Questions to Ask when Placing a Pet in a New Home

Knowledge about pets should be evident in the prospective new owner. What to ask when placing a pet in a new home should include questions about what the prospective owner knows about the type of pet they want. If you want a dog you should have some common knowledge about dogs, their care and problems which may occur. The people should have some basic understanding of grooming, feeding, healthcare, and treatment. They should also show a willingness to learn what they don't know.

Ask About Pet History

When placing a pet in a new home ask about the persons experience with pets. Have they had pets, and if so what kind. If there is a pet in the house ask how long the people have had the pet. Observe how they talk about the pet, if they seem happy to have the pet and why they want another pet. If the people don't have a pet currently, find out how long ago they had the pet. Find out what happened to the pet; if the pet ran away or had to be given away you need to know why. Then ask yourself, could it happen again?

Ask About Family History

When placing a pet in a new home, ask about pets in the family. Also ask about how family members reacted and related to the pets they have had. Who usually takes care of the pets. If there are children, how old and how many. If there are allergies, what are they and how long have they affected people. The prospective owners may want pets but if there is an allergy to pet dander, fleas, or certain medicines.

Ask About Veterinary Care

One of the most important topics you want to discuss is veterinary care. A question you must ask when placing a pet in a new home is what veterinarian they plan to use. If they have pets, they should have a vet they routinely go to. The vet's name and number should be easily known to someone in the family. If they had pets, there should be a vet they used to go to. If you can get the information, call the vet and ask about how often the people went to the vet, and if they came in regularly or only in emergencies. People who consider regular care are considered good pet owners.

Ask About Alone Time

Most people work outside the home. This means that pets are often left alone in the home. Ask about how the people plan to handle this situation. Will they crate the animal? Do they have a daycare they go to? If the pet must be left alone, what steps are taken to ensure the animal doesn't suffer anxiety from being alone; what steps are taken to ensure the pet doesn't destroy the home.

Observation

While you are talking to the prospective owner, keep a track on items other than the words. Make note of emotions, reactions, responses. Make notes if the person sounds hurried or slow to respond. Hurried people tend not to have time for pets; people who are slow to respond are looking for the correct response not the most honest response. Find out if the people rent, and if so, what the lease or landlord says about pets. Sometimes unspoken responses are the best responses to listen to.