Before Adopting – Northern Bound Rescue

What food are they currently eating?
When are the next vaccines due?
When does the puppy have to be spayed or neutered?
How many times per day does the dog eat?
How much should I feed the dog?
Does the puppy have any allergies?
When are they due for flea and tick prevention?
Which toys do they prefer?
How do they respond to social situations (with other dogs, with kids, in the car)?

Select the size and breed you are comfortable with owning.
Visit the puppy with your children and other dogs you may have.
Learn about the history of the dog you are selecting, for example: Where was the dog before being sent to the rescue?
Ask about bite history
Can you financially afford a dog (Vet visits, bedding, toys, food, grooming, etc.)?
Can the rescue provide references?
Are you willing to train the dog? What is cute as a puppy may not be as an adult, such as jumping and biting.
Know that dogs are a lot of work and require time and patience.
Figure out how active your family is, as puppies have a lot of energy.