How to Talk About Adopting a Pet in Brazilian Portuguese
Learn thoughtful Portuguese questions about an animal's history, temperament, care routine, and the next steps for adoption.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Use Como ele se comporta? or Como ela se comporta? to ask how a male or female animal behaves. Personalidade means personality, and rotina means routine. These questions help you learn about the specific animal rather than making assumptions based on its breed or appearance.
Ask about the animal's personality and routine
Ask what the animal is comfortable with, such as children, other pets, or time alone. The answer may help you picture how the pet could fit into your household, but take time to understand its individual needs.
Como ela se comporta perto de outros cães?
How does she behave around other dogs?
Qual é a rotina dele?
What is his routine?
Ele está acostumado a ficar sozinho por algumas horas?
Is he used to being alone for a few hours?
Learn about the animal's history and care
Ask O que vocês sabem sobre a história dele? (What do you know about his history?). If a detail is unknown, ask whether the shelter has noticed any particular comfort needs or behavior while caring for him.
For health questions, ask which records are available and take them to a veterinarian for interpretation. The shelter can explain what it has observed; a veterinary professional can advise you about ongoing care.
Vocês têm informações sobre o histórico de saúde dela?
Do you have information about her health history?
Que cuidados especiais ele precisa?
What special care does he need?
Confirm the adoption steps
Use Quais são as próximas etapas? to ask what happens next. Processo de adoção means adoption process, and formulário is a form. Each organization can set its own steps, so ask that team to explain its current process and what it expects from a new home.
Repeat important information back in your own words. That gives you a natural way to check that you understood the timeline and any documents the organization requests.
Como funciona o processo de adoção?
How does the adoption process work?
Posso visitar o abrigo antes de decidir?
Can I visit the shelter before deciding?
Put it into practice
Ask about this animal's behavior, routine, and care, then confirm the shelter's current adoption steps before making a decision.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Can I visit the shelter before deciding”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.