Have a question about pet adoption that you'd like us to answer on the blog? Email us.

Q: I've never adopted a dog before, but am thinking about adopting from a shelter soon. What kinds of questions should I ask about the dog before adopting one? -- Tracy S.

A: Hi Tracy! We're thrilled to hear that you are considering adopting. Here are the questions we suggest anyone ask their local shelter or rescue group, whether it's their first or fifteenth adoption:

What type of medical care/vetting has the pet received?
At a minimum, dogs should have received age-appropriate vaccinations, a heartworm test, fecal test and/or deworming and spay or neuter surgery. Some organizations also microchip their pets and provide other basic medical care such as dental exams and flea and tick preventative.

Does the dog I'm interested in have any medical needs?
There are some wonderful adoptable dogs who have special medical needs. These pets make excellent companions and we commend shelters and rescue groups that adopt out medically complex pets. However, the organization should always fully disclose any medical issues a pet may have, and it is at the discretion of the adopter whether to take on this responsibility.

Once a month we select a reader question and answer it here. Have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us.

Q: I have been trying to adopt a dog from a specific rescue for a month now. They are yet to even call my vet for a reference or do the home inspection, which they say is required to adopt. When I call, the "person in charge" says it's all up to the foster parent to follow through. Is that "normal" for rescue groups? It's very disappointing. I hoped to pick up the dog the same week. --Barbara F.

A: Petfinder is a community and, like all communities, each individual or organization is a little bit different. Ideally, when you visit an animal shelter someone will greet you when you walk through the door, escort you in to meet the pets and answer your questions. Sometimes though, the person at the desk is on a tough phone call, everyone in the reception office is tied up with two boxes of kittens that just arrived, and the volunteer in the dog kennels just started and has as many questions as you do.

With rescue groups, you can find the same variety. One group operates so efficiently it makes your head spin. They have concise, clear forms, a person who answers or returns your call in short order, and a group of experienced foster homes who work so well together that each step is quick and clear. In short order you know if that dog you fell in love with online is a good match for you. Another group may be made up of a network of loving, but busy, foster families who volunteered to foster a dog because they heard the need was great. Their lives are hectic with jobs and kids. They may even be shy about talking with strangers, even though they know that's the only way to find that forever home for their rescued dog!

There are a wide range of people in rescue who have skills that range from "perfectionist" to "procrastinator." We know the majority of our members want to get back in touch with you as soon as possible!

After the jump: Tips for making sure you hear back and how we're working to improve customer service for adopters.

Here's our next post in our new Q&A series about pet adoption! Once a month we select a reader question and answer it here. Have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us.

Q: I love the site and all the information available but my first experience trying to adopt a dog gave me the creeps. The group had no phone number and wouldn't even answer my basic questions without a full application containing very personal information. I met them halfway and filled out all the information that wasn't personal but was essentially denied for a non-issue because I didn't send them all my info. -- Sid L.

A: Each year, millions of animals lose their lives to homelessness. Animal shelters and rescue groups are their lifeline to safety. But, with over 13,600 adoption organizations on Petfinder, adoption procedures can vary widely. You may need to reach out to a few organizations to find one that is a match for you.

Learn more about the different types of groups that post on Petfinder after the jump and decide which type is easiest for you to work with.

We're kicking off a new series of Q&As about pet adoption! Once a month we'll select a reader question and answer it here. Have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us.

Q: I'm looking to adopt my next dog in order to save a life and help. It's very sad to see the outrageous adoption fees so many shelters are asking for these unwanted animals. I understand many shelters are giving them their shots, etc., but many vets will work with new owners on lower-cost care for pets -- so why don't the shelters? -- Stephanie D.

A: Hi Stephanie. Thank you so much for looking into adoption for your next dog! While searching Petfinder, you will find pets from more than 13,600 shelters and rescue groups -- each with its own adoption procedure and fees. Depending on the type of organization and type of pet, adoption fees can range from no fee up to several hundred dollars.

After the jump, some information on what helps determine an adoption fee amount, what that fee covers and how you can get a reduced adoption fee on a great pet.