Abstract Some dogs used for laboratory investigations may be adopted by a family when euthanasia is not required by the experimental protocols. Whether these dogs are able to adapt in a human family environment as pets has not been investigated. Our laboratory initiated an adoption program involving 191 beagle bitches over an 8-year period (2002-2010). We evaluated the behavior of the adopted animals just after they entered their human family environment to assess their well-being and any difficulties in adapting to their new environment. A total of 107 families were contacted by telephone and required to answer a questionnaire including information about the family and its environment and variables related to adopted dog behavior: obedience, quality of sleep, behavioral disorders, et cetera. Among other results, our analysis showed two consistent successive phases following adoption. First, dogs went through an initial acute phase that included anorexia, resistance to urinate or defecate outside, and reluctance to walk on a leash and climb stairs. This phase may last for days or weeks. In a second phase, dogs became clean inside, were eager to be walked and became friendly with family members and other animals. Most dogs were easily frightened by rapid movements or loud noises. Looking back to the behavior of dogs in the laboratory yielded a pretty good indication of their adaptability. Those who were shy or extrovert remain that way within the adopting family. Though the adoption program was largely successful (only 6% returned), adopting laboratory beagles required a lot of patience, but the families reported a very high degree of satisfaction.