Perform veterinary research
Observe and research common pet behaviors and basic care with adult help: interview local owners, record observations, compare findings, and present recommendations.
Step-by-step guide to perform veterinary research on common pet behaviors and basic care
The power of pets: How animals affect human health
Step 1
Pick 2 to 4 common pet types to study like dogs cats rabbits or birds.
Step 2
Create an observation sheet in your notebook with labeled sections: pet type date time behaviors care tasks and owner answers.
Step 3
With an adult write 6 short interview questions about the pet’s daily care and behaviors.
Step 4
With an adult make a list of local pet owners you can ask and get their permission to visit or call.
Step 5
With an adult schedule short visits or calls with each pet owner.
Step 6
Before each visit wash your hands and follow any safety instructions from the adult.
Step 7
At a visit quietly observe the pet for 10 minutes while the adult is present using your timer.
Step 8
After observing write the behaviors you saw on the observation sheet.
Step 9
Ask the pet owner your prepared interview questions while the adult is present.
Step 10
Write the owner’s answers on your observation sheet.
Step 11
Repeat the observation and interview process with at least two different pet owners.
Step 12
On a new page list the common behaviors and care routines you found across your observation sheets.
Step 13
Write three clear recommendations for pet care or behavior support based on what you learned.
Step 14
Use markers or crayons to make a one-page poster or short report that shows your findings and recommendations.
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If we don't have markers, crayons, or a physical notebook, what can we use instead for the observation sheet and poster?
Use a tablet or smartphone notes app or a printable observation sheet and free drawing apps or colored pencils to record observations and make the poster in place of markers, crayons, or a paper notebook.
What should we do if a pet hides or sleeps during the 10-minute observation and we can't see behaviors?
If the pet hides or sleeps during the 10-minute observation, quietly extend the observation time with the adult present, ask the owner to gently prompt normal activity if safe, and note any visible or owner-described behaviors on the observation sheet.
How can this activity be adjusted for much younger children or for older teens?
For younger children pick one pet type, shorten observations to 5 minutes, use 3 simple interview questions and have the adult write answers, while older teens can study 3–4 pet types, record timestamps and detailed behavior categories, and create evidence-based recommendations.
How can we enhance or personalize the one-page poster or short report before sharing on DIY.org?
Add owner-approved photos or short video clips from visits, simple charts summarizing common behaviors from your observation sheets, pet-specific drawings or stickers made with markers or apps, and a brief list of your three recommendations to make the poster more engaging.
Watch videos on how to perform veterinary research on common pet behaviors and basic care
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Facts about pet care and animal behavior
🐱 A cat’s purr vibrates around 25–150 Hz, a frequency range that may help bone and tissue healing.
🐾 Dogs’ tail wags can signal feelings: more wagging to the right often means positive excitement, to the left can mean stress.
📝 Keeping a simple behavior diary for 7–14 days often reveals patterns like mealtimes, play bursts, and stress triggers.
🐶 Some dogs can learn more than 200 words and understand gestures — tiny language learners!
🔬 Veterinary medicine covers many species — vets care for pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
How do I guide my child to perform veterinary research on pet behavior and basic care?
What materials and tools are needed for a child to research pet behavior safely?
What ages is this veterinary research activity suitable for, and how should adult support vary?
What are the benefits and safety tips for children interviewing pet owners and observing animals?
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