A Clear Look at Your Dog’s First Visit with Us
Meet & Greet Assessment is designed to help dogs feel comfortable, allow our team to get to know them as individuals, and ensure that the care we provide is truly the right fit.
This isn’t a test or a one-size-fits-all evaluation. It’s a thoughtful, structured first step that gives your dog the opportunity to adjust to our environment and gives us the information we need to care for them safely and successfully.
Here’s what you can expect.
How Long Is a Meet & Greet Assessment?
A Meet & Greet Assessment is a minimum of six (6) hours, giving us enough time to observe your dog throughout different parts of the day.
- Most dogs are dropped off between 8:00–10:00 am
- Pick-up is typically between 3:00–6:00 pm
- When possible, we recommend pickup by 4:00 pm so we have time to review the day, answer questions, and discuss next steps with you
This extended timeframe allows dogs to move past initial excitement or uncertainty and show us how they truly settle in.
Drop-Off: Arrival & Handoff
Dogs are dropped off for the assessment—owners do not stay for any portion. This helps us see how dogs adjust and interact without the influence of their person.
When you arrive
Our arrival process works much like school drop-off:
- If no other vehicles are present, you may pull right up to the gate.
- If other pet parents are already waiting, please remain in line in your vehicle until it is your turn.
During busy times, assisting one family at a time helps us keep arrivals calm and organized, which is especially important for dogs in a new environment.
Leashes & handoff
Dogs should come out of the vehicle on a secure leash, wearing a collar and/or harness. A staff member will greet you, take your dog, confirm key details, and note your planned pick-up time.
We aim for a calm, confident, and relatively quick handoff. This gives your dog the best opportunity to adjust and get comfortable staying with us. Prolonged goodbyes or heightened energy can unintentionally make the transition harder for some dogs, while a smooth handoff helps them settle more easily.
What We Intentionally Avoid During Arrival
To give dogs the best chance to settle comfortably, our team is very intentional about what we don’t do during the first part of the day:
- We don’t overwhelm dogs with too much attention, physical contact, or excitement
- We don’t force interactions with people, equipment, or other dogs
- We don’t place dogs directly into group play
- We don’t provoke behaviors or “test” reactions
- We don’t make snap judgments based on first impressions
- We don’t encourage prolonged goodbyes during handoff
By slowing the process and following each dog’s pace, we allow them to adjust naturally and give us a clearer picture of who they are once they feel more comfortable.
Supporting Dogs Who Are Nervous
Feeling unsure in a new place is completely normal. When a dog arrives nervous or cautious, our team focuses on following the dog’s lead.
This may include:
- Calm, neutral handling
- Allowing time to observe the environment
- Using quieter transition spaces when helpful
- Maintaining appropriate distance from other dogs
- Building in decompression time before continuing
We use familiar routines when possible and offer reassurance without pressure. The goal is comfort—not performance.
Initial Observation: Before Any Play
Before any play or structured activity, we observe:
- Body language and comfort level
- How quickly a dog recovers from stress or excitement
- Response to handling and guidance
- Curiosity, confidence, and ability to settle
When appropriate, dogs may have a quiet decompression period first. This helps us see more accurate behavior once the initial novelty of the environment has worn off.
Assessments With Group Play
For dogs suited to group play, introductions are gradual and intentional.
- Dogs are introduced one at a time, never placed directly into a group
- Playgroups are kept small—typically 2–4 dogs
- Groups are built slowly to encourage positive interactions
- Well-matched, socially appropriate dogs assist with introductions
We look for positive social signals, the ability to disengage, recovery after interaction, and responsiveness to staff guidance. If stress signals or escalating arousal appear, we slow down, redirect, pause or end group play.
Assessments Without Group Play
Not every dog enjoys or benefits from group play—and that’s okay.
Dogs assessed without group play still experience a full, enriching day that includes:
- Individual attention from staff
- Structured activity and enrichment
- Rest periods
- Calm interaction and observation
This option is explained as an intentional, dog-centered approach, not a limitation. Many dogs thrive with one-on-one care.
What We Monitor Throughout the Day
Across the assessment, our team continuously watches:
- Stress recovery and emotional regulation
- Engagement and comfort with routines
- Ability to settle and rest
- Response to staff guidance and redirection
Rest is intentionally built into the day, and staff document observations to support clear communication and next steps.
End-of-Day Feedback
If questions arise during the day, we’ll contact you as needed. Otherwise, feedback is shared at pick-up by a trained team member—typically a manager or assistant manager.
You can expect thoughtful, honest feedback about:
- How your dog adjusted
- What we observed
- Recommendations moving forward
Most feedback is shared verbally, with follow-up information provided when helpful.
Possible Outcomes After a Meet & Greet
Following the assessment, outcomes may include:
- Approved and ready to schedule services
- Additional acclimation days recommended to allow your dog more time to adjust and become comfortable
- Not a good fit for our environment, discussed openly and respectfully
Acclimation days are additional visits that give dogs time to settle in, become familiar with our staff and routines, and show us who they are once they feel more at ease. Some dogs simply need more than one visit before a final determination can be made.
A Few Practical Details
- Dogs must be up to date on required vaccinations before scheduling
- Paperwork and records must be completed at least 48 hours in advance
- Treats are provided unless your dog has allergies (approved treats may be brought)
- Dogs should arrive on a secure leash, collar, and/or harness
- You’re welcome to bring breakfast and/or lunch, if needed
- No additional items are required
Our Commitment
The most important thing to know is this:
Your dog’s safety, comfort, and well-being guide every decision we make.
The Meet & Greet Assessment is not about judging dogs—it’s about understanding them and setting them up for success. When dogs feel supported and allowed to adjust at their own pace, everyone benefits.
If you have questions at any point, we’re always happy to talk things through.
