Appendix 1 Pet Custody Questionnaire

• Library: Pet Law & Custody: Establishing a Worthy & Equitable Jurisprudence for the Evolving Family (ABA) (2017 Ed.)

Appendix 1 Pet Custody Questionnaire

This is an all-purpose intake questionnaire that is easily adaptable depending upon your intended use. It offers ideas of information to collect for lawyers, mediators, rescue groups, and experts. Courts could also utilize aspects of this questionnaire to make determinations for special handling.

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What is the animal's common name and, if applicable, registry name?
2. What are the identifying characteristics of the animal, including breed, height, weight, color, markings, whether ears or tail are docked, and type of coat? Attach a recent photograph.
3. What is the animal's microchip company and number, if applicable?
4. Are there other humans or animals present in the applicable household? Please identify.
5. Does the animal travel well? If not, describe the animal's travel problems and state whether they can be addressed through the help of professionals.
6. Is the animal showing signs of emotional difficulty at this time? If so, describe the symptoms (lethargic, nonresponsive, change in appetite, defecating, barking, crying).
7. What are the likely causes of any presenting issues?
8. Describe the animal's general emotional behaviors with specificity (human friendly, dog aggressive, fearful, anxious, confident, happy).
9. Describe the quality of interaction between the animal and each member of any applicable household (children, parents, each party, roommates, other third parties, other animals).
10. Describe how each individual in a household, or someone who is often there, acts toward the animal (tone of voice, threats, physical attention, petting, grooming, walking, training, showing, exercising).
11. Other than the parties, does the animal have a special relationship with another human or animal? If so, please describe in detail.
12. Has the animal been harmed, yelled at, or teased? Has someone threatened to harm or injure the animal? If so, describe in detail.
13. Does the animal seem to be afraid of a particular human or another animal? If so, describe in detail.
14. Do you have concerns about the animal injuring a human or another animal? Describe any prior incidents, including those involving animal control or other law enforcement.
15. Do you have concerns about the animal being injured? Why?
16. Has anyone ever complained about your animal or any other animals in your household? If so, describe in detail.
17. Does anyone in the household have an issue with chemical dependency, substance abuse, anger management, or behavioral problems that might result in the mistreatment or neglect of the animal? If so, describe in detail and attach relevant documents, including court and medical records.
18. Has anyone in the household been involved in any special activities with the animal (athletic or competitive, training, behavioral)? If so, describe in detail and provide the

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