Adopting a Rescue Dog: The Essential Questions to Ask

Adopting a rescue dog is a life-changing decision, for both you and the dog. These dogs often arrive with histories, habits, or fears, and they need adopters who are realistic, patient, and committed. Rescue adoption is not about finding the “perfect” pet, but about helping a dog succeed in a new life.

This guide is broken into three stages to help you prepare:

Questions to ask yourself before you apply
Questions to ask the rescue when first meeting the dog
Questions to ask before bringing your new dog home

1. Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Apply

Before contacting a rescue, it’s essential to be honest about your lifestyle and resources. Remember: rescue dogs are not newborn puppies. They may come with fears, quirks, or unwanted behaviours that you will need to work through.

Questions to ask yourself:

Do I have a secure fence or safe outdoor space? – Prevents escapes, especially for dogs with little recall or high prey drive.
Do I have the time to commit to daily exercise, training, and bonding? – Rescue dogs thrive on routine and consistent attention.
Do I possess the necessary skills (or the willingness to learn) for this breed/type of dog? – High-energy breeds like collies or huskies require more than casual walks.
Am I prepared to take the dog to training classes or work with a professional trainer if needed? – Training builds confidence and strengthens your relationship.
Can I afford the ongoing expenses of owning a dog (food, veterinary bills, insurance, grooming, and classes)? – Financial readiness prevents stress down the line.
Am I prepared for the adjustment period (chewing, barking, toilet training setbacks)? – Many rescue dogs need time to learn new routines, and you can’t “give up” if things get tough.
Where will the dog sleep? – Some rescues want to know you’ve considered this carefully.
Do I travel often or work long hours? – You may need dog sitters, daycare, or boarding.
Is everyone in my household on board with this decision? – Prevents mismatched expectations and protects the dog from being rejected later.
Could significant life changes — such as having a baby, going through a divorce, entering a new relationship, moving to a new house, or relocating abroad — impact my ability to care for this dog? If so, how would I handle those changes while still prioritising the dog’s well-being? – This encourages long-term thinking about commitment to a forever home.

2. Questions to Ask the Rescue When First Meeting the Dog

Meeting the dog for the first time is about gathering clear, practical information. Rescues often keep detailed notes, but asking directly helps you understand the dog’s daily habits and challenges.

Keep in mind: some answers may not be “perfect.” You may hear that the dog guards food, fears traffic, or pulls on the lead. This isn’t a reason to walk away if you’re serious about adopting a rescue — it’s information that helps you prepare and commit to helping the dog overcome these challenges.

Questions to ask the rescue:

What is the dog’s background (stray, surrendered, previous home)? – History can explain current behaviours or fears.
Has the dog been around children, other dogs, or cats? – Social history helps you anticipate compatibility with your household.
How does the dog cope with being left alone? – Prevents surprises if you work or spend time out of the house.
Is the dog crate-trained or house-trained? – Sets realistic expectations for your home setup.
Does the dog show guarding behaviour (toys, food, spaces)? – Important for safety, especially with children.
How does the dog behave on walks (pulling, reactivity to cars, dogs, strangers)? – You’ll know if lead training will be needed.
What is the dog’s play style and energy level? – Helps match the dog’s needs to your activity level.
Has the dog shown signs of separation anxiety (barking, destruction, toileting when left)? – Crucial to know if you need to work on independence training.
How does the dog handle grooming, handling, and vet visits? – Especially important for breeds that require regular grooming or vet care.
What training has already been started (sit, recall, lead work)? – Good to know what foundation is in place.

3. Questions to Ask Before Bringing the Dog Home

Once adoption is confirmed, you’ll want to gather all the health and care details so you can provide continuity and proper care from day one. This is also the time to be clear-eyed: you are not taking home a “finished” dog. You are taking responsibility for a dog with a behavioural package that you must be ready to work with.

Questions to ask before adoption is finalised:

Are vaccinations up to date? – Protects your dog and others from preventable diseases.
Is the dog microchipped? Can I have the number? – Ensures you can update details immediately.
Is the dog neutered/spayed? If not, what is the rescue’s policy? – Avoids surprises and future disputes.
When was the last flea/tick and worming treatment? – Keeps your new pet healthy and avoids infestations at home.
Does the dog have ongoing medication or health conditions? – So you can plan vet care and budget accordingly.
What food is the dog currently eating? – Prevents stomach upsets when transitioning to your preferred diet.
What support does the rescue offer post-adoption? – Some rescues provide follow-up advice or check-ins.
What’s the return policy if the match doesn’t work out as expected? – Provides clarity and reassurance, but should never be used as an “easy exit.”
What items does the dog come with? (collar, lead, blanket, toys, medical records). – Ensures a smoother transition into your home.

A Firm but Honest Reminder

Every rescue dog comes with a behavioural package. This may include bad habits, fears, or challenging behaviours — from chewing and reactivity to guarding or anxiety. These behaviours are not “faults” of the dog, but the result of past experiences.

By applying to adopt, you take responsibility for:

Setting the dog up for success with safe management (secure fences, supervised introductions, careful routines).
Protecting both the dog and your household (especially children) by preventing incidents before they happen.
Committing to training and behaviour support — patiently working through the dog’s issues, not giving up when challenges arise.

Adoption is not about chasing a dream of the “perfect” pet. It’s about accepting reality: that rescue dogs need guidance, patience, and commitment. You cannot fail the dog. If you are not ready to face challenges, then rescue adoption may not be the right choice for you.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a rescue dog is a partnership built on preparation, patience, and compassion. By asking the right questions at each stage, you set both yourself and your future companion up for success. The more information you gather, the smoother the transition will be — and the sooner you can focus on building a happy, trusting bond.