How to Interview a Dog Owner Before Adopting Its Dog

So you've decided to adopt a dog directly from its owner. Before you schedule a meeting with the dog, find out more about the potential addition to your family.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Request for current pictures of the dog.

2. Inquire whether or not the dog already has stuff like collar, crate, bowls, leads, etc. If yes, ask the owner to include the dog's food, toys, supplies, etc. to make the transition for the dog less stressful and traumatic.

3. Get copies of the dog's medical records. Forward the records to your veterinarian. Make sure that the dog is up to date on shots, dewormed, spayed, heartworm-tested - basically undergone overall health testing.

4. Find out if the dog is microchipped. If yes, can the information be changed to reflect your information?

5. Determine whether or not the dog is house trained. Does the dog use piddle pads or prefer to go outside? If yes, what commands does the dog follow?

6. Check about the dog's grooming experience. Is the dog used to getting groomed, both by the owner and by a professional groomer?

7. Ask about the dog's likes and dislikes.

8. Schedule a meeting with the dog, especially if you have little children or other dogs.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people choose to go to shelters for their forever friend. Others choose to save dogs from even reaching shelters. This article is for those people.

Resources

• Petfinder's Pet Adoption page

[georgelarson]

on 1/2/2009 Good information. Thanks.

[jamaclassics]

on 1/1/2009 Too bad you lost out on your proposed addition. Aww! I am a dog broker I guess. I found a home for a friend's dog. She was going to put hers to sleep because she couldn't find a place for him. (I didn't take any commission, tho.)

[Quickstar]

on 1/1/2009 You have given a fantastic guide to bringing a dog into the family. Very well written.. 5*