Choosing a dog

What should I ask a shelter before adopting?

Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this

Short answer

Ask what is known about the dog's history and why it came into the shelter, how it behaves around other dogs, children, and being left alone, and whether it has any known health issues. Ask what a trial period or return policy looks like if things do not work out, and ask what support the shelter offers afterward, such as a behavior helpline or follow-up advice, since this varies a lot between organizations.

Questions about the dog's background and behavior

Ask specifically what staff have observed, such as how the dog reacts to loud noises, whether it has shown any resource guarding around food or toys, and how it behaves during handling like nail trims or vet checks. Shelters cannot always know a dog's full history, but staff who have cared for it daily usually notice patterns worth knowing before you commit.

Questions about health and ongoing needs

Ask whether the dog has any diagnosed conditions, is on any ongoing medication, and what its vaccination and neutering status is at the point of adoption. Ask too whether the shelter recommends a vet visit within a certain window after adoption, since a fresh health check soon after arrival is a sensible habit regardless of what you are told.

Questions about support after adoption

Ask what happens if the dog does not settle well in your home, whether that means a trial period, a chance to return the dog without penalty, or ongoing advice from staff. Shelters that offer post adoption support, even something as simple as a phone number for behavior questions, make the transition considerably less stressful.

Questions about daily routine and preferences

Ask what food the dog currently eats, what its exercise routine looks like, and whether it has any particular likes or dislikes staff have noticed, such as favorite toys or activities it avoids. This kind of everyday detail helps the transition feel familiar rather than completely unfamiliar for the dog.

Key takeaways

Ask what staff have specifically observed about the dog's behavior day to day.
Confirm known health issues, medications, and vaccination or neutering status clearly.
Ask about any trial period or return policy before committing.
Post adoption support varies widely between shelters and is worth asking about directly.