Preparing for your first dog walk, pet visit or house sit

A little preparation before your first booking helps me care for your pet safely and follow their usual routine.

You do not need to make your home perfect or persuade your pet to behave differently because I am visiting. I need honest information, safe equipment, reliable access and a clear understanding of what your pet normally needs.

This checklist applies whether you are arranging:

solo dog walks
puppy visits
cat-sitting visits
small-animal care
house sitting
introductory visits for a nervous or rescue pet

For a fuller explanation of how I work, please read the Finchley Dog Walker Welcome Pack.

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Before our first meeting

Please send me:

your name and postcode
the service you are interested in
the days, dates and approximate times required
the number and type of pets
a brief description of each pet
any important health or behavioural information
whether your request is regular, occasional or for specific holiday dates

An enquiry does not automatically confirm a booking. I first need to check the location, availability, care required and whether I am likely to be a suitable match.

You can check my current pet-care availability before contacting me.

Information to have ready

You do not need to memorise everything. Written notes are helpful, particularly where several people normally share your pet’s care.

Please have the following available:

your normal contact number
a second emergency contact
your veterinary practice’s details
relevant insurance information
feeding instructions
medication instructions
allergies and food restrictions
exercise or mobility restrictions
your pet’s normal routine
known fears and triggers
escape risks
any bite or aggression history
details of previous incidents
household access information

It is better to tell me about a concern before care begins than for me to discover it during a walk or emergency.

My guide to what information you should leave for a dog walker provides a more detailed explanation.

Preparing your pet for the meeting

Your pet does not need to greet me enthusiastically.

A nervous dog may prefer to watch from a distance. A shy cat may remain upstairs or under furniture. A recently rescued pet may need several short introductions before they feel comfortable.

Please:

allow your pet to approach in their own time
avoid forcing physical contact
tell me how they normally respond to visitors
provide distance where they appear uncomfortable
keep other distractions manageable
have suitable treats available if your pet can eat them
explain any handling sensitivities

Growling, hiding, barking or moving away can all provide useful information. These behaviours should not be punished during the meeting.

Some pets may need more than one introduction before I can safely provide care.

Read how to prepare for a meet-and-greet with your dog walker for further guidance.

Dog-walking equipment checklist

Before regular dog walks begin, please have your dog’s normal equipment available.

Check that you have:

a correctly fitted harness or suitable flat collar
a secure fixed-length lead
a legally compliant identification tag
a suitable backup attachment where agreed
a long line if one forms part of the agreed walking arrangement
poo bags
a towel for wet or muddy paws
approved treats where appropriate
any coat or weather equipment your dog genuinely needs

Please check leads, clips, stitching, rings and fastenings for wear or damage.

I do not use retractable leads, prong collars, choke or check chains, electronic collars or punishment-based handling.

The equipment must allow me to manage your dog safely. Providing written off-lead permission does not guarantee that I will let your dog off the lead.

You can learn more about my service on the solo dog walks in Finchley page.

Behaviour and walking information

Please explain how your dog normally behaves around:

unfamiliar dogs
people
children
bicycles and scooters
traffic
wildlife
runners
doorways
food
toys
handling
other animals in the home

Also tell me about:

routes they enjoy
roads or areas they find difficult
dogs or people who should be avoided
unreliable recall
pulling, freezing or refusing to walk
chasing behaviour
guarding behaviour
attempts to slip a collar or harness
any previous escape or biting incident

Sharing this information does not automatically mean I will decline the booking. It helps me decide whether I can provide the right service and how the arrangement should be managed.

Keys and home access

Where I will be entering your home without you present, please make sure:

keys have been tested
the correct keys are clearly identified
locks work properly
key-safe instructions are accurate
alarm instructions are clear
door and gate routines are explained
any difficult locks are demonstrated
an emergency spare-key arrangement has been discussed

Please tell me whether anyone else may enter the property, including:

cleaners
gardeners
relatives
neighbours
tradespeople
another pet-care provider

Unexpected visitors can create security concerns and may affect a nervous pet.

Never send alarm codes, key-safe numbers or other sensitive security details through an insecure public message.

Medication and health needs

Tell me about medication or health concerns during the initial enquiry.

Please provide:

the medication’s name
the prescribed dose
the correct time
how it is administered
where it is stored
whether refrigeration is required
what normally happens if your pet refuses it
relevant veterinary instructions
possible side effects I should recognise

Medication should be supplied in its original labelled packaging wherever possible.

I will only accept care that falls within my competence and has been agreed in advance. Some medical routines may require a veterinary professional or a carer with specialist training.

Preparing for cat-sitting visits

For cat-sitting bookings, please show me:

where food is stored
feeding quantities and times
water-bowl locations
litter trays and cleaning supplies
waste-disposal arrangements
medication
favourite toys
hiding places
carriers
cat flaps and locking arrangements
rooms your cat may access
whether your cat normally goes outdoors

Please leave enough food, litter and medication for the full booking, with a reasonable additional supply in case your return is delayed.

Read about my cat-sitting service in Finchley.

Preparing for house sitting

For house sitting, we will also need to discuss:

arrival and departure times
how long each pet can be left
sleeping arrangements
feeding and walking routines
household security
alarms and cameras
heating and ventilation
bins and post
expected visitors
emergency household contacts
agreed minor household tasks
your return arrangements

Standard house sitting does not automatically mean that I will remain in the property continuously for 24 hours. Any pet requiring continuous or near-continuous supervision must be discussed before the booking is accepted.

Read the full Finchley house-sitting service information before confirming your dates.

Your quick first-visit checklist

Before care begins, check that you have:

supplied accurate contact details
nominated an emergency contact
provided veterinary information
disclosed health and behavioural concerns
explained feeding and medication
demonstrated your pet’s normal routine
checked walking equipment
tested keys and access
explained alarms and security
identified food, leads and cleaning supplies
discussed weather arrangements
explained which rooms may be used
disclosed expected visitors
read the relevant prices and policies
confirmed the dates in writing
completed any agreed introductory visits

After the first meeting

After meeting you and your pet, I may:

confirm that the proposed service appears suitable
ask for more information
recommend another introductory visit
suggest a trial walk or short visit
recommend different equipment
suggest a different service
explain that I am not the right person for the booking

A meet-and-greet is an assessment for both of us. You should feel comfortable asking questions and deciding whether my approach suits you and your pet.

Please read my Policies and Professional Standards before regular care begins.

Ready to arrange your first visit?

Send me:

your postcode
the service required
the dates or regular days needed
the number and type of pets
a brief explanation of their routine and temperament

Use the Finchley Dog Walker contact page or message me on WhatsApp.

Derek “Del” Chambers
Finchley Dog Walker
Established 2011