Adoption Interview Questions

Sample Phone Conversation Topics

• Tell me about your family?

• If they have kids, try to get a feel for how dog-savvy the kids are!

• What are their daily activities, schedule, and hobbies?

• Tell me about your home?

• Why do you want to rescue a pug?

• What do you know about dogs that come through a rescue?

• What are you looking for in a pug?

• If they’re interested in a specific dog, ask why that dog specifically!

• Would you adopt a pug mix?

• What about other breeds? Frenchies. Bostons. Chihuahuas.

• Ask about ages ranges they’re interested in. It’s on the application but good to discuss as everyone wants the healthy 3-5 year olds.

• Are there any behavior issues that a dog could have that would prevent you from adopting a pug?

• If your adoptive dog has accidents or behavioral issues, how would you handle that?

• Many people believe rescuing a dog is the right thing to do but don’t understand that dogs that come through rescue often come with baggage. How are you prepared to handle the less-glamorous side of a rescue pug?

• Do you have any concerns about adopting a dog that might potty-accidents? Do you understand that even the post potty trained of dogs will have accidents in a new home?

• What’s the plan for potty training?

• Depending on where they live and what they’re seeking to adopt (aka is the dog they’re apply for actually available), I often ask if they’d consider fostering-to-adopt and explain the foster process!

• In the event you cannot keep your adopted pug due to illness or death, Church of Pug requires the pug come back into rescue. Do you have any issues with this?