Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog

The Ultimate Checklist: Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog

Emily scrolled through the local shelter’s website, her heart melting with every photo. There he was: a scruffy terrier mix with soulful brown eyes, listed simply as “Buddy.” She was ready to jump in her car right then and there. However, a moment of hesitation stopped her. What did she really know about Buddy? What was his story? She realized that falling in love with a photo was the easy part; ensuring a successful, lifelong partnership required more. It required asking the right questions to ask when adopting a dog.

If you’re on the brink of welcoming a new dog into your life, Emily’s experience probably sounds familiar. The excitement is immense, but so are the unknowns. Adopting a dog is a profound commitment, and the best way to honor that commitment is to be thoroughly prepared. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of questions designed to give you the clearest possible picture of your potential new family member, setting the stage for a beautiful life together.

Why You Must Have Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog

Walking into a shelter armed with a list of questions isn’t about being difficult; it’s about being a responsible and compassionate future pet owner. The goal of adoption is to find a permanent, loving home for an animal. By gathering as much information as possible, you are actively participating in a matchmaking process.

A mismatch in energy levels, temperament, or needs can lead to stress for both you and the dog, and in the worst-case scenarios, can result in the dog being returned to the shelter—a traumatic experience for any animal. Therefore, having a solid list of questions to ask when adopting a dog is the most loving first step you can take.

The Essential Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog: A Checklist

Think of the shelter staff and foster parents as your most valuable resource. They have spent time with the dog and can provide insights you won’t find on a kennel card. We’ve broken down the essential questions into three critical categories.

Questions About the Dog’s History and Background

Understanding where a dog came from can tell you a lot about the behaviors they might exhibit. These questions peel back the first layer of their story.

Where did this dog come from? (Was it an owner surrender, a stray, or a transfer from another shelter?) This provides context for their past experiences.
If surrendered, do you know the reason? This is one of the most important questions to ask when adopting a dog. The answer can reveal pre-existing issues like separation anxiety, barking complaints, or an inability to live with other pets or children.
How long has the dog been at the shelter or in foster care? A longer stay might mean the dog is more stressed or overlooked, but it also means the staff knows them better.
What was their previous life like (if known)? Did they live in a house with a yard, an apartment, or primarily outdoors? This helps you understand what kind of environment they are used to.
How old is the dog, and how was their age determined? (Vet records, dental examination, etc.)

Health and Medical Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog

A healthy dog is a happy dog. You need a clear picture of their physical condition to be prepared for their ongoing care.

Can I see their full medical history? This should include records of vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention.
Is the dog spayed or neutered? If not, does the adoption fee cover the procedure?
Does the dog have any known chronic health conditions, injuries, or allergies? This includes skin issues, food sensitivities, or joint problems that might require long-term management.
Is the dog currently on any medications? If so, what is the condition, dosage, and cost?
What brand and type of food is the dog currently eating? Knowing this allows you to either continue their diet or transition them slowly to a new food to avoid stomach upset.
What is the dog’s general physical condition? Are they at a healthy weight?

Behavior, Temperament, and Training Questions

This is where you truly discover the dog’s personality. These are arguably the most critical questions to ask when adopting a dog to ensure a good match for your lifestyle.

How would you describe the dog’s personality in three words? (e.g., Cuddly, energetic, shy, confident, goofy).
What is their true energy level? Are they a couch potato who enjoys short strolls, or do they need multiple long runs a day to be content? Be honest with yourself about what you can provide.
How does the dog behave around other dogs? Cats? Children? Ask for specifics. Have they been tested in a playgroup? Have they lived with kids or other animals before?
How do they react to strangers (both men and women)? Are they fearful, overly excited, or calmly indifferent?
Is the dog house-trained? If they have accidents, how frequent are they?
Is the dog crate-trained? How do they behave when left in a crate?
Does the dog have any known fears or anxieties? (e.g., Thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuums, being left alone).

How does the dog walk on a leash? Are they a strong puller or do they walk politely?
Does the dog know any basic commands? (Sit, stay, come, down).
Have they ever shown any signs of resource guarding (with food, toys, or people), aggression, or biting? The shelter has a responsibility to disclose any known bite history. This is a crucial safety question.
How does the dog behave at the vet or groomer? This helps you prepare for future appointments.

Beyond the List: Observing the Dog and Post-Adoption Planning

Your list of questions is vital, but don’t forget to use your own eyes and plan for the future.

What to Look for During the Meet-and-Greet

Asking your questions is only half the process. You must also spend quality time with the dog.

Meet Them Outside the Kennel: A kennel is a highly stressful environment. Ask to interact with the dog in a quieter meeting room or a secure outdoor play yard.
Involve the Whole Family: Every human member of the household, and any existing dogs, should meet the potential new dog to ensure everyone gets along.
Observe Body Language: Look for relaxed, happy signals like a soft wagging tail, play bows, and a loose body posture. Tense posture, whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes), and tucked tails can be signs of fear or stress.

Final Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog: The Logistics

Before you sign the papers, clarify the post-adoption process.

What is the total adoption fee, and what does it cover?
What is the shelter’s return policy? Knowing you have a support system if things truly don’t work out can provide peace of mind.
What post-adoption support do you offer? Some shelters offer a helpline, training resources, or vet recommendations.

Finding “The One”: A Success Story

Armed with her new checklist of questions to ask when adopting a dog, Emily returned to the shelter. She still loved Buddy’s photo, but she met with three different dogs. She learned that Buddy had extremely high energy and a history of separation anxiety, which wasn’t a good fit for her apartment lifestyle.

Then she met Scout, a calm, two-year-old lab mix. The staff described him as “a gentle old soul” who had been surrendered because his family was moving. He was house-trained, good with strangers, and loved leisurely walks. The meet-and-greet confirmed everything. He was the one. By being prepared, Emily didn’t just find a dog; she found her dog.

Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. By taking the time to ask these important questions, you are honoring the process and laying the groundwork for a successful, loving, and lifelong bond.