Ten Questions to Ask a Shelter Before You Adopt

Adoption is a conversation, not a transaction

A good shelter wants the match to work as much as you do, and welcomes questions. Going in prepared helps you choose the right animal for your home rather than the one that tugs hardest at your heart in the moment.

Health and history

Ask what medical care the animal has had — vaccinations, deworming, sterilisation, microchip — and whether there are any known or suspected conditions. Ask how the animal came to the shelter and how long they've been there. Longer-stay animals are often wonderful; they've just been overlooked.

Temperament and daily reality

Ask how they behave with other dogs, cats, and children, and how they handle being alone. Ask about energy level and what a typical day would need to look like. Honest shelters will tell you if an animal needs an experienced or child-free home.

Support after you leave

Ask about the return policy, any post-adoption support, and whether a trial period is possible. The best adoptions come with a safety net — a shelter you can phone when the first tricky week hits. A rescue that stays reachable is a very good sign.