Meet and Greet Guide for Dog Walkers/Companies

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we understand that a successful meet and greet is crucial to building a strong relationship with both dogs and their owners. Whether you're an experienced dog walker or just starting your dog walking business, conducting a proper meet and greet can set the tone for a long-term, professional relationship. This meeting isn't just about introducing yourself to the dog—it’s about understanding the dog's needs, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that you and the dog are a good match.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to conduct a meet and greet for dog walking services, including tips on how to keep the conversation friendly, how to gather necessary information, and why transparency is key. If you’re a dog walking company looking to improve your meet and greet process, these tips will help you establish trust and make a positive first impression.

1. Prepare a Pre-Created Form for Information Gathering

A well-organized meet and greet begins with being prepared. As a dog walker or dog walking company, you should bring a pre-created form to collect all the necessary details about the dog and the owner. This ensures that you don't miss any crucial information, and it helps you stay organized.

Your form should include:

• Dog’s name, age, breed, and medical history

• Emergency contact information for the owner

• Walking and feeding schedule

• Special needs (e.g., behavioral issues, medical conditions, food allergies)

• Preferred walking locations and times

• House rules and pet care preferences

Having this form prepared shows professionalism and ensures you gather all the necessary details for providing quality dog care. It also makes it easier for the dog owner to share their expectations, which can help you tailor your services to meet their needs.

2. Create a Friendly, Non-Pressuring Environment

The goal of a dog walking meet and greet is to make both the dog and the owner feel comfortable. The tone should be friendly, welcoming, and non-pressuring. Remember, it’s not just about "selling" your services—it’s about building a rapport and getting to know the dog’s unique needs.

Approach the meet and greet like a friendly interview, where you're more interested in gathering information than impressing the client. While you may discuss your services, make sure the focus is on the dog’s needs, likes, and dislikes. Engage with the dog in a natural way—petting them, walking them around, or playing with toys—to observe how they respond to you. This gives the owner peace of mind that you’re capable of handling their dog with care.

3. Encourage the Owner to Ask Questions

During the meet and greet, it’s important to encourage the dog owner to ask most of the questions. This helps them feel in control of the process while allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and professionalism.

Owners will likely have questions about your dog walking services, policies, or how you handle specific situations (like aggressive dogs or medical emergencies). Let them lead the conversation while you listen attentively and provide clear, honest answers. As you answer their questions, make sure to offer suggestions when appropriate, such as recommending the best walking routes or discussing ways to improve the dog’s behavior.

While the owner is asking questions, it’s a great time to engage with the dog. You can pet them, throw a toy, or walk around the yard or neighborhood to assess their behavior. This shows that you are capable of handling their dog while creating a positive, calm experience.

4. Discuss Key Policies and Expectations

One of the most important parts of a meet and greet for dog walking services is setting clear expectations. Transparency around policies can help avoid misunderstandings later. Make sure to go over key topics like:

• Cancellation Policies: Be clear about your cancellation policy, including how much notice you require to cancel or reschedule. For example, “I ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations to ensure that I can adjust my schedule.”

• Time Windows for Walks: Discuss your available time windows for walks and services. Let them know if you have flexible or set hours for walks (e.g., “I generally offer walks between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day”).

• Payment Methods: Clarify how you accept payments (e.g., via credit card, PayPal, or cash) and whether you charge per walk or on a subscription basis.

• Special Instructions: Ensure they understand how you’ll handle things like medications, feeding, or behavior issues.

While discussing policies, it’s important to keep the mood positive and approachable. You want the dog owner to feel comfortable with the process and know exactly what to expect moving forward.

5. Keep the Mood Positive and Welcoming

When you're meeting new clients, it’s important to keep the mood light and friendly. While you’ll discuss policies and logistics, don’t make the conversation feel too formal or rigid. Remember, you’re not just providing a service—you’re building a relationship.

• Smile, maintain eye contact, and use a friendly, conversational tone.

• Keep the conversation upbeat, even while discussing logistics like payment or cancellation policies.

• Share a bit about your experience as a dog walker and your love for animals to create a connection with the owner.

• Be sure to engage with the dog during the meet and greet. Pet them, play with them, or take them for a brief walk. This reassures the owner that you’re comfortable and capable with their dog.

Keeping the mood light and positive will help you build rapport with the owner while showing them that you’re the right choice for their dog.

6. Wrap It Up with Clear Next Steps

At the end of the meeting, make sure the owner feels confident about the next steps. Reaffirm your availability and confirm any details about the services you’ll provide. If they seem interested in moving forward, schedule the first dog walk or service appointment.

Be sure to remind the owner that you’re available for follow-up questions and that you’ll be happy to address any concerns they might have. Send a follow-up email or text thanking them for their time and reiterating the next steps.

Conclusion: The Importance of a Successful Meet and Greet for Dog Walkers

A successful meet and greet is essential for building trust and rapport with dog owners. By being prepared with a pre-created form, encouraging the owner to ask questions, discussing key policies, and keeping the mood positive and welcoming, you can ensure that both the dog and owner feel confident in your ability to care for their pet.

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we know that each meet and greet is a step toward a successful, long-lasting relationship with both the dog and their owner. Following these tips will help you conduct a thorough and friendly meet and greet that sets the foundation for excellent dog care.

Contact Trails and Tails Dog Walking for more tips on how to conduct a professional meet and greet or if you’re in need of expert dog walking services in Seattle.