Virtual Meet-and-Greets: Connecting with Your Future Pet Online

We live in an era where most of us are living at a distance from our loved ones. But what keeps us together is the online appa, whether through FaceTimes or just calling them. The same goes on between you and your future pet. As online pet purchases are growing in popularity, virtual meet and greets have become a trusted and essential part of this process.

By doing so, you can be able to understand whether your puppy is healthy or not, what conditions they are living in, and what their exact breed is. This ensures both parties become confident and comfortable before making a commitment.

In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about virtual pet meet and greets, from what they are and why they matter to how to prepare for one, what to ask, and what red flags to watch for.

What is a virtual meet-and-greet?

A virtual meet-and-greet is an online video call or a session where a buyer or the adopter can see their pet in real life before proceeding with the purchase or the adoption.

It is usually hosted with the help of platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp video call, or FaceTime by the breeder, seller, or the adoption agency.

This meet-and-greet allows the parents to observe the pet's behavior, energy, and temperament; ask questions directly to the seller or the breeder; clarify health history; and ensure transparency and build trust before financial or immoral actions.

Why virtual pet meet-and-greets matter?

1. Transparency and trust

These meet-and-greets in an online world full of scams enable transparency and confirm that the pet exists, is healthy, and is actually in the care of the seller.

2. Better decision-making

When you see the dog in action, it is much more helpful than just seeing the picture online. You can understand their energy levels, vocal habits, social behavior, and compatibility with your day-to-day routines.

3. Saves time

Especially if the breeder or seller is located far away, it saves your time that you don't need to travel far just to treat the dog. You can see them online. It reduces unnecessary visits, providing a professional connection.

4. Comfort for the pet

Pets are more relaxed in their own environment. Hence, it allows buyers to see their natural behavior rather than a strict reaction during the travel or in an unfamiliar place.

How to prepare your pet for a virtual meet-and-greet?

These video calls are very much unfamiliar to the dogs. They don't understand how to look at the camera, who's looking at them, and how to behave. Hence, you need to prepare your dog before the session actually starts. Before scheduling the meet, research the breed.

As a parent, it is very important for you to understand on which parameters to judge. You must know what their likable energy levels, grooming needs, temperaments, and health risks are. Prepare a list of questions, as while video calling, you might forget a few things.

Request basic documentation like vaccination history, parent lineage (if it's a pure breed), vet records, etc. Test your pet. Before actually video calling, test that your connection is proper. Otherwise, you are not able to concentrate on what the dog is doing and what its behavioral changes are.

Set the right time. Set the time that is most perfect for you and the breeders. It should be generally in the morning or early evening for a better demonstration of behavior.

What to ask during a pet virtual meet-and-greet?

Use the opportunity to gain as much information as you can from the breeder. Ask for health and medical records.

Ask if the pet has been vaccinated or if you can see the records. The pet has to be dewormed and microchipped.

If there's any history of the illness or genetic condition the dog has ever incurred.

Diet and routine. You should always ask the breeder about which diet to base the pet on currently and how often you will need to give food to the dog. Is the pet on supplements or medications?

What is the sleeping or exercise cycle of the pet? Temperature and feeling. You also must need to see that if the pet is trained, how trained or greatly trained.

Is the pet behaving? How does the pet behave with kids or other animals? Has the pet ever been exposed to loud noises, strangers, or car travel?

Documentation and guarantees. You must need to look for proper documentation and guarantees. Are they providing you any health guarantee or return policy? If it's not, ask for the one. You should also ask if you can get the registration certificate or the breed authenticity papers. And will the agreement be written or verbal? Always make sure to file a written agreement.

Biggest red flags to watch for

Being cautious is very crucial during these online pet deals. Avoid video calls. If your seller is refusing to meet for a video call and always makes excuses, just run away.

Puppies and kittens look different. If the photo that is provided to you is different from the puppy you see on the video call, always ask why it is, and if you are not okay with their answer, back off. Rushed sale of pressure.

If your breeder is continuously pushing you for the quick payments or claiming there is only one left while the other buyer is waiting, it means that there is something wrong. Incomplete documentation. If the seller hesitates to show you the health record, payment details, or ID identification, it's a warning sign.

Post meet and greet, what comes next? Once the meet and greet is successful, now it's time for you to start the actual process. Request a follow-up. If you need more time or another session with the family members involved, do not hesitate. Ask your breeder and communicate with them.

Review the contract. The contract made between you and your breeder. Always understand each clause of it so that it does not create any confusion at the end.

Secure payment options. Never use payment options like cash payments, as they do not work as proof. Always use methods like UPI, bank transfers, or third-party platforms.

Shipping and delivery. Discuss the delivery mode, how many times it will take, and how they will deliver. Ensure your pet will be transported humanely and safely.

Why virtual meet and greets are important for sellers?

It is not just important for the buyers but also for the sellers to do a virtual meet and greet. It enables their credibility and customer trust. It helps to reduce the physical visits and saves a lot of time.

Pre-qualifies serious buyers by understanding if the buyer is ready for a meet and greet. It makes you understand who the genuine buyer is and who is just here to roam around. Allows the seller to explain pet needs directly, improving the future care of the pet.

Tips for a successful virtual meet and greet

• Keep a checklist for all your must-haves.
• Look for a sign of alertness, grooming, and friendliness in the pet.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions; it is your right. Trust your gut. If anything feels off, take a step back.
• Ask to see the environment where the pet lives.

Conclusion

A virtual pet meeting, which is more than just a call, is a window into the life of your future pet companion.

When it is done right, it can help you to make a confident, informed, and heartfelt decision. Make sure you prepare well, ask the questions, and keep your eyes open for inconsistencies.

The right approach and a virtual meet can be very helpful and can be the first chapter in a beautiful, long-run, lifelong story between you and your pet.

FAQs

Q1. Are virtual pet meets safe and reliable?

Q2. Can I adopt a pet without physical presence?

Q3. What platforms are commonly used?

Q4. Can I ask for multiple meetings before deciding?

Q5. What should I do if the pet looks different in the video?