A unique joy and love fills your home when you rescue a pet in need. It’s something I’ve experienced firsthand time, time and again.
From my first volunteer days as a teen, the pull of animal rescue has been strong, and it’s a belief I have carried into my adult life – every single one of our beloved pets has been a rescue.
As a dedicated pet parent, I know you understand the desire to provide the absolute best for your furry friends. But giving them the best quality of life starts before you sign that adoption contract and start your lives together…
Before you open your heart and home, it’s essential to ask the right questions and make sure you and your new pet are the “right fit.”
This post is designed to help you ask all the right questions to make an informed decision, ensuring a smooth transition and a happy, healthy life for you, your family, and your new best friend.
Let’s get started…
Why Ask Questions Before Rescuing a Pet
If you’re on here reading this and researching information before adopting your new pet, you’re clearly a responsible pet parent.
These questions aren’t meant to judge your ability to provide a loving home.
But the truth is that not every home and every pet is the right fit….
If you live a laidback, low-energy lifestyle, adopting a high-energy dog who needs high levels of enrichment to prevent the development of unwanted behaviours wouldn’t be setting you OR the dog up for success.
At the same time, if you’re always travelling, adopting a pocket pet or reptile that can’t feasibly join you in your travels and therefore has to stay home for days at a time alone likely isn’t the right pairing.
The following questions will help you find the “best fit” for everyone involved.
So, before you commit to and finalize that adoption, take a moment to go through the following questions with the rescue organization or shelter you’re considering adopting from:
What’s the Pet’s History?
Understanding a rescue pet’s background can offer key insight into who they are and any issues they may be dealing with.
You’re not just bringing home a new friend or family member. This is a living being, a soul with a past.
Ask about their previous home environment (if known), the reason for their surrender, and any known trauma that could reveal potential behavioural or health issues.
This will help you prepare for their specific needs and provide the support they may need to thrive.
A pet with a rough past isn’t “broken” or “damaged,” but they do sometimes need a little extra compassion and understanding.
My little man Lucifer, for example, came to us as a 4-month-old puppy with physical and mental wounds from the trauma he experienced before being rescued.
He was scared, nervous, and unsure – but he’s still an amazing pup that I love dearly!
What’s the Pets Temperament Like?
Compatibility is the secret to a harmonious household. But this means you need to understand your potential new pet’s personality.
Ask about the pet’s interactions with the shelter/rescue workers, other animals, strangers entering the facility, and children (if applicable).
Consider their energy levels. This may depend on the type of pet and/or breed, but it can also vary on a pet-to-pet basis.
For example, Jinx and Pippen are both tortoiseshell cats – Jinx is a couch potato, while Pippen is now 16 years old and still a high-energy, mischievous kitten at heart.
Have they observed any signs of aggression or fear?
This information can help determine if that pet’s personality aligns with your family and lifestyle.
What Are the Pet’s Specific Needs?
Every pet is unique, which is what makes them special. However, understanding their specific needs is essential to providing the care they need.
Ask about any dietary restrictions, medical conditions, exercise requirements, and grooming needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a hiking companion and the dog you’re considering has mobility issues due to a medical condition and should only engage in limited activity, you should keep searching.
Don’t forget your budget. If you’ve fallen in love with a pet who needs a costly prescription diet or needs to see a groomer every 6 weeks, you want to ensure you can afford that.
This will ensure you’re equipped to meet the necessary care for their physical and emotional well-being.
Has the Pet Received a Veterinary Checkup?
While basic veterinary care is a given when adopting through a reputable shelter or rescue organization, it’s still better to verify everything related to their current health status.
Ask about vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and any bloodwork done.
This information will help you understand if any potential follow-up care is needed after you bring the pet home and ensures you’re prepared for any existing medical needs.
What is the Pet’s Age and Expected Lifespan?
Understanding a pet’s age and expected lifespan is essential to prepare for long-term care and potential age-related issues you may encounter.
This is especially important when you branch into some of the more exotic pet options. For example, some parrots can live 50-100 years or longer.
Ask if their age is estimated or known.
Inquire about common health issues for their species, breed, or age group that you should be familiar with.
For example, some dog breeds (like the German Shepherd) are prone to hip dysplasia and other mobility-related challenges. This may require specialized supplements, medication, physical therapy, and changes to your home and routine.
This knowledge will help you anticipate their needs and ensure you can provide appropriate care throughout every stage of their life.
Does the Pet Have Any Known Behavioural Issues?
While I have always understood the importance of this question to some level, adjusting our lives to work with Lucifer’s fear reactivity has been a solid reminder.
Dogs with behavioural issues can sometimes make it harder for them to be adopted. It doesn’t mean they can’t be great companions, but understanding their struggles and addressing potential behavioural challenges proactively is the secret to success.
It’s also important to note that not all behavioural issues are severe. That doesn’t mean they don’t require your attention.
Ask about separation anxiety, resource guarding, fear of loud noises, and any signs of reactivity.
Knowing these potential issues allows you to develop strategies to best manage and address them, creating a more harmonious life for everyone involved.
What Kind of Training Has the Pet Received?
Understanding your pet’s current training level and potential needs is important.
Ask about basic commands, house training, crate training, and socialization. This will help you assess their skill set and training needs.
Be honest with yourself. How much time are you willing to invest in your pet’s training?
If you know you don’t have the time or schedule to work through house training, you need to ensure that it has already been taken care of.
It’s also important to note that this doesn’t just apply to dogs!
For example, you should ask about litter box habits/training for a cat or whether a bird, pocket pet, or reptile has been socialized and trained to be handled.
How Does the Pet Interact with Other Pets (If Applicable)?
This may not be necessary if your new pet will be the sole pet in your home. However, consider this if you already have pets (or spend a lot of time around someone with pets).
Ask about the pet’s interactions with other animals.
Have they met other animals? If so, how do they respond? What is their behaviour like when other animals are around?
If you are currently a multi-pet household with different species or are considering becoming one, ask about factors like prey drive.
Ask for a meeting between the new potential pet and your current pet(s) in a controlled environment to observe their behaviour and ensure everyone is compatible.
This may require more than one meeting before you’re confident finalizing the adoption.
When we considered adopting Willow, she came to the house for several short walks and play sessions with Lucifer. This was essential for him to be comfortable with her coming into his home.
We also had meetups where she came into the house, and we saw how she responded to the cats (as well as how they responded to her).
How Does the Pet Interact with People (Including Children)?
Understanding how a potential pet behaves around people is essential. After all, you will have to consider your pet’s possible interactions with family, friends, and even strangers you may encounter day to day.
Ask about their behaviour around adults and children of all ages.
Are they friendly and outgoing? Shy and reserved? Have they shown any signs of aggression or fear?
If they have shown signs of concern, ask if they were directed toward a specific group of people, like a particular age group, sex, or even a specific trait (like people who wear hats or men with beards).
This helps to ensure you can create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone in your household and prepare you for whenever you may have company over or venture out in public.
What Are the Rescue or Shelter’s Policies and Support Systems?
A reputable shelter or rescue organization will offer ongoing support and help you address any concerns, especially in the early days of your adoption.
Ask about trial periods, post-adoption resources, and contact information for follow-up questions.
Many shelters and rescue organizations will also have a list of professionals they recommend, like trainers, behaviourists, or veterinarians (especially if this is your first pet).
This knowledge will give you peace of mind while ensuring you can access that support if needed.
Bonus Question for YOU: Am I Truly Ready for a Rescue Pet?
This final question is not one for the shelter or rescue organization, but it’s arguably the most important and it requires honest self-reflection.
Adopting a rescue pet is a BIG commitment and ensuring your truly ready to take this step is crucial for a successful adoption.
Ask yourself: Do have the time, resources, and patience to provide a loving and stable home?
All pets may come with unique needs and “quirks” (or challenges), and being prepared to meet those needs is essential.
Consider your lifestyle, your current commitments, and your ability to adopt both your home and lifestyle to potential behavioural or medical issues.
Don’t stop at just considering the pet’s current needs. Think about the future and what needs may arise moving forward. This is a commitment for the life of that pet…
Taking the time to honestly assess your readiness will set both you and your future pet up for a loving and lasting relationship.
Not sure that you’re ready right now? That’s okay, too! Take your time and maybe consider fostering a pet to experience having a pet in your home without fully committing.
Adoption Can Be Magical When It’s “Right”
Asking thorough questions before adopting a rescue pet is not just working your way through a checklist. It’s an act of love and responsibility.
Each of the questions I listed above serves a purpose, helping you better understand the pet’s history, needs, and personality.
By gathering this information, you’re equipping yourself to provide the best possible life for your new best friend.
After all, the goal is to create a happy, loving environment where you, your family, and your pet can thrive together.
