Wild Heart Press · a companion to Beyond Cats and Dogs

# Before You Fall in Love

A pre-adoption gut-check for the wonderfully unusual pet

Answer every box honestly — the goal isn't a perfect score, it's a truthful one. A blank box isn't a "no." It's a "not yet": something to research, resolve, or reconsider before an animal pays for the gap. Tick them all in good conscience, and you're genuinely ready.

✦

## I The animal, honestly

I've read its real, full care needs — not just the cute thirty-second clips.
I know its adult size, true lifespan, and what it will cost me over that whole life.
I can live with its schedule, noise, smell, and mess (many are nocturnal).

## II Its needs, not mine

I understand its social needs — and I'll keep a pair or group if it needs company.
I know exactly what it eats, and can source and afford that diet for life.
I can give it the daily and weekly time it genuinely requires.

## III Home & climate

I have the space and the correct setup — ready before the animal arrives.
I can hold its climate (heat, cool, humidity) year-round — even in a heatwave or outage.
My home or rental genuinely suits it (escape-proofing, rooting, room to roam).

## IV The money

I've budgeted the full setup cost — often more than the animal itself.
I've budgeted ongoing costs: food, supplies, power, and replacements.
I have an emergency fund set aside for exotic-vet bills.

## V The law — do this first

I've checked national and state/provincial rules — bans and permits.
I've checked local city/county zoning (especially anything classed as "livestock").
I've checked my lease, HOA, or landlord — and have any permit in writing.

## VI Vet, sourcing & timing

I've found an exotic vet who treats this species — before I need one.
I'm sourcing ethically: a reputable breeder or rescue, captive-bred over wild-caught.
I didn't buy on impulse — I slept on it, and I'm still sure.

## ✦ The honest gut-check

I want this animal for the animal — not for a photo I fell in love with.
I've read the hard truths, and I'm still a yes.
Every box above is honestly ticked — or I've resolved what wasn't.
If I'm not ready, I accept that waiting is the kind choice.

Couldn't tick them all? That's the checklist working — wait, research, or reconsider. The kindest decision is sometimes not to. Tick them all honestly, and you're not just ready. You're the keeper this animal deserves.

Animal I'm considering: Date: My honest verdict: Yes Not yet No