Discover the right questions to ask yourself before adopting a dog from a shelter for a successful encounter
Updated 17 October 2026
In short: at the shelter you want to take them all home. For the adoption to work on both sides, ask specific questions: the dog's history, age, temperament with children and other animals, health, energy level, how it copes alone, lead walking, adoption conditions and the follow-up offered. A good shelter answers frankly, including when it doesn't know.
What questions should you ask the shelter?
My list for the visit:
Why do its history and age matter?
A dog whose owner died doesn't have the same needs as a dog that was mistreated or spent years in kennels. The shelter shares what it knows; sometimes it knows nothing and you'll discover the dog day by day.
A young dog needs training time and sometimes gets into more trouble (and more vet visits than you'd think). A senior is often calmer but needs more regular health checks. See adopting an older dog.
With children, a cat or another dog, check the dog already knows them or has been tested. Getting a dog that dislikes cats to accept one can take a very long time.
Our experience: Youki, a Border Collie rescued from squalid housing, fought over sleeping and eating in his first days. Three days later he'd understood he had his own bed and bowl, and everything calmed down. Neptune, who'd spent six years in kennels, couldn't cope with 15 minutes alone: it took a long time for him to learn that we always come back.
What should you check on health and paperwork?
In the UK, a dog must be microchipped before it changes hands, and the rescue will transfer the chip to your name: check your details are correct on the database. Ask for the vaccination record, neutering status and any ongoing treatment. If neutering hasn't been done yet, the rescue may ask you to arrange it, sometimes at its own cost. Plan a realistic yearly budget: a dog needs vet care, suitable food and equipment.
Do its energy and tolerance of being alone fit your life?
Don't choose on looks
An Australian Shepherd doesn't belong in a small flat with no activity. Sporty: a herding or hunting dog; homebody: a calm dog or a senior.
Twelve hours alone is too long
A dog isn't a houseplant. Many adopted dogs struggle with absences: it can be worked on, with a professional if needed.
Can you hold it?
A 40 kg dog that doesn't know the lead can pull its human over. Be realistic.
To work on time alone, see separation anxiety; for the lead, dogs that pull and a Comfort walking kit.
What conditions and follow-up after adoption?
Good rescues ask about your home, your work and your other animals, and often carry out a home check: that's a good sign. Some transfer ownership of the dog to you; others keep ownership under the adoption agreement and then often help with vet costs. Many check in once a year. Feel free to send photos: they love it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask before adopting a rescue dog?
Its history, age, temperament with children and animals, health, energy, tolerance of being alone, lead walking, adoption conditions and follow-up.
Does an older dog cost more than a young one?
Not necessarily: a senior needs more check-ups, but a young dog often gets into more trouble. Temperament matters as much as age.
Why does the rescue ask so many questions?
To make sure you and the dog are a good match. It's the sign of a reputable rescue.
Can an adopted dog be returned?
Adoption agreements often provide for a return to the rescue if it doesn't work out. Discuss it before signing, and ask for help at the first problem.
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