Stage 5 of 60 of 3 steps complete
Getting First Clients: Onboarding, Agreements, and Your First Booking
Quick answer
Have a repeatable onboarding process ready before your first inquiry lands: an onboarding checklist that collects the info you need, a signed service agreement covering scope/payment/liability, and a clear meet-and-greet process so the first visit builds trust instead of confusion.
Typical cost
$0
Typical time
2–3 hours to set up
A consistent intake process (pet details, house rules, emergency contacts, key handoff) makes you look professional from the first interaction and prevents the info gaps that cause problems mid-visit.
Further readingNew Client Onboarding Checklist (PDF)
A written agreement covering scope, payment terms, cancellation policy, and liability protects both you and the client, and it's the single most common thing new owners skip until something goes wrong.
This first in-person visit is where a prospective client decides whether to trust you with their home and pet. Ask specific questions, show up prepared, and follow up with next steps the same day — speed and specificity both build confidence.
Downloads for This Stage
Two companion resources: a client onboarding checklist and a service agreement template.
Continue in the PetBizApp
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