Adopting a dog is a great way to add a new member to your family, but it’s also a lifetime commitment. Before you take the plunge and pay that adoption fee, go over the checklist below to make sure you’re ready.
Dog Adoption Checklist
- Know what to expect.The first few days with your new dog may be challenging. Your dog may feel scared and confused until he gets comfortable in his new environment. Don’t expect everything to be perfect immediately. It will take some time for your new pet to fall into a routine and build a relationship with each member of your family. Be patient with your pet and help him ease into his new life.
- Prepare your home.Before you bring your new dog home, you need to make sure your home is ready for his arrival. Dog proof the area where he will spend the majority of his time by removing anything that could be hazardous to his health. You should also remove any fragile items from this area that your dog might decide to chew. Use baby gates to block your pet out of areas he shouldn’t be and make sure that all of your family members know how to operate the gates.
- Purchase supplies.Make sure you have everything you need for your dog before you bring him home. Some of the items you may need include a collar, a leash, food and water dishes, a crate, toys and treats. You will also need to purchase dog food. To ease your dog’s transition into his new environment, ask the adoption center what type of food the dog is currently eating so that you can keep his feeding routine the same for the first few days or weeks.
- Be prepared to train.Your dog’s training should begin as soon as he comes into the house. Decide what methods you will use to train the dog before the adoption, and make sure that all of your family members are familiar with your training plan. To improve the effectiveness of your training program, develop a schedule for your dog and stick to it from the beginning. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your dog to understand what is expected of him, so be patient.
- Find a veterinarian.Find a qualified veterinarian before you bring your new family member home. Even if he had a checkup and shots before you adopted him, it is still a good idea to have a veterinarian in mind in case your dog shows any signs of illness.
Adopting a pet can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it is important to be prepared. By following this list, you can be sure that you are ready to bring your new friend home.
Thinking about adopting an older animal? Consider these reasons to adopt an older pet.
October is ASPCA’s National Adopt A Shelter Dog and American Humane Association’s Adopt a Dog month and we support the work of these two organizations that have joined forces on a national campaign to bring awareness to the many pets in shelters or left homeless or abandoned all over the country. We partner with many local pet adoption agencies and shelters to find homes for Sonoma County’s dogs and cats.
Please contact Paradise Pet Resorts with any questions you may have about adopting, caring for and training your pet.
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