MyPetFriendsBefore a booking
Clear and honest communication early on helps set the right expectations. This usually looks like:
- Answering questions clearly
- Being upfront about your availability
- Clarifying what you can and can’t offer
Taking a bit of time here helps avoid misunderstandings later.
Meet & greets (optional)
In some cases, sitters and pet owners choose to have a short meet & greet to make sure everyone feels comfortable – especially for longer stays or first-time arrangements.
Meet & greets are optional and tend to work best when they’re:
- Relaxed and informal
- Focused on getting comfortable with the pet and their routine
- Treated as a chance to see if it feels like a good fit
If you do choose to have a meet & greet, we encourage keeping communication and any bookings on MyPetFriends, as this helps protect both sitters and pet owners.
During a booking
Pet owners often appreciate knowing how things are going, even when everything’s running smoothly. While there’s no strict rule, good communication during care often includes:
- Sharing a photo of the pet (at least once)
- Sending occasional updates
- Letting owners know how things are going
Small check-ins can be very reassuring.
If something changes
Plans don’t always go exactly as expected – and that’s okay. If something changes during a booking, we encourage sitters to:
- Let the pet owner know as soon as possible
- Explain what’s going on briefly and clearly
- Suggest next steps where it makes sense
Speaking up early is almost always better than waiting.
Flag concerns early
If you notice something that might affect the booking – whether it’s about timing, routine, or a pet’s behaviour – raising it early helps everyone stay calm and find a solution together.
The big picture
There’s no such thing as perfect communication. Being responsive, honest, and thoughtful goes a long way. When pet owners feel informed and included, they’re far more likely to feel comfortable and confident in the care you’re providing.