Think about how often you meet new dogs and cats. You’re taking a walk and see a dog you’d love to pet. You visit a friend with a feline you want to win over. You decide to adopt a pet and want to make a great first impression. Whether it’s greeting a dog or cat, or the start of a long and beautiful friendship, you want to step off on the right paw. The do’s and don’ts below of how to approach a dog or cat can help.

Do ask for permission to pet the dog or cat from the owner or handler. Even a dog or cat who looks interested may simply be curious, not necessarily friendly. Also ask about the pet’s temperament and whether they’re usually friendly to strangers.

Don’t look the dog or cat in the eye. Dogs and cats may view direct eye contact (especially a prolonged stare) as aggression and act accordingly. Try to avoid looking a dog in the eyes and chat with the owner or handler first.

Do let the dog or cat approach you. Let the pet decide when, and whether, to get up close and personal. Forcing the issue can cause the pet anxiety that could turn into aggression. When meeting a new dog, stand sideways to present a less threatening demeanor. When meeting a new cat, sit on the floor to make yourself look small and harmless. Never bend over a newly met pet, since that can be frightening.

Do allow the dog or cat to smell you. Dogs and cats experience much of the world through their sense of smell. If a dog approaches you and the owner has given their okay, offer your closed fist or simply let your hands hang at your sides for the dog to sniff. (A closed fist is less threatening than an open hand.) For a cat, offer an index finger for sniffing.

Do pet a dog or cat with respect. When a dog seems comfortable with you, try petting under the chin, or on the chest, shoulder or neck. Don’t try to pet the dog’s head or hind end. When a cat accepts you, they may rub a cheek or shoulder against your finger. You can then try to pet the cat’s forehead or under the chin, or ask the owner for the cat’s preference. Avoid the cat’s tail area. For both cats and dogs, keep your motions slow and controlled, so you don’t alarm the pet.

Don’t ignore the body language of a dog or cat. Dogs and cats will let you know when they’ve had enough and you need to step away. For dogs, warning signs include backing away, a tucked or stiff tail, ears flattened alongside the head or whites showing around the eyes. For cats, red flags include twitching of the back fur, tail motion, rapid head turning and warning bites.

Don’t hug the dog or pick up the cat. Even when the meeting is going well, maintain some distance until you know the dog or cat well. Stay calm — use a conversational tone of voice and don’t make quick motions or loud noises. And if the dog or cat doesn’t want to interact, respect their choice and carry on with your day. There are other pets out there who will be more than happy to be your new best friend!

If your meet and greet leads to a pet adoption, make sure that one of your first moves is getting your new dog or cat acquainted with your veterinarian. Remember, you can count on your CareCredit credit card to help cover veterinary expenses, including pet wellness exams.* Use the online Acceptance Locator or the CareCredit Mobile App to find a participating veterinary practice near you.