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Quick Take

• Asking yourself these important questions is necessary to determine your compatibility with your future pet.

• Pets will have an impact on your lifestyle, finances, and home environment.

• Certain rescue pets, particularly older animals, may have pre-existing medical issues that could become costly.

• Though most adult pets will already be housebroken, accidents are common due to stress and transition.

Rescuing a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, but it’s also one that deserves plenty of thought. While it’s easy to fall for a wagging tail or sweet little face, adoption is a long-term commitment that affects a host of factors, including your lifestyle, social life, finances, schedule, and home environment. Asking the right questions before you adopt can help ensure you and your future pet are truly compatible from day one.

This guide walks you through 15 essential questions every potential adopter should ask a shelter, rescue organization, or themselves. These questions cover a range of topics, from health and behavior to training and socialization. They will help you avoid surprises and set your new companion up for a smooth transition. A little preparation now can make a huge difference in creating a healthy and happy home for your new rescue pet.

1. How Does the Rescue Pet Behave with Others?

This question helps ensure the rescue pet’s temperament aligns well with your family’s lifestyle. If you have young kids, seniors, or other pets in the home, this question is especially important.

2. How Does the Rescue Pet Handle Solo Time?

Of course you want to spend as much time as possible with your animal companions, but it’s not realistic. You have work, errands, and life to handle away from home. Ask how the rescue pet deals with being alone. You don’t want to return home to find your anxious new buddy has torn it to shreds.

3. Does the Rescue Pet Have Any Pre-Existing Conditions?

An older rescue pet may have pre-existing medical issues that could become costly. Even with pet insurance, pre-existing conditions are not covered. Ensure you have the financial stability to help a sick rescue pet should you bring one home with you.

4. Are You Responsible for the Spay or Neuter Surgery?

Many shelters take care of spay and neuter surgeries before they’re handed over to you. However, in some instances, you may have to consider that next step. You can select from low-cost clinics or head to your local vet.

5. Is Microchipping Included as Part of the Adoption?

If you’re rescuing an animal from a shelter, they may provide microchipping services for free or at an affordable cost. Otherwise, you can visit your local vet or look for community resources that offer free microchipping events.

6. Is the Pet on Flea and Tick Medication?

This is yet another ongoing cost for pet owners, especially if your pet will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Ensure they are treated for any worms or parasites as well.

7. What Are the Pet’s Favorite Foods?

Rescue pets are grateful to be brought into a forever home, but they may need to take some time to adjust to the new environment. Having familiar foods can be a comfort to them as they transition. If you need to change their diet, be sure to do so gradually.

8. Is the Pet Currently Taking Medications or Supplements?

You’ll learn more about this when you learn about a pet’s medical history, but asking this specific question can help you prepare for the kind of care they’ll need. If they need to be medicated at a certain hour, you must ensure your schedule allows for that.

9. Is the Rescue Pet House Broken?

Adult pets are likely well trained to use the restroom in appropriate areas, though accidents are common during transitions. Younger or nervous animals may be even more likely to have accidents. Be sure to inquire what that experience has been like so you can prepare your home appropriately.

10. Do You Suspect Abuse or Neglect?

If so, these animals take time to rehabilitate. Be sure that if you’re bringing an abused or neglected pet into your home, you have the time and energy to gently bring them out of their shell.

11. What Type of Space Does the Rescue Pet Need?

If you’re living in a studio apartment, you don’t want to rescue a high-energy dog that needs a fenced-in yard. The most important part of selecting the right rescue pet is being honest about how well you’re able to provide them with what they need. This ensures a successful adoption.

12. Are All Vaccines Current?

This is yet another one of those ongoing costs you must account for. Be sure to note the dates so you can keep them current moving forward.

13. Is the Rescue Pet Socialized?

Socialization is extremely important for all animals. It’s what makes the difference between a skittish or even aggressive animal and a happy, calm animal that adapts well to new situations and the presence of others.

14. Has the Rescue Pet Ever Been Fostered?

If the pet has been in a foster home, you get an inside look into how they behave in a home environment. You can’t always receive a true assessment of a pet’s behavior if they’ve been in a crowded shelter, for instance, but a foster home can provide you with significantly more behavioral insights.

15. Are You Ready for This Responsibility?

Rescuing a pet can be an emotionally-driven experience but ultimately, you need to think ahead. Pets impact your life, changing how you think about travel, schedules, and finances. Rescue pets deserve forever homes. So long as you’re ready, you’ll have a best friend for life!

The post 15 Questions You Should Ask Before Bringing Home a Rescue Pet appeared first on A-Z Animals.