Getting Started with a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter: What New Clients Should Know
- Pet Care for the Palm Beaches

- Apr 29
- 3 min read

Hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker should feel simple, organized, and stress-free. Whether you need vacation pet sitting, occasional dog walks, or a recurring weekly schedule, knowing the process ahead of time can make everything easier.
At Pet Care for the Palm Beaches, we’ve built a streamlined onboarding system that helps new clients get set up smoothly while making sure we fully understand your pets, your home routine, and your scheduling needs.
If you are wondering how to become a client, here is exactly what to expect.
How Far in Advance Do I Need to Book?
For New Pet Sitting Clients & On-Demand Dog Walking
We ask new clients to reach out at least 7 days in advance whenever possible.
This gives us enough time to:
Set up your Time To Pet account
Review your pet care needs
Schedule your meet & greet
Learn your pets’ routines and preferences
Confirm your requested visits on the schedule
Planning ahead helps us provide the smoothest experience possible, especially during busy travel seasons and holidays.
For Recurring Weekly Dog Walking
If you are looking for a recurring dog walking schedule (same day and time each week), there is no minimum notice requirement.
We will work to get you started as soon as schedule availability allows.
Many busy professionals and families use recurring dog walking to create consistency for their pets and secure preferred time slots each week.
What Is the Onboarding Process?
We keep onboarding simple while still being thorough.
Step 1: Reach Out
Once a new client contacts us, we personally follow up to learn more about your needs and make sure we are the right fit for your household.
We may discuss:
Type and number of pets
Dog walking vs pet sitting needs
Travel dates or recurring schedule needs
Medication or special care needs
Home access details
Step 2: Set Up Your Client Account
Clients are invited to create their secure account through Time To Pet, our scheduling and communication software.
Inside your account, you can:
Enter household information
Add pet profiles
Share feeding and care instructions
Provide veterinary details
Request needed visits
This helps us gather everything in one organized place.
Step 3: Meet & Greet
Once your account is started, we schedule a Meet & Greet.
This visit is done directly with the Owner or a Team Lead.
The Meet & Greet allows us to:
Meet you and your pets
Review routines and expectations
Learn home entry instructions
Answer any final questions
Make sure everyone feels comfortable before service begins
Step 4: Booking Confirmation
After the Meet & Greet:
Your visits are officially confirmed
Deposit is collected
Your care plan is finalized
You are ready to go
From there, future booking becomes even easier.
What App Do I Use to Book?
All client scheduling and communication is managed through Time To Pet.
Time To Pet offers:
Free mobile app
Desktop access
Easy scheduling requests
Secure messaging
Pet profile updates
Visit reports with notes and photos
Everything we do is centralized in one easy-to-use system, making communication clear and convenient.
Why This Process Matters
Professional pet care works best when there is clear communication and strong preparation. Taking a little time upfront allows us to provide smoother service, better consistency, and more personalized care for your pets.
That means less stress for you and a better experience for them.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for dog walking or pet sitting in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, West Palm beach, Jupiter Intlet Colony or Jupiter Farms, we would love to learn more about your pets and help you get started.
Reach out today and we’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Pet Care for the Palm Beaches
“Care You Can Count On”
Licensed • Insured • Bonded




If you’re just getting started with a dog walker or pet sitter, it helps to choose someone who is reliable, communicates clearly, and treats your pet like their own while also setting expectations around routines, updates, and safety from day one. A good option to consider is Four Dog Paws, as they offer professional dog walking and pet sitting services designed to keep your pets comfortable, active, and well cared for while you’re away. They focus on building trust with both pets and owners, which makes the whole experience smoother and more reassuring for first-time clients.