10 Questions to Ask Before You Adopt a Rescue Dog

Why Your Questions Matter as Much as Ours

In every adoption application, we ask adopters a lot of questions. But the most successful adopters are the ones who come in asking just as many back. A well-informed adopter is our best partner — and the dog's best advocate.

Here are the ten questions we recommend asking before committing to any adoption.

1. What does this dog's typical day look like in foster care?

This is the single most revealing question you can ask. The answer tells you exactly what the dog is used to — what time they wake up, how much exercise they get, whether they have a crate routine, and how they spend downtime. A significant change in daily routine is one of the most common causes of post-adoption behavioral changes.

2. What is this dog like when left alone?

Separation anxiety is among the most common — and most underreported — challenges in rescue dogs. Ask specifically: does the dog bark, destroy things, or have accidents when left alone? How long have they been tested? This isn't a dealbreaker question, but it helps you prepare and plan.

3. Has the dog been around kids / other dogs / cats?

Don't assume because a bio says "good with dogs" that this has been tested extensively. Ask how many interactions there were, what they looked like, and under what conditions. The same goes for kids and cats. A well-run rescue will be specific rather than vague.

4. What does this dog do when stressed or scared?

Every dog handles stress differently. Some shut down, some bark, some bolt. Knowing a dog's fear response in advance helps you anticipate and manage it — especially in the first weeks, which are often the most stressful for a dog.

5. What commands does this dog know?

Knowing whether a dog has any foundation training tells you how much work you're starting with. A dog that knows "sit" and walks loosely on a leash is in a different starting position than one with zero training history. Neither is a dealbreaker — but your expectations should align with reality.

6. Does this dog have any known health issues or ongoing medical needs?

Ask specifically about allergies, joint issues, heart conditions, dental disease, or any medications. Some medical needs are manageable and low-cost; others are significant. You deserve full transparency before committing.

7. Why is this dog in rescue?

The surrender reason isn't always available, but when it is, it's valuable context. A dog surrendered because a family moved internationally is a very different situation than one surrendered for resource guarding. Ask, and pay attention to how openly the question is answered.

8. What does this dog find rewarding?

Great question for training setup. Does the dog work for food? Toys? Praise? Knowing this helps you communicate with them effectively from day one.

9. What would the ideal home for this dog look like?

This is a gift of a question to ask the foster family directly. They live with the dog and know better than anyone what environment would help them thrive. Their answer may confirm you're a great match — or reveal a mismatch worth considering.

10. What do you wish every adopter knew about this dog?

This open-ended question reliably surfaces the most useful information. Foster families are often eager to share specific quirks, endearing habits, or honest cautions that wouldn't fit neatly into any other question.

The Right Match Is Worth the Conversation

A thorough conversation before adoption day isn't a barrier — it's the foundation of a successful relationship. Browse our available dogs or take the match quiz to start finding your match today.