Important Questions To Ask When Adopting a Dog From a Rescue

Adopting a dog from a rescue gives you a unique opportunity to find the right match for your home and ensure you are the right match for the dog you are interested in.

Rescue dogs often come with a history and some information about their needs. Knowing this information helps you (and the dog) make a perfect match!

Here are some essential questions you should ask when adopting a dog from a rescue.

1. What Type of Home Would the Dog Do Best In?

Every dog has unique needs and comfort levels. Some prefer quiet homes, while others love active ones. Ask the rescue what kind of environment the dog is most comfortable in.

For example:

• Would this dog enjoy a busy home, or would they prefer a calm one?

• Does the dog do well with children?

• Are they ok with other dogs or cats?

• Would they do best with a fenced yard and room to run? Or are a couple of walks a day sufficient?

• Does the dog prefer being with people most of the time, or can they be left alone?

• How much exercise or mental stimulation does this dog need?

Understanding compatibility is crucial. From experience, we have seen that bad (and sometimes even halfway decent) matches result in dogs being returned.

2. How Did the Dog Come To Be Part of Your Rescue?

We all have a past. It doesn’t define us, but it can help others understand us better.

The same goes for dogs. Knowing the dog’s backstory can help you better understand their behaviors and needs.

For example:

• Did they get surrendered by a previous owner?

• Did they lose their home because their owner passed away?

• Were they found as a stray?

• Were they rescued from neglect or abuse?

This information gives you insights into possible trauma, abandonment issues, or socialization gaps.

However, even if a dog had a difficult past, please remember they can overcome it. Don’t discount a dog just because their past may not have been picture-perfect.

Learn More: Questions To Ask Someone Who Is Rehoming Their Dog

3. What Health and Behavioral Needs Did the Dog Have When They Arrived?

This can help you understand the dog's progress while in the care of the rescue. Rescues often provide medical care and behavioral rehabilitation, and the dog's progress can be a testament to their resilience.

In particular, understanding what a dog was like when they first entered the rescue can help you prepare for any behavioral regression the dog may experience once they move to your home and begin the decompression process.

You can ask things like:

• Did they have any injuries or illnesses?

• Were they fearful or under-socialized?

• Have those concerns been resolved, or are they ongoing?

Rescues are often proud of the transformation these dogs make and will gladly share the story.

Learn More: The 3-3-3 Rule

4. What Training/Commands Does the Pup Know?

Some rescue dogs come with a few tricks up their sleeves! Ask what commands they already know.

Sit, stay, come, leash walking, being housebroken, and crate training are all valuable (but not essential) tools that make the transition into your home easier.

Plus, knowing exactly which words are used for commands can also help you communicate more effectively with the dog from the start, making the transition easier.

5. Does the Pup Have Any Behavioral Quirks That Need Addressing?

Let’s be real: every dog has quirks. No dog is perfect (just like no person is perfect). Even if a dog has basic training under control, it’s helpful to know about any behaviors that may require patience or training.

Ask about things like:

• Barking, chewing, or digging habits

• Fearfulness or nervousness around strangers or loud noises

• Resource guarding

• Separation anxiety

Knowing this information ahead of time helps you prepare and decide whether you’re the right fit for this particular pup’s personality. It can also help you get a trainer on board to help overcome any potential issues.

As a side note, from our experience, we’ve found that with patience and the guidance of a trainer, almost every issue you encounter in a rescue dog is workable if you are willing to put in some effort.

6. What Routine Is the Dog Used To?

Consistency is key for dogs, especially when they’re adjusting to a new home. Try to learn:

• Are they used to people coming and going throughout the day?

• Do they sleep in a crate, bed, or free roam?

• How comfortable are they with alone time?

• How often do they go outside?

• When do they eat?

Then, ask yourself if you can provide a similar routine for them.

Maintaining a familiar routine can help reduce anxiety and ease the transition. A smooth adjustment period can help ensure the long-term success of the adoption.

Learn More: What To Do When You Bring Home a New Dog

7. What Is the Dog’s Current Medical Status/Health Needs?

You’ll want a full picture of the dog’s health before adoption. Ask for details like:

• Are their vaccinations up to date?

• Are they spayed/neutered?

• Are they on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives?

• Do they have any chronic health conditions, allergies, or special dietary requirements?

• Have they been microchipped?

• Have they been tested for heartworm or other diseases?

Rescues usually provide complete medical records at the time of adoption, but it's ok to ask to see them in advance. This is crucial not only for your peace of mind but for budgeting and future medical planning.

8. Can I Talk to the Dog’s Fosters?

If the dog is in foster care, talking to the foster parent can offer invaluable insights. They’ve seen how the dog behaves in a home setting and can give you the scoop on what life with the dog is like.

Ask the foster:

• Do they have any funny habits or sweet quirks?

• How do they behave around guests?

• Is there anything I should know that might not be obvious right away?

• What are the dog’s favorite activities?

• What training successes or struggles have you had with them?

• What’s their energy level like day-to-day?

• What’s your favorite thing about this dog?

This real-life perspective can help you visualize life with your new furry family member and make a more confident, informed decision on whether you can provide them with the ideal home.

Learn More: Why You Should Adopt a Dog From a Rescue

Final Thoughts

Adopting a rescue dog is an amazing act of compassion. When you ask thoughtful, detailed questions, you’re not just setting yourself up for success; you’re helping that dog find the loving, forever home that is truly best for them.