I have put in an application to adopt a puppy from a local shelter. She is being fostered so living in a home environment. She is a german wirehaired pointer mix. I will get to meet her next weekend. I would like to be able to ask questions that will help me make a informed desision about whether or not to bringing this puppy home. She is 7 months old and already spayed.
Does anyone have a list of questions one should ask? Here are some things I have thought about:
Is she house trained? socialized ? (animal, children) What is her temperament and has she been temperament tested? What is her medical history? Is she up to date on shots? Can I get all the vet records and talk to the vet?
Any good questions or web pages that you could think of that would help me would be welcome.
Thanks in advance
Anonymous2007-06-09T07:46:45Z
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Your questions are all good. I would also ask about their return policy. What happens if the dog doesn't work out?
Personally I have a 30 day, 100% money back guarantee. Not a rescue standard, but I would rather have my dogs back than dumped.
A good rescue will also have a contract. Read it carefully and know what you're signing. Some even have home visits and do backround checks. DON'T be offended! They just want what's right for the dog.
This sounds good. They aren't adopting fertile animals out and she is in foster care.
Bless your heart for considering a rescued dog and saving a life!
Those are all very good questions. It seems like you are thinking the right way. One important thing is to see the vet records before you bring her home. Lots of animal up for adoption have had only the minimal vet care due to the expenses of running a non-profit. Most have only had rabies, and distemper. You want to check for multiple wormings because 75% of adopted dogs do have worms.
Ask about frontline and when it was last applied if ever, you don't need fleas. Ask for any signs of coughing to determine if he/she has kennel cough.
Behavior issues you should ask about is how is she on a leash? How does she react to other animals, children, even the doorbell? Does she chew anything but her toys? Do they crate her or does she have free roam? How is she when left alone..barking distructive habits.
Either way make sure you take her to the vet within a week and have her checked for just about everything. I adopted a dog that had lymes disease and worms for over a year. She was so run down from this she was seizing. You never know what you may find especially since rescues don't look very hard.
Hi , I just adopted a dog 1 week ago , the most important thing would probably be to make sure you have a trial phase, mine is 2 weeks. That way you can really see how a dog is going to do at your home. This was our first adoption, the first 2 days were a little stressfull but now she seems perfectly adjusted. Our new dog (Amber) was not in a foster home, but I think it would have helped. If she is already spayed then she has recently been to the vet. Good luck and I hope all goes well! I found a list of questions here is the link.
I think you've mentioned most of them and they are good questions. It's good that she is being fostered and her foster family should be able to answer any questions you might have. You will want to spend some time with her and see how she reacts to you. If you aren't sure about her, don't adopt her. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment and puppies are all adorable but you will know if she's the right dog for you. Good luck with her. How wonderful that you are considering adoptions. Please let us know how it goes.
If you wish to shop for a dog from the pound you're going to must examine more commonly. Puppies generally tend to get bought as quickly as they're to be had. Obviously you will not get to opt for what type of dog you wish, you get what you get. Kind of a crapshoot, considering that there's high-quality threat it may not be a puppy that matches in along with your culture. If you have got your center set on a dog I advocate you select a breed and purchase one from a professional breeder, so that you get to opt for the type of puppy you have got, now not some thing will get tossed on the pound on any given day.