@Kristen Claire hi Kristin I did adoptions for decades -from vetting the applications, vetting the animals, vetting the prospective home, doing home visits and I do think a lot of those questions are addressed with the adoption counselors. Because every situation is going to be different and because not every adoption counselor/volunteer may advise on these things or make themselves available having a guide would be useful. I was always available for questions. I also created a questionnaire for the fosters so they could advise on things. Did they notice that the dog particularly liked something? what food he had been eating and how often, where he slept, whether they noticed that he was afraid of brooms, thunder, any peculiarities, any personality bonuses, was leash trained, follow basic commands & what they were. I also advised on changing the name slowly if they were used to it or if they had been called it for long period of time. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the surrender, there may be things that the previous owner or caretaker knew that they would share. Thanks for adopting not shopping.!