20 Essential Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog
Your Ultimate Checklist Before a New Furry Friend
Who doesn’t love the idea of rescuing a shelter dog? They’re adorable, they deserve love, and you have a big spot on the bed with their name on it! But before you dive into such a decision, make sure you ask the right questions. Here are 20 essentials to consider before bringing home your new baby.
1. “Does Everyone Want a Dog?”
One of the most important questions to ask is if everyone in your household is ready to adopt a dog. It’s a big decision and an even bigger responsibility, so you want to make sure people are on board before you even reach the shelter.
2. “Do I Have the Time and Money to Care for a Dog?”
Dogs come with all kinds of hidden expenses—and upfront costs! Adoption fees can trickle into the hundreds and you’ll need to buy everything from food and toys to annual veterinary bills. Not only that, but you need to make time to play with them and give them proper exercise. Consider whether you can handle such responsibilities beforehand.
3. “How Much is the Adoption Fee?”
Speaking of adoption fees, shelter costs can vary. It’s best to speak with staff and find out what you’re paying for. Anything from their breed to their health can impact costs, which means you’re looking at prices between $50 and sometimes $500 (if not higher).
4. “Do They Have Behavioral Issues?”
Some pups come with their own quirks—and they might not fit your lifestyle. Has the dog been brought back for any reason? Do they have issues with nipping or excessive barking? If they do, it’s best to speak with the shelter about what you can do to make the transition more comfortable.
5. “What’s Their Breed?”
Not all dogs are made equal. The best way to learn about their personalities is to find out the breed. After all, the last thing you want is to adopt a border collie when you’re really searching for a couch potato! Their breed can also alert you to any potential health conditions.
6. “Are They Crate Trained?”
Nine-to-fivers might not have the time to dogsit during the day. It’s a good idea to ask whether your potential pup is comfortable in a crate. If not, you’ll likely have to train them. Of course, you could also let them roam free in the house when you’re not home!
7. “Are They up to Date on Their Vaccines?”
Vaccines can get costly, so check with the shelter about whether you need to take your pup to the vet. While you obviously want to keep your pet in good health, an extra hundred dollars might not be in the cards.
8. “How Long Have They Been Here?”
The longer a dog spends in the shelter, the harder a time they have adjusting to new surroundings. Speak with the shelter about how long your dog’s actually been there. From there, you can prepare yourself for any skittish behavior.
9. “How Did They Arrive Here?”
Some dogs have it harder than others. While some come from rough homes, others may have been found on the street—and those situations impact behavior. Asking where they came from can help you take the proper steps to ease them into your home.
10. “Do They Get Along With Other Animals?”
It’s important to know if your new fur baby will bond with existing pets. Even if you don’t have any pets at home, you’ll want to make sure your pup can handle the park or any interaction with other dogs.
11. “Do They Get Along With Children?”
A big deciding factor is whether or not a dog gets along with children. It’s not only stressful for parents, but it’s stressful for animals to get cooped up in unpleasant situations. Check with the shelter before making any final decisions.
12. “Can They Walk on a Leash?”
Some dogs, regardless of age, aren’t accustomed to the leash. While not a big deal for potential adopters, others may not want to burden themselves with further training or misbehavior. Check with the shelter about how comfortable they are on a lead.
13. “How Old Are They?”
We know it’s rude to ask someone’s age, but we don’t think the dog would mind! A pup’s age affects everything from their mobility to the food they eat to their health—knowing how old they are is vital to their care.
14. “Do They Have Any Pre-Existing Conditions?”
You’ve likely seen some shelter dogs labeled with heartworm, but that isn’t necessarily their only ailment. If you’d rather have a pup in perfect health, check their medical history at the shelter. Pre-existing conditions can mean more stress and more money.
15. “Have They Been Spayed/Neutered?”
Most shelter dogs have already been spayed or neutered, which means one less thing to worry about. However, it’s still best to check. No potential owner wants to deal with the added cost and recovery of a surprise procedure!
16. “Are They Microchipped?”
The good news is that most shelter dogs are already microchipped, but that’s not always the case. It’s best to check beforehand and gather any information before you head home. If they haven’t been chipped, it means a trip to the vet.
17. “What’s Their Diet Like?”
While most dogs enjoy a good bowl of kibble, some have special dietary restrictions. From allergies and supplements all the way to picky eaters, each dog has their own needs based on breed and size.
18. “How Much Exercise Do They Need?”
The majority of dogs need at least thirty minutes of exercise every day to stay healthy. However, those numbers differ based on their age, weight, and breed. Ask the shelter how much exercise they recommend—and double-check with the vet just in case.
19. “Are They Housetrained?”
Unless you want to deal with puddles on the floor, ask the shelter whether your pup is housetrained. If not, it’s potentially late nights and added stress trying to teach them the ropes. (Remember that some housetrained dogs may still relieve themselves in a new space due to stress.)
20. “What Happens if Things Don’t Work Out?”
As tragic as it can be, not every dog is a great fit. Ask the shelter what happens in those cases. Most take the animal back without issue, but it’s best to get the information beforehand so you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.
