Ask for the story behind the label.

Ask what is known and how

How long has the dog been with the organization? Is there a previous-home or foster history? What situations have staff or carers seen directly? Dogs Trust recommends questions about previous rehoming, fears, favorite games and other history. Ask permission to take your own notes and do not treat incomplete history as dishonesty.

Dogs Trust: Questions to ask when adopting

Ask about health records

What conditions or procedures are recorded? Is medication currently prescribed? Are there dietary requirements, follow-up appointments or known ongoing costs? Ask to review available veterinary information and discuss it with your own veterinarian. This site cannot interpret medical records or replace a pre-adoption veterinary discussion.

Dogs Trust: Questions to ask when adopting

Ask about context

How does the dog respond on walks, around animals, around children and when left alone? Follow up with "where did you see that?" and "what was the setup?" A response observed in one environment is evidence about that environment. Ask what transition support and management the organization recommends for your actual home.

Dogs Trust: Questions to ask when adopting

Ask about the process without assuming terms

What meetings, checks, fees, support and return arrangements apply? Get the organization's own current written terms. This is a prompt to ask, not a statement that a particular arrangement exists. Do not pay, sign or commit through this worksheet. Unresolved practical details belong on the question list before a decision.