What Questions Should I Ask Before Adopting a Rescue Dog?
The right questions before you adopt save you a mismatch later. Before you apply for one of our adoptable dogs, ask your foster or our team these questions.
About the Dog’s History
- How long has this dog been in foster care, and what have you learned about them?
- Were they a stray, a surrender, or transferred from another shelter?
- What’s their vaccination and heartworm status right now?
About Behavior and Fit
- Is this dog good with kids, other dogs, and cats?
- What’s their energy level, and how much exercise do they need?
- Do they need a fenced yard, or training experience their adopter should already have?
- How do they act when left alone?
About the Adoption Itself
- What’s included in the adoption fee?
- Is there a trial period, and what happens if it doesn’t work out?
- If I’m out of state, how does transport work?
Every dog on our site lists these details under “More about” on their profile. That includes breed mix, energy level, kid- and pet-friendliness, and any training needs.
Read that section closely before you apply. Ask us anything it doesn’t answer.