Questions To Ask When Adopting a Dog Who Is Being Rehomed (And Red Flags To Watch Out For)

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 11
7 min read

Adopting a dog who’s being rehomed by their current family can be bittersweet. It’s rewarding to give a dog whose owner can no longer care for them a home, but it’s also extremely sad when a dog is losing their family.

Whether the dog’s family is going through a life transition or the pup’s needs aren’t being met, rehoming gives dogs a second chance while keeping them out of overcrowded shelters.

Before adopting a pup who is being rehomed, it's essential to ask the right questions and be aware of potential red flags. Here's what you need to know.

What To Ask When Adopting a Dog Who Is Being Rehomed

Gathering background information about your potential new dog is about setting everyone up for success. These questions will help you understand the dog’s needs and history so you can make sure you are the right match for the dog and provide a smooth transition.

1. Why Are You Rehoming Your Dog?

This question is your window into the situation. Some reasons, like a family member's allergies or moving to an apartment that isn't pet-friendly, are understandable. But if the answer seems vague or evasive, there might be more to the story.

It’s okay to gently dig deeper to understand if behavioral or health challenges are part of the picture. This can help you ensure that you can provide the dog with whatever they need to succeed in a new home.

If you are adopting a puppy who is being rehomed, shady answers may indicate you are dealing with a backyard breeder, which we highly recommend avoiding.

2. Where Did You Originally Get Your Dog?

Knowing where the dog came from can offer helpful context and make sure you and the current owner don’t get into any legal trouble.

For example, if someone is rehoming a dog they got from a reputable breeder or rescue, chances are there's a clause in their sale or adoption contract that requires the dog to be returned to the breeder or rescue. You don't want to adopt a dog that is legally required to go elsewhere.

If the dog was rehomed to its current home from a previous home, this is also valuable information that warrants making sure you fully understand the dog’s needs so that you can verify you can provide a home that will actually last a lifetime this time around.

3. Do You Have Medical Records You Can Share With Me?

Medical history is a must-have. Ideally, the current owner will have vet records showing vaccinations, spay/neuter status, and any ongoing health conditions.

If the dog isn't up to date on vaccines or hasn't seen a vet recently, you'll want to factor in the cost of getting them caught up. You'll also want to be cautious when bringing them home, especially if you have current pets, in case the new pup has ailments that could be passed along to your pets.

Learn More: Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule

4. What Behavioral or Training Needs Will Your Dog Need Support With in a New Home?

Every dog has quirks, and knowing about them upfront helps prevent surprises. Maybe the dog pulls on the leash, struggles with separation anxiety, or isn't fully house-trained.

None of these are dealbreakers as they are all workable issues. However, understanding these needs ahead of time lets you prepare and decide if you’re ready to take them on.

Additionally, knowing the commands the dog is accustomed to can be extremely helpful when continuing their training in your home. Changing commands can be confusing for a dog, so maintaining continuity in what they are used to makes the adjustment easier for all of you.

5. What Are Your Dog’s Favorite Toys, Treats, and Food?

Familiarity brings comfort. Understanding what your potential new pup enjoys can help them feel more at home.

Ask about food preferences, go-to treats, and favorite toys. Even small things like knowing they love peanut butter-stuffed KONGs can make a big difference in the adjustment period.

Plus, by keeping their food and treats the same, you’ll help reduce any additional tummy upset that comes with the stress of moving to a new home. You can change their food over time, but keeping things consistent at first will make a world of difference.

Learn more: How To Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

6. What Routine Is Your Dog Used To?

Dogs thrive on routine. Find out when the dog typically eats, goes outside, naps, and plays. Also, ask how long they are used to being alone so that you can make sure your schedule is a good fit for what the dog can handle.

Mimicking the pup’s current routine in the first few weeks can ease the transition and help reduce stress as they adapt to a new environment.

Also, remember that even though this new potential pup is used to having a home, that doesn’t mean there won’t be an adjustment period in your home. Be patient as the dog gets used to you, your family, and their new surroundings. It won’t happen overnight.

Learn more: The 3-3-3 Rule

7. How Is Your Dog With Other People, Kids, and Animals?

Compatibility is key. If you have young kids, roommates, or other pets, it can be helpful to know how the dog interacts with different types of people and animals.

A dog who’s shy around men or reactive toward other dogs may still be a great fit for you, but only in the right setting and if you are ready to help them overcome their fears.

Learn More: How To Introduce Your New Dog to Other People

Red Flags To Be Aware Of

While many rehoming situations are genuine, some aren't. Here are warning signs that you might be dealing with a less-than-ideal situation.

1. It’s a Purebred or Designer Puppy

Phrases like "accidental litter" can be a red flag, especially when the puppy is a high-demand breed or designer dog. It could indicate a backyard breeding operation because there's no such thing as an "accidental litter" of designer or purebred dogs.

Rehoming should not be a disguise for unethical breeding practices. Frankly, it’s best to avoid any purebred or designer puppies that are being “rehomed” by private individuals.

Pro tip: Avoid Craigslist puppies. Seriously. Getting a puppy from Craigslist can be a huge disaster.

2. They Are Rehoming Multiple Puppies

This kind of goes hand in hand with red flag number one. If the same person is rehoming more than one puppy, especially if they are a designer or purebred dogs, the reality is that you are likely dealing with a backyard breeder.

Backyard breeders generally skimp on proper vetting for their dogs. They also don’t test the parents for common genetic conditions. Dogs likely aren’t kept in great conditions, making them more susceptible to illness.

Getting a puppy from this type of environment is a huge gamble, and it encourages backyard breeders to continue breeding to turn a quick buck, perpetuating the pet overpopulation issue. Please just avoid situations like this.

3. They Haven’t Had the Dog for Very Long

Sometimes, people will get a dog and quickly realize it's not the right fit. However, someone who is rehoming a dog they haven't had for very long can be concerning, especially if the story about how they acquired the dog seems suspicious.

Dog theft is an issue in the U.S., and Chewy reports that dog thefts are up 30% since 2021. If someone is rehoming a dog for a fee that they haven’t had for a while, you may be unintentionally purchasing a stolen dog.

Or, if the person found the dog as a stray and is quickly trying to rehome the pup, you may be unintentionally adopting a dog that has a home looking for him or her.

Ideally, the person will have had the dog for a decent amount of time, making the potential adoption more legit. But if the person hasn’t had the dog for very long, proceed with caution.

4. High Rehoming Fees

While it’s normal to charge a reasonable fee to ensure a serious and safe adopter, fees that rival breeder prices, especially for trendy breeds, are suspicious. Rehoming should prioritize the dog's well-being, not profit.

If you are dealing with someone charging more than a few hundred dollars, especially for a dog that is not fully vetted, that’s not a great sign.

5. No (or Minimal) Vetting

If the dog isn’t up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered (depending on their age), hasn’t been seen by a vet in over a year for adults (or at all), or isn’t current on flea/tick preventatives, that’s potentially worrisome.

Yes, sometimes people just can’t afford vet care. But if the dog has never seen a vet or the medical care seems lacking, be careful.

6. The Current Owner Has No Questions for You

If the current owner doesn't ask you any questions, it may suggest a lack of concern for where the dog ends up. Responsible owners usually want to know about your experience, lifestyle, and home setup before handing over their pet.

If the person seems anxious to have you take the dog and collect their rehoming fee, that’s generally not a great sign.

7. The Rehoming Reason Is Odd

If someone says they're rehoming a dog because the pup is "too affectionate" or "too playful" or some other bizarre reason, they might be downplaying bigger issues. Those are strange and likely untruthful reasons to give up a dog.

Trust your instincts and ask follow-up questions if something sounds strange. If you don’t, you might end up surprised with a dog who has unexpected behavioral or medical needs.

8. It Just Feels Off

Sometimes, your gut knows. If communication is inconsistent, the story keeps changing, the person seems flaky, or the interaction seems rushed, you'd be wise to take a step back.

You’re not just adopting a dog, you’re committing to their care for life. It’s okay to walk away if things don’t feel right. There are SO many dogs in need of homes right now. The right one is out there for you.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a dog that is being rehomed by their current family can help keep a dog out of the shelter. Just make sure to ask thoughtful questions and be mindful of potential red flags to increase the chances of finding a great match.

Be compassionate, curious, and prepared. The right dog is out there. When you find them, you’ll be glad you took the time to get to know their story and make sure they are a good match for you first.