Bringing home a rescue animal is a life-changing decision. One way to prepare for this journey is to know the right questions to ask before adopting a pet. It will help you avoid surprises and set both you and your future companion up for success.
Here are the ten most important questions to ask.
1. What is the pet’s history?
Ask where the pet came from and what’s known about their background. Some may have lived with families, while others were strays. Knowing their story gives you clues about possible fears, habits, and how much support they may need.
2. What is the pet’s health status?
Health details matter from day one. Request vaccination records, check for chronic conditions, and ask if the pet has seen a vet recently. These answers help you plan financially and emotionally for any ongoing treatments or special care requirements.
3. Has the pet been spayed or neutered?
Confirm whether this is already included in the adoption fee. If not, ask what arrangements can be made. Adoption requirements often include sterilization for good reason. Spaying or neutering improves long-term health and reduces overcrowding in shelters nationwide.
4. What is the pet’s temperament?
Every animal has a unique personality. Ask how the pet behaves around kids, strangers, or other animals. Pet temperament determines if they’re a match for your household, making this one of the most vital questions to ask an animal shelter.
5. What training has the pet received?
Some pets arrive knowing basic cues like “sit” or “stay.” Others may never have been trained. Clarifying this helps you prepare for the next steps, especially when thinking about questions to ask when adopting a dog with lots of energy.
6. How does the pet handle being alone?
Ask if the pet has been left alone and for how long. Separation anxiety can lead to barking, accidents, or destructive habits. If you know this in advance, you can make arrangements or plan training to ease the transition.
7. What are the adoption fees and what do they cover?
Adoption fees can range from modest to a few hundred dollars. Always ask what’s included. Vaccines, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery may already be covered. Knowing upfront prevents surprises and helps you budget responsibly for your new family member.
For a deeper breakdown, see our guide on The True Cost of Pet Adoption (and How to Budget for It).
8. What are the pet’s daily needs?
Find out about their diet, energy level, and exercise requirements. A playful dog may need multiple walks, while a cat could thrive with enrichment activities indoors. This question is especially useful when considering the amount of time you can spend on daily exercise.
9. Are there any behavioral red flags?
Honest answers here are crucial. Ask if the pet has displayed aggression, destructive chewing, or fear-based reactions. Knowing potential challenges doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a pet, but it lets you prepare with training strategies or professional help.
10. What support does the shelter offer after adoption?
Many shelters provide post-adoption resources, from counseling calls to training referrals. Knowing support is available can ease first-time jitters.
Final Thoughts
Knowing these questions to ask before adopting a pet ensures you’re informed, confident, and ready for the commitment ahead.
The more you know about health, behavior, and care, the smoother the transition will be. With preparation and patience, you’ll give a rescue animal the forever home they deserve.
