If you’re struggling to come up with a question, I have roughly categorised the most popular questions so that you can get some guidance on what to ask, or at least have some ideas.
The groupings are not set in stone, you might want to use a question from one group in another section. There is no right or wrong way.
The questions I ALWAYS ask are:
- Do you feel strong/comfortable?
- Are you in any discomfort?
- If yes, is it intermittent or constant?
- Are you in any pain?
- Is there anything you’d like to say?
Foods
- Are there certain foods that you love/hate?
- What food do you enjoy eating?
Vet
- How do you feel about going to the vet?
- What can we do to make vet appointments feel less stressful for you?
Social
- Tell me who your friends are?
- Would you prefer to be the only pet in our home?
- Show me how you play?
- Is there a form of play you’d like us to make time for?
Household
- Are you happy as part of our family?
- What do you think of the other animals in the household?
- How do you feel about the people in the household?
- What do you think your role is in our family?
Preferences
- What do you love/what can we do more of?
- What do you not like/what can we do less of?
- How do you like to give and receive love?
- What is your favourite activity?
Philosophical
- What would you like us to know?
- What lessons have you learnt in your lifetime with us?
Physical Wellbeing
- Where is your favourite place to be/walk/travel to?
- Where do you like to sleep?
- What kind of work would you like to do?
Emotional Wellbeing
- What can we do to make your life easier?
- Can I do anything to help you?
- Do you need to feel happier? / What would make you happier?
- Are you relaxed? / What would help you relax more?
- What scares or frightens you?
- Do you feel safe?
- Do you feel loved?
- Please share with me details of your past that still affect you, and could potentially cause difficulties for you in your future with me…
- Have you spoken with X? (An animal or person in the family that has already transitioned.)
Animals that have passed
- How are you feeling now?
- How did it feel when you passed? (Situation specific, of course.)
- Did you feel us with you as you passed?
- Can you explain your surroundings?
- Do you have other journeys to prepare for?
- What lessons were you here to teach or learn?
- Have you visited us?
- Will you still visit us?
- How will we know when you’re visiting? What signs will you show?
Animals that are preparing to pass
- Is there anything currently in your life that makes you feel comfortable and happy?
- Is there anything that you currently don’t have, that you miss?
- How do you think you will feel about leaving me and your family, both human and animal?
- How do you feel about having further treatments or tests?
- How are you feeling mentally and emotionally?
- Do you feel ready to pass?
- Would you like to pass at home here with us, or would you be comfortable at the vet?
- Would you prefer to try and pass on your own, or would you appreciate help?
