Inquire about any known pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, or injuries. If the pet requires daily medication or a specialized diet, ask about the monthly costs and availability of these treatments. Additionally, request to see the results of diagnostic tests, such as heartworm tests for dogs or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) tests for cats. Asking for a copy of the pet's veterinary records allows you to share them with your personal veterinarian for a professional assessment. ## Behavior and Temperament Questions An online bio might describe a pet as "energetic" or "loving," but these terms can be subjective. Asking targeted questions about behavior helps ensure the pet's personality aligns with your lifestyle and living situation. Start by asking how the pet interacts with different groups of people, including children, men, women, and strangers. If you have other pets, ask how the animal reacts to dogs or cats. It is also helpful to know if the pet has been tested in a playgroup or if they prefer to be the only animal in the home.
Ask about the pet's daily routine and energy levels. Does the dog require multiple long walks a day, or are they content with a short stroll? For cats, are they highly active playmates or quiet lap cats? You should also ask about training. Inquire whether the pet is house-trained, crate-trained, or has basic obedience training. Understanding if the pet exhibits common behavioral challenges—such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, leash pulling, or resource guarding—allows you to prepare for the training they will need. ## Background and History Questions A pet's past experiences can influence how they adjust to a new environment. While shelters do not always have complete histories for every animal, any details they can provide are valuable. Ask how the pet came to be at the shelter. Animals that arrive as owner surrenders may come with detailed notes about their previous home life, habits, and preferences. If the pet was found as a stray or transferred from another facility, the shelter staff may have limited background information but can share what they have observed during the animal's stay.
Find out how long the pet has been at the shelter. If the pet has been there for an extended period, ask if they have spent time in a foster home. Foster caregivers can offer detailed insights into how the pet behaves in a home setting, which is often very different from how they behave in a stressful shelter environment. ## Understanding the Adoption Process and Policies Every rescue organization and shelter has its own set of rules, fees, and procedures. Clarifying these details early prevents surprises later in the process. Ask about the total cost of the adoption and exactly what is included in that fee. Some shelters include microchipping, initial vaccinations, deworming, and a post-adoption veterinary exam in their fees, while others charge separately for these services.
Inquire about the steps required to finalize the adoption. Ask if you need to provide references, proof of homeownership, or landlord approval if you rent. You should also ask if the shelter requires all members of the household, including existing dogs, to participate in a meet-and-greet before approval. Finally, ask about the shelter's return policy. Knowing if the shelter offers a trial period or if they require the pet to be returned to their facility if the adoption does not work out provides peace of mind. ## Verifying Information Offline Because online listings are not always updated instantly, it is important to verify the status of any pet you find online. Call the shelter to confirm the pet is still available before traveling to the facility. When you arrive, verify that the physical records match the details you read online, and spend time observing the pet in person to ensure they are the right match for your home.
