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Be thoughtful when selecting an interview time and location. Is this interview best conducted in person or by phone? In‐person interviews are usually preferred, but if timelines and schedules preclude such a meeting then a phone interview is better than none. When conducting a phone interview, always make sure to ask questions that will verify the identity of the person you are speaking to – note accents, word choices, and other distinguishing verbal characteristics to help you recognize that you are actually speaking to the subject and not someone else. Note the ways you verified the subject's identity in your report so the interview is accepted as valid.

Make sure the subject is able to speak to you without distractions. Interviewing a subject at their workplace may make them self‐conscious or may not allow them to fully focus on your interaction, due to noise and interruptions. The same may be true in a household where there are many family members present. Depending on their involvement in the case, a subject may feel nervous about meeting at a law enforcement agency and might be less likely to cooperate fully with the interview in this setting. The location of the interview should never create an environment where the subject might feel trapped or detained.¹ With all these factors in mind, determine a meeting place where the subject can speak freely, without fear of being overheard, and without distractions.

You should also be certain that you, the interviewer, will not be interrupted by phone calls, coworkers, radio transmissions, or other distractions during the interview. Take steps to eliminate these possibilities to the extent possible in advance of the interview.

Many interviews are conducted in the moment during a site visit, when responding to a report of potential abuse or neglect. In these settings you may be able to inspect the animal(s), their surroundings, and other elements that will provide evidence in your case. Specific questions and recommendations for these types of interviews are contained in Chapter 4 as well as in Appendix A.