10 Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog

10 Essential Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog From A Shelter

Last Updated: April 19, 2025By Charlie B. Edwards

Thinking about adopting a new dog? If your head is spinning with “How do I pick the right one?” or “Where should I even start?”, you are not alone. Choosing to adopt can feel huge.

You want the perfect fit, but with so many wagging tails staring back at you in shelters, it’s hard to know what to ask before bringing home a rescue.

Here’s the quick scoop: Asking good questions up front protects both you and the pup. Did you know that each breed comes with its own needs for food, playtime, and space? It’s important—really important—to get details before making a commitment.

This list of 10 essential Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog will help steer you in the right direction. Ready to find your paw-fect match? Keep reading!

Key Takeaways

Over 3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters each year; about one-fourth are purebred.
Ask about the dog’s history, health status, shots, and if it is spayed or neutered before adopting. Vet care can cost over $2,000 yearly, with emergencies up to $1,500 more.
Find out if the dog has behavior issues or is potty trained; some rescue pups may need patience and extra training at home.
Adoption fees range from $50 to $500 and usually cover vet care like shots and microchipping. Always ask for all medical records when you bring your new pet home.
Shelters have different return policies—some allow returns within a set time (like two weeks), while others do not take dogs back after adoption; always read every agreement before signing.

What Is the Dog’s History?

A woman sits outside an animal shelter watching dogs play, promoting adoption over buying.

Ask the shelter how long the dog has been there. Some dogs wait just days. Others may wait months or even more than a year, dreaming of a family to pick them. Over 3 million dogs land in shelters every year in the U.S., and about one-fourth are purebred—so your new buddy might have some surprising roots! Find out if your potential rescue dog was surrendered by an owner, found as a stray, or bounced between homes.

Each story shapes its quirks.

In my experience volunteering at animal shelters, I met many pups who had short stays before heading home for good—and others who saw several seasons go by waiting for someone to ask about their past.

A puppy brought in with siblings acts differently from an older dog given up after years with another family. Ask if this dog spent time in foster care or came straight from the street; these details matter when you’re preparing to adopt a dog that fits your lifestyle.

All these questions to ask when adopting help match you with the right furry friend.

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What Is the Dog’s Health Status?

Shelters or rescue groups should share health records. Get clear answers about the dog’s vaccination history, such as rabies and distemper shots. Ask if the vet recently checked the dog or treated any issues like skin infections, heartworm, or tummy problems.

Dogs from shelters often come with a mix of surprises—one time I adopted a beagle who ended up having an allergy to chicken! Make sure you know about any current medications, past surgeries, or chronic illnesses before you commit.

Vet care costs can add up fast—more than $2,000 each year for regular stuff like checkups and food is common now. Emergency visits may reach $1,500 per year out of nowhere. Important questions to ask also include whether the dog has been spayed or neutered and if there have been recent treatments at their rescue organization clinic.

Some dogs have old injuries from living outside or coming from a previous owner who could not afford much medical help. Copies of all relevant health documents will help make adopting a rescue dog feel less risky and give both you and your new pet peace of mind under your roof.

Is the Dog Spayed or Neutered?

Knowing the dog’s health status leads right to spaying or neutering. Ask if the dog has been fixed. Many dogs at a shelter or rescue already are, but not all. I once adopted a puppy who wasn’t spayed yet—got her scheduled for surgery before we even left the parking lot.

Fixing your pet cuts down on unwanted puppies and lowers health risks like certain cancers.

Always ask for vet records about any surgery, so you know when and how it happened. Over 3 million dogs end up in U.S. shelters every year, and this step can keep numbers down. Some purebred dogs from breeders come unaltered but most reputable rescues fix animals before adoption day rolls around.

If the dog isn’t spayed or neutered yet, see if it’s included with your adoption fees or offered by the animal shelter for less money than private clinics—your wallet will thank you!

Does the Dog Have Any Behavioral Issues?

Shelter dogs often come with stories, some rougher than others. I once brought home Max, a sweet rescue from my local animal shelter. On day one, he chewed through a sneaker and barked at every passing leaf.

Many pups may have experienced neglect or fear in the past, which can lead to separation anxiety or skittish habits. It isn’t rare for dogs from rescues or shelters to show behaviors like jumping on people, guarding toys, or even being shy around strangers.

Ask the rescue staff about possible behavior issues before you adopt a dog. They see these pets daily and can tell if your future buddy gets along with other dogs at the park or struggles when left alone.

Some shelters give details based on their foster home notes—always helpful! Look for words like anxious barking, nipping during playtime, resource guarding—or maybe none at all if you’re lucky.

Don’t be afraid to also ask what training support is offered after adoption; many places will share handy tips and connect you with trainers who speak “dog” as well as any vet speaks “cat.” Next up is potty training—a topic every prospective pet parent needs answers for before bringing home that new companion.

Is the Dog Potty Trained?

Potty training makes life easier for both you and your new dog. Not all dogs from a rescue or shelter have learned to go outside, especially if you adopt a puppy. Imagine stepping in a puddle before your morning coffee—no one wants that surprise.

Ask the animal shelter or rescue about the current potty habits of any dog you’re looking at. Some adult dogs might not know where to do their business and will need time and patience.

Setting clear rules right away can help with house manners, but get ready for accidents even with older pets. Consistency, treats, praise, and quick clean-up are key tools here. The perfect dog isn’t always born trained—it’s made through work together as a team! Potty accidents may sound small compared to emergency vet bills that hit $1,500 each year, yet they can test anyone’s sense of humor before breakfast.

If you ask the right questions when adopting a pet—like if the dog is housetrained—you’ll know what kind of care lies ahead once you get home with your new best friend.

How Does the Dog Interact With Other Pets?

Dogs from a rescue often have past stories that affect how they get along with other pets. A dog that lived in several homes may need more time to settle into your pack. Ask the shelter staff if this dog met cats or other dogs before, and how those meetings went.

Dogs who greet others at the dog park with wagging tails usually mix well at home too, but some need slow introductions.

Proper socialization changes a lot for these furry folks. About one-fourth of shelter pups are purebreds—some breeds play nicer with others by nature, while mixes can surprise you either way.

Once, my Jack Russell barked like mad at our neighbor’s rabbit but snuggled up quiet as a mouse next to my sister’s old Lab. You never know until you ask about problem behaviors and see what fits your own situation when looking to adopt a new friend for your current pet crew.

How Does the Dog Behave Around Children and Strangers?

After checking how your new buddy acts with other animals, it’s smart to see how the dog handles kids and visitors. Some rescue dogs adore children right away, wagging their tails like they’ve spotted a treat jar.

Others may feel shy or even scared if young ones get loud or move quickly. Always ask the shelter staff about this—most keepers watch closely and can tell you if a dog cuddles kids or prefers adults.

A well-socialized pooch will likely greet strangers with a sniff and maybe a sloppy kiss. But many dogs from shelters need time to adjust before trusting new faces. Big crowds at family parties? Sometimes that’s too much for them in the beginning.

And let me tell you, my own adopted hound didn’t warm up to visitors overnight—it took patient practice using treats and short visits from friends. Ask when adopting a dog: has it ever lived with children or met lots of people? This helps you figure out if playdates are smooth sailing or need gentle training first!

What Are the Dog’s Exercise and Activity Needs?

Some pups may act shy or wild around new faces, but their need for play does not hit pause. Dogs, just like kids at recess, crave action every single day. Some breeds run circles in the yard and chase balls until the moon is high; others want a calm stroll or two.

Big goofballs like Labradors might pull you toward dog parks with endless fetch games, while a tiny mixed breed could be content curling up after a short walk.

Think about your daily routine before you adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter group. Can you provide walks twice each day? Do work hours chew up most of your time? Kids begging for a puppy sometimes forget dogs get restless if stuck indoors too long.

Borrowing a friend’s furry pal for seven days can reveal how exercise fits into life with your family and current pets. Not checking on these things can lead to chewed shoes and clawed doors—ask the rescue or shelter what activities the dog already enjoys so everyone stays happy under one roof!

What Type of Diet Is the Dog Currently On?

Ask the shelter what food fills the dog’s bowl right now. Write down the brand, flavor, and any special treats on their menu. Jumping to a new meal too fast can upset your dog’s stomach faster than you can say “walkies!” If that pup needs grain-free chow or avoids chicken like it’s bath time, take note—some dogs are picky eaters with real sensitivities.

A few breeds get extra hungry or have allergies that could turn snack time into vet visits. Talk about favorites; maybe this dog loves carrots or crunchy biscuits as rewards for good behavior during training.

Knowing all these bits helps make your pet adoption smooth, supports finding the perfect fit for your home, and welcomes them with familiar smells and tastes from day one.

What Is the Adoption Process and Are There Any Fees?

Adopting a dog from a shelter means following a few steps and paying some fees. Shelters, rescues, and even private groups each have their own way of doing things.

Most shelters will ask you to fill out an application before you get a dog. This helps them find the best fit for your family and your current dog if you have one.
Some places want to meet with everyone in your household, including kids, to see how the new pet acts around people.
Many rescue groups may check your home or apartment, just to be sure it is safe for the animal.
There is almost always an adoption fee. This cost often covers things like spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Fees can change depending on where you go. Some places have adoption specials for older dogs or animals with health needs.
Expect adoption costs to range from about $50 up to $500, depending on the shelter or rescue group.
These fees help pay for vet visits, medicine, food, and staff at shelters that care for many rescue cases every year.
You might need to sign a contract agreeing that you’ll return the dog if things do not work out instead of finding another home yourself.
Some organizations give adopters a starter kit with food samples or coupons so you can get a head start on supplies.
Adopting a puppy or adult dog means thinking about yearly costs too. Most new dog owners spend over $2,000 each year on things like food, vet bills, toys, and grooming.
Ask for copies of all medical records at the time you take your new pet home so you know about shots and past treatments.

Next up: Can the Dog Be Returned if the Adoption Doesn’t Work?

Can the Dog Be Returned if the Adoption Doesn’t Work?

Always ask if you can take the dog back to the shelter if things go south. Many shelters and private rescues have different rules. Some places will welcome the pup back, while others may not accept returns after a certain time or without reason.

For example, a rescue I worked with in 2022 gave new parents two weeks to see if their new buddy fit in.

Policies change from shelter to shelter, so read every agreement before you sign it. Sometimes fees apply for returns, too. Shelters often want what’s best for each animal and for your family—so don’t feel guilty about asking these questions up front.

Dogs may not always get along with kids or other pets right away; sometimes it just doesn’t click no matter how hard you try. Dog ownership is all about giving every pet a shot at happiness—even when that means making tough calls like returning them after adoption doesn’t work out as planned.

Conclusion

Bringing a rescue pup home is big, but asking the right questions can make it feel simple. By learning about the dog’s story, health, house habits, and behavior with others, you set yourself up for success.

These tips do not need fancy skills—just open eyes and an honest chat at the shelter. Are you ready to find a furry friend who fits your world like a glove? A well-chosen dog brings joy that outshines muddy paws or chewed-up slippers.

If in doubt or craving more advice, check lists from local rescue groups—they love to help! My own adopted mutt snores at my feet as I write; best decision of my life. Go on—your new best buddy could be waiting just down the block!

FAQs

1. What questions should I ask when adopting a rescue animal from a shelter?

Start with the basics: Has this dog been spayed or neutered? Ask about its health history, mix of breeds, and behavior around other dogs. It’s important to know if the dog isn’t housetrained or might have separation anxiety. This list of questions helps you find the perfect fit for your home.

2. How do I know if this new dog will get along with my current pet?

Ask how the dog gets along with other dogs at the shelter. Sometimes, perhaps the new dog doesn’t mesh well right away—like oil and water—but staff can share stories about past interactions to help you decide.

3. Why does it matter if a dog is surrendered versus found as a stray?

A surrendered pup may come with some backstory—maybe even house manners—while strays are more mysterious, like unopened books on a shelf. Both need love, but knowing their start helps predict how they’ll settle in.

4. What if my adopted buddy turns out to be too much for me or doesn’t fit in?

Let’s face it; sometimes things don’t work out—the best-laid plans go sideways! Be sure to ask up front if you can bring the dog back at any time without judgment.

5. Can knowing what breeds make up my rescue help me prepare better?

Absolutely! Understanding that mix of breeds can help you predict size, energy level, and quirks before bringing your new friend home—a little bit like reading reviews before buying shoes online.

6. Is rescuing a shelter animal always exciting? Or are there tough parts too?

Rescuing a dog is exciting—it tugs at your heartstrings—but sometimes challenges pop up fast as popcorn kernels in hot oil! The right rescue opportunity means asking plenty of questions so both you and your future companion feel ready for anything ahead.

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