Why is is the dog being rehomed?
Understanding why a dog is being rehomed, can give insight into whether he might be a good fit for your home. Is the dog being rehomed because of an unforeseen life event, or due to simply lack of time or inability to meet the dog’s needs? 70% of dogs in shelters arrive there for these reasons.
Or, is there a general mis-match between the dog’s lifestyle needs and what the rehoming family can provide? Challenges and behaviors that might exist in one home and family, may diminish and actually disappear in a different home environment that’s better suited to the dog’s needs. (For example, a shy, anxious, small dog might struggle and show negative behaviors in an active home with small children, but then thrive and flourish in a quiet, experienced home of adults.)
Or, there may be challenges that need to be addressed with training, that the rehoming family home is unable or unwilling to provide. Would you?
Do you expect “post-rehoming” communication?
Will the rehoming family be open to helping you work through situations or challenges that may arise?
What if the adoption doesn’t work out?
Will the existing home take the dog back? What arrangements would be made. When things get serious, be sure to ask this question, and have a general agreement around this “what if” possibility.
Ask a lot of questions and take time together (we recommend at least 2 meet and greets) to understand all that you can about the dog, before bringing him into your home.