PEPPER: ADOPTION VISIT QUESTION KIT 1. QUICK SUMMARY You are meeting Pepper, a 3-year-old female mixed-breed dog of about 15 kg. The three things that matter most to ask about: how she handles being alone on your two office days, whether barking has been noticed, and what her care is likely to cost. 2. QUESTIONS TO ASK About the Animal 1. The listing says Pepper is house-trained and walks well on a leash. How did the shelter observe this, and for how long? Why it matters: you have not cared for a dog on your own before, so you want to know what the description is based on. 2. The listing says Pepper has not lived with cats. Do you know anything about how she has reacted around cats or other animals? Why it matters: it helps you understand what the listing does and does not tell you. 3. What do you know about Pepper's history before she came to the shelter, and how long has she been with you? Why it matters: you want the full picture, not only the listing. 4. Is Pepper's weight of about 15 kg a recent measurement? Why it matters: your lease allows one dog under 20 kg. Health and Records 5. What are Pepper's known health conditions, if any, and what vaccination, spay and microchip records are available? Why it matters: this affects what care costs you should plan for. 6. What routine care costs should I expect in a typical year, and do you know of any ongoing needs Pepper has? Why it matters: affording her care is one of your concerns. Daily Life and Behavior 7. Have staff or foster carers seen how Pepper reacts when left alone, and for how long at a time? Why it matters: you are at the office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. two days a week. 8. Have you noticed her barking, and in what situations? Is there anything about her behavior I should know before living in an apartment? Why it matters: you are worried about barking bothering your neighbors. 9. What daily routine has she had at the shelter or in foster care (feeding times, walks, rest)? Why it matters: it shows what she is used to, as you plan for your work-from-home and office days. 10. Have you seen how she responds to an elevator, stairs or shared building spaces? Why it matters: you live on the 4th floor with an elevator. The Adoption Process 11. What are the adoption fee, the steps and the timeline, and what does the fee include? Why it matters: it feeds into your cost question and helps you plan. 12. Is there a trial or foster-to-adopt period, a return policy, or support after adoption if difficulties come up? Why it matters: you are adopting on your own for the first time. 3. QUESTIONS THEY MAY ASK ME 1. Where do you live, and does your housing allow a dog? Answer note: a one-bedroom apartment on the 4th floor with an elevator; your lease allows one dog under 20 kg. {landlord contact, if asked} 2. Who lives in your home? Answer note: you live alone. 3. What is your daily schedule? Answer note: you work from home three days a week; on the other two days you are at the office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 4. What experience do you have with dogs? Answer note: you grew up with a family dog; you have never adopted or cared for a dog on your own. 5. Who would care for Pepper if you were unavailable? Answer note: {my answer} 6. Do you have other pets, or have you had a vet before? Answer note: {my answer} 4. VISIT DAY CHECKLIST - Bring a copy of your lease or the lease section about dogs under 20 kg. - Bring ID and anything the shelter asks for, such as {documents they requested}. - Bring this kit and a pen for the visit notes. - Ask to see Pepper on a leash walk. - Ask to see how she is in a quieter space and when staff step out of the room, if possible. - Ask to see her records and the adoption paperwork. 5. VISIT NOTES Date and shelter: ______________________ Contact person: ______________________ Alone time (Q7): ______________________ Barking (Q8): ______________________ Yearly care costs (Q6): ______________________ Adoption fee and what it includes (Q11): ______________________ Health and records (Q5): ______________________ Cats and other animals (Q2): ______________________ House-training and leash (Q1): ______________________ Trial or return options (Q12): ______________________ Next steps and dates: ______________________ 6. FOLLOW UP MESSAGE Hello {contact name}, Thank you for meeting with me about Pepper on {date}. I would like to confirm what I learned about {what I learned}, especially her time alone, barking and care costs. Could you also tell me {question still open}? I would appreciate knowing the next steps and timeline for {my next step}. Thank you, {my name}