Choosing someone new to look after your dog is a big decision, which is why a proper dog walker meet and greet matters so much. It’s your chance to ask questions, watch how your dog reacts to a potential walker, and get a genuine feel for how they’ll be cared for when you’re not around. At 4 Paw Friend, we insist on a free meet and greet before every new booking, because trust has to be earned in person, not just promised online.

If you’re based in Clapham, Battersea, Brixton, Stockwell, Vauxhall, Kennington, Oval, Balham, Tooting, Streatham, Wandsworth, Pimlico or Lambeth and you’re weighing up your options, here’s what a thorough meet and greet should actually cover.

Why a Dog Walker Meet and Greet Is Non-Negotiable

Any dog walker worth hiring should want to meet your dog before taking them out. It’s not just a formality; it’s how a good walker assesses temperament, energy levels, and any quirks your dog might have around other animals or busy pavements. It also gives you the opportunity to check credentials, ask about insurance, and see how comfortable your dog feels with them from the very first hello.

A genuine meet and greet should never feel rushed. It’s a two-way conversation, and any walker who tries to skip it or squeeze it into five minutes probably isn’t the right fit.

What Should Actually Happen During the Visit

Getting to Know Your Dog

Expect your walker to spend time on the floor with your dog, letting them approach in their own time. They should ask about your dog’s routine, favourite toys, feeding schedule, and any behavioural sensitivities, whether that’s reactivity to other dogs, noise anxiety, or simply a dislike of leads going over the head.

Talking Through Logistics

A proper meet and greet should also cover the practical side of things: how door-to-door pick-up and drop-off works, what happens if you’re running late, how updates are shared during the walk, and what a typical group size looks like. We keep our groups small and carefully managed, and we’re always happy to explain exactly how that works before you commit to anything.

Checking Credentials Properly

Don’t be shy about asking for proof of insurance and DBS checks. A trustworthy walker will have this information ready without hesitation. It’s also worth asking how experienced the team is with your dog’s specific breed or age group, particularly if you have a puppy or an older dog with mobility needs.

Questions Worth Asking

To make the most of your meet and greet, it helps to go in with a few questions prepared. Here are some we always encourage new clients to ask:

How do you handle dogs that don’t get along during group walks?
What does a typical walk or daycare day actually look like?
How will I know my dog is safe and happy while I’m at work?
What’s your plan if my dog seems unwell or unsettled?
Can I see examples of the photo updates you send?

Live photo updates on every walk aren’t just a nice extra, they give real peace of mind, and any good walker should be able to show you what those updates typically look like before you book.

What a Good Match Feels Like

By the end of a proper meet and greet, you should feel reassured rather than sold to. Your dog’s body language usually tells you everything you need to know, whether that’s a relaxed tail, curious sniffing, or genuine excitement at a new face. We’ve been lucky enough to build relationships that go far beyond a single walk, and it’s always lovely to hear how much dogs settle in.

“Honestly the most amazing team! From her first day, Kiki quite literally leaps into Joe’s arms.” – Andie

With a 4.9 rating from 88 Google reviews and over 70 dogs walked weekly across South London, we’ve learned that the meet and greet is where all good relationships start. You can find full details of everything we offer on our services page, including group walks, solo walks, daycare, puppy visits, and pet taxi runs.

Ready to See for Yourself

If you’d like to find out exactly how we work before committing to anything, we’d love to arrange a free meet and greet with you and your dog. It’s relaxed, unhurried, and entirely about making sure we’re the right fit for each other. You can book yours today via our simple online booking page and we’ll take it from there.