First Date? 5 Tips on Meeting the Pets

Valentine’s Day Tribute Part 3

If you are reading this, you obviously are a pet lover. Pets are part of the family, which means that how they react to you could have an impact on if you get to the second date. So what can you do to nail that first meeting?

“Prepare, prepare, prepare,” says Allie Phillips, J.D., director of Public Policy for the American Humane Association, and an expert in the human-animal bond. “By asking questions before meeting the pets, you show that you care about the animal and thereby, care for the person.” Following are 5 tips on getting to know the pets.

1. Ask where the pet likes to be scratched. Some pets love getting their ears or bellies pet. Other pets don’t.

2. What is their favorite treat? Bring a small bag of treats with you. Yes, it’s a form of bribery, but it can work.  Ask your date if it’s okay to bring a treat for his or her pet.

3. What kind of toys do they prefer? Like humans, every animal is different. Some prefer toys that squeak and some prefer stuffed animals. So, in addition to a bottle of wine for your date, bring a new toy with a bow on it because it is never too early to start earning brownie points.

4. Some animals are wary of strangers and find eye contact too dominant. Try to put the animal at ease by looking down and away from them while speaking softly and offering your hand, palm down. That way, the animal has a choice and is more likely to come up to check you out. With cats, I open and close my eyes a few times—pretty much like they do. It’s a form of friendship. My cat likes communicating this way.

5. Some animals won’t go near strangers until they have had time to watch them for some length of time. Give them their space, ignore their presence, and let them come to you. Your date may think that you are a master at animal behavior and like you all the more.

Pet News and Views’ Valentine’s Day tribute continues. If you have a tip, please share it in the comments section.