5 Questions to Ask when Adopting Dogs from a Shelter

Thinking about adopting. Here are 5 questions to ask when adopting a dog:

1. Can You Tell Me About the Animal’s Background and History?

If available, the shelter will try to provide you with background information about the dog, namely if they came from a home, have any emotional problems, play well with other animals, or have a history of fears/phobias.

2. What Is Your Opinion of the Animal?

It can be beneficial to get an understanding of how well the dog adapted to the shelter and their handlers. Ask if they had any special needs or would benefit from a specific type of household (quiet or loud, large or small).

For example, shelter personnel may advise against certain placements, specifically if a home has kids or cats and they have concerns about the dog’s temperament.

3. Can You Provide the Dog’s Medical Records?

Health records are vital, since you’ll be handling the dog’s vet visits and at-home care. You’ll need to know if the dog has any health conditions, if they’re currently taking medication, if their vaccinations are up to date, and whether they’ve been spayed or neutered.

4. Is the Dog Happy and Healthy?

You’ll also need to get an understanding of the dog’s personality. Learn what toys they love, their favorite type of play, what their diet is like, and if they’ve been in good spirits lately. The more you know about the dog now, the less you have to worry about later.

5. Has the Dog Been Microchipped?

Ask if the dog has been microchipped and, if they have, ask for the microchip number and any login information associated with a chip.

If they haven’t been microchipped, it should be your top post-adoption priority. Microchipping is a painless and easy way to ensure that your pet has a permanent and reliable form of identification, improving the chances of being reunited if they ever get lost.

Interested in finding a new dog today? Browse our network of shelters and rescues and bring home the perfect pet.