client.
- Reduce Risk: Understanding a pet’s behaviour, temperament, and quirks before the booking minimises the chance of unexpected challenges, such as aggression, anxiety, or medical emergencies.
How the Meet and Greet Protects You as a Sitter
The meet and greet plays a key role in protecting you as a sitter. Here’s how it safeguards you throughout the booking:
- Veterinary Coverage: Activating the Pawshake Guarantee means that, if a guest pet needs emergency veterinary care during the booking, you’ll have access to guarantee coverage. This ensures you’re not left bearing the financial burden in case of an accident or illness.
- Professional Boundaries: Meeting in person sets the tone for a professional relationship, where both parties can discuss their responsibilities, payment terms, and boundaries clearly.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve met the pet and owner, clarified all details, and secured the Pawshake Guarantee gives you confidence that you’re prepared for the booking.
What to Cover During the Meet and Greet
To ensure a smooth and safe booking, be thorough in your discussions during the Meet and Greet:
- Pet Details: Learn about the pet’s temperament, medical needs, and daily routine. Be upfront about any challenges you’re experienced with and those you’re not.
- Emergency Plans: Confirm the pet owner’s vet contact details and a backup emergency contact. Share how the Pawshake Guarantee provides coverage if the guest pet requires veterinary care.
- Logistics: Discuss access to the home (keys, alarm systems), feeding and exercise schedules, and house rules. Test keys and review any special instructions for using the property.
- Trial Run: For dogs, consider a trial walk where you handle the leash to observe the pet’s behaviour. For cats, allow them to interact at their own pace in their home environment.
Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats
Different Pets Have Different Needs – Make Your Meet & Greet Work for You!
Dogs:
- When meeting a dog, it is best to pick a neutral place, like a park. This helps avoid territorial behaviour. It is important to do this before introducing them to the space where you will care for them. This approach allows both you and the dog to meet without the added stress of being on either your or the dog’s home turf.
- If you have your own dog, it is a good idea to set up an introduction first. This way, the dogs can get to know each other. Take this chance to talk about the guest dog’s leash behaviour. Discuss the commands the dog prefers. Also, consider if off-leash walks are a good idea. During the meeting, take the lead to assess the dog’s responsiveness and ensure that you are comfortable managing them.
Cats:
- Cats can be a bit more territorial, so it’s best to hold the Meet & Greet at the pet owner's home. Allow the cat to observe you from a distance and approach on their own terms. Avoid forcing interaction, as this could stress the cat. Be sure to ask the owner about feeding routines, litter box care, and any house rules, like whether the cat is allowed outside. Understanding these details helps you offer the best care while respecting the cat's space.
After the Meet and Greet: Make Your Decision
Once the Meet and Greet is complete, take the time to reflect on whether it’s a good fit:
- If it feels right: Confirm the booking via Pawshake, ensuring all details are finalised and the guarantee is activated. For longer stays, consider suggesting a trial day or overnight stay first.
- If it doesn’t feel right: Trust your instincts. If you’re unsure about the arrangement, it’s perfectly fine to decline politely and suggest the owner look for a more suitable sitter.
The Bottom Line: Protect Yourself
A Meet and Greet is not just about building trust—it’s an essential step to protect yourself and ensure a smooth, professional service. By reducing risks, clarifying expectations, and activating the Pawshake Guarantee, you’re setting yourself up for a safe and successful booking.
Don’t skip this crucial step. With the peace of mind provided by a successful Meet and Greet, you can focus on what you do best—providing loving, attentive care for pets.
Want to sign-up as a Pawshake Sitter? Follow the link below!
