HPS Contractor Training – Section 11: Conducting Meet & Greets

Welcome to the Meet & Greet Protocol section!
At Houston Pet Sitters (HPS), the Meet & Greet is the client’s first in-person impression of our team — and often the most important. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, warmth, and confidence while building trust and setting the tone for ongoing care.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will:

• Understand the purpose and goals of a Meet & Greet.
  
  

• Learn how to prepare, present yourself, and communicate professionally.
  
  

• Know what questions to ask and what observations to make.
  
  

• Recognize the importance of clear follow-up and maintaining HPS standards.
  
  

💬 Before the Meet & Greet

• Review the client’s profile, notes, and pet details before the appointment.
  
  

• Be punctual — aim to arrive 5 minutes early.
  
  

• Dress neatly and wear HPS-branded gear, if available.
  
  

• Bring a friendly, confident demeanor — smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself clearly.
  
  

• Ensure your phone is charged and notifications are on for any HPS updates.
  
  

🙋‍♀️ During the Visit

• Greet the client warmly and use their preferred name.
  
  

• Engage positively with pet parents to display comfort so that the pets can pick up your intentions clearly — use a calm, gentle tone and open body language.
  
  

• If pets are barking, anxious, or mildly defensive:
  
  

  • Avoid direct engagement at first; focus on the client.
    
    

  • Allow the pet to approach you when they’re ready — curiosity often builds trust naturally.
    
    

  • Never force interaction or reach out suddenly.
    
    

• Ask relevant questions about routines, preferences, medications, and special needs.
  
  

• Take notes (you may use the HPS templates) about home layout, entry points, alarm codes, and pet supplies.
  
  

• Listen carefully and attentively — clients notice your professionalism and focus.
  
  

• Do NOT criticize, critique or correct clients' parenting. Do NOT point out things that you personally disagree with about their own pets. Do NOT deride, berate or judge their pets or parenting even if you think it is funny, cute or clever. Remember, these are their children. It is our job to learn, listen and follow their instructions.

• Remember the Meet & Greet is precisely in place to make sure you are a match with the clients. If, for any reason, it is NOT a fit, you are more than welcome to reject the request.
  
  

• Reference past experience to show expertise and familiarity with various pet types and situations.
  
  

• Avoid overpromising or discussing scheduling, pricing, or policies (those are handled by HPS).
  
  

🚫 What Not to Do

• Do not discuss personal schedules, availability, or off-platform services.
  
  

• Do not criticize prior sitters, the home, pet condition, or behavior.
  
  

• Do not take photos or videos without client permission.
  
  

• Do not linger unnecessarily after the visit concludes.
  
  

• Do not reach out to pets suddenly or in a way that could startle them.
  
  

• Do not act nonchalant or disinterested — attentiveness matters.
  
  

• Do not assume you “know it all.” Every pet, home, and client is unique, with their own preferences and routines.
  
  

🌟 After the Meet & Greet

• Send a brief, professional thank-you message through Time To Pet (TTP).
  
  

• Note any follow-up details for HPS (alarm info, pet temperament, new notes, etc.).
  
  

• If you notice any concerns or red flags, contact HPS immediately.
  
  

• Remember: trust and professionalism during the Meet & Greet lay the foundation for a long-term client relationship.
  
  

💡 Tips for Success

• Treat every Meet & Greet as an interview for trust.
  
  

• Show calm confidence — clients want to feel their pets are in capable, professional hands.
  
  

• Use open, friendly body language.
  
  

• Be genuinely interested in the pets and their routines.
  
  

• End with gratitude and reassurance, such as:
  
  
  “I’m really looking forward to caring for [Pet’s Name]!”