Adopting a dog is a major, life-changing decision. Asking the right questions can help you make sure that adding a new furry friend to your household is the best decision you’ll ever make!

In this article, we’ll go over what questions to ask when adopting a dog at an animal shelter or rescue org. From specific questions about the dog’s health to their behavior, we’ll make sure that you get all of the information you need to determine if a pup is right for you.

Questions About The Dog’s History

It’s important to learn as much as you can about the history of your potential pup, so that you can better understand what needs they may have. 

In asking these questions, you might discover the things that the dog is afraid of, what they’ve been through, and what you should avoid.

Here are a few questions to ask about a rescue dog's history:

• How long has the dog been at the shelter or rescue?
• Have they been rehomed more than once?
• Have they shown any fear towards anything?
• Is there anything else from their history worth mentioning?

The shelter staff or foster parent may not know the dog's full history, depending on how the pup came into their care, but any info you can get on these topics will be helpful.

Questions About The Dog’s Health

Finding out about your potential dog's health is a must for any adopter. Discovering that your new pal has existing medical issues, or that they’re likely to develop them, will help you avoid any big surprises. 

The ongoing costs of medication and vet visits are important to consider when adopting a dog — so be sure to keep these in mind, and be realistic about what you’re willing and able to take on.

Here’s what to ask before adopting a dog, in relation to their health:

• Is the dog on any medication?
• Have they had any surgeries?
• Do they have any joint issues?
• Do they have any dietary requirements?

It's also a good idea to do some research on the dog’s breed or mix of breeds, and any health issues that they may be prone to.

Questions About The Dog's Behavior

Your potential dog's behavior is one of the most important things to consider. Learning more about their energy level, personality, what training they've had, and what they need to work on will help you determine if they’re the right dog for your lifestyle. 

These are some important, behavior-related questions to ask when adopting a dog:

• How much exercise will the dog need?
• Are they house trained?
• What are they like around other dogs?
• What are they like around other animals and wildlife?
• What are they like around children?
• How are they when left alone?
• What's their behavior like during walks?

The dog’s shelter or foster parent can share everything that they’ve observed while caring for your potential pup. However, it’s good to keep in mind that the dog’s behavior at the shelter or foster home may be different than it will be in your home. After all, shelters can be difficult places for dogs to navigate — they’re full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells, and that can be scary for a pup. That said, asking the above questions can give you an idea of what the dog might need to feel happy and comfortable in your home.

Questions About The Dog’s Specific Needs 

Besides those listed in the previous sections, these questions to ask when adopting a rescue dog can also be helpful:

• What are the dog’s favorite snacks?
• Do they need a yard?
• Do they have a favorite toy?
• Do they have a favorite game?

The more you learn about the pup, the better chance you have of finding the perfect dog for you. After all, you’re looking for a best friend — there’s no such thing as too many questions!

Questions About Post-Adoption Support 

When adopting a dog, don’t forget to ask about any post-adoption resources or options available to you. No one ever intends to have issues after adopting a new pet, but it's a good idea to be prepared just in case things don't go as planned. 

Having post-adoption support can be beneficial as you adjust to adding a new BFF/family member to your household. These questions for the shelter or rescue will help you make sure that you get the support you need:

• Do you offer any guidance or resources for helping the dog transition into a new home?
• Are there any training classes or resources available?
• Can you recommend a local trainer?
• Do you have an online community or support group for adopters?
• What should I do if the dog shows any signs of illness or distress after I bring them home?
• How can I contact the shelter if I have questions or concerns after adopting the dog?

Remember, adopting a furry friend is a huge commitment — one that requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. For help deciding if you’re ready to adopt a new dog or puppy, read this article.

Adopting the Right Dog for You

Besides asking all the questions outlined in this article, adopting a dog also requires asking yourself some hard questions.

Take a moment to sit down and reflect honestly on your lifestyle, needs, and expectations for adopting a dog. Remember, simply thinking that a dog is “cute” or liking a particular breed doesn’t guarantee that they’ll have the traits that you’re looking for — or that you’ll be equipped to give the dog what they need. Take some time to really get to know a dog before committing to adopt it — whether that be through scheduled visits with the shelter or rescue, or through fostering them. 

Honestly, no dog is perfect. But by asking the right questions, you can better prepare yourself for what to expect, and hopefully find the perfect pup match for you and your family.

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