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Home Considerations Communication Food Schedule

Pets

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Home Considerations

Welcoming Checklist

Have coffee ready to pour the moment they arrive
Assign seats and direct your guest to theirs
Do not offer a tour of your home unless they ask
Stock Dutch cheese to offer — Gouda, Edam, or Beemster

PetsThe Dutch have one of the strongest animal welfare cultures in the world and are very likely pet owners themselves — cleanliness, transparency, and a trained dog are what matter most.

Children are encouraged to voice opinions at the table — a Dutch guest may push back or disagree confidently. This is normal, not rude
Don't ask about income, relationship status, or religion unless they bring it up — these are private matters
Your guest may have been financially and practically self-sufficient from a young age — don't assume they need looking after
Dutch families actively push children toward independence — leaving home at 18 is the expectation, not the exception

The Dutch are direct — blunt feedback is not rudeness, it's honesty. Don't read into it or take it personally
Don't boast about possessions or achievements — modesty is a deeply held Dutch value
Shake hands with every person individually on arrival — and again when leaving. Don't skip anyone, including children
Always offer a second round of coffee or tea — your guest won't ask for one
Three cheek kisses (right-left-right) between close friends and family — men kiss women, women kiss women. Men shake hands with each other

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Pets

Checklist

Keep pets away from the table during meals — no begging
Keep pet food bowls and litter trays out of shared spaces
Keep pets out of the guest room overnight
Be transparent if your pet sleeps on the sofa or furniture
A well-trained, calm dog is expected
Keep pets out of the guest room overnight unless explicitly invited in
Clean pet hair, odors, and common areas
Clean litter boxes / cages
Groom pets (if needed)

Dogs are often kept as indoor companions and are generally well-trained and socialized. Guests are more likely to expect dogs inside living spaces.

Considerations:

Untrained or overly energetic dogs may still cause discomfort
Close contact (licking, jumping) should be moderated unless clearly welcomed
Dogs in kitchens or near food areas may still be viewed as unhygienic by some
Clear control and respectful boundaries help ensure comfort

Cats are widely accepted as indoor pets and commonly share living spaces. Many guests are comfortable with cats moving freely around the home.

Considerations:

Keeping cats off food preparation areas is still appreciated
Be mindful of allergies or preferences for limited contact

Rodents are common and generally accepted. Guests are less likely to feel uneasy but may not expect interaction.

Considerations:

Keep enclosures clean and well-maintained
Place cages in appropriate areas that do not interfere with shared living or dining spaces

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