Planning to bring a new dog or cat into your home this year? Adopting a pet is so much fun, but it also requires some preparation! Read our tips for preparing your house and your pet for a smooth transition, and start making your fur-baby feel right at home!

The Bare Essentials

These are the things you absolutely need for your new pet, so make sure to stock up before you bring your new friend home.

• Water + Food Bowls: Metal or ceramic bowls are great long-lasting options that look good and are easy to keep clean. To make your pet feel even more at home, a custom pet bowl with your pet’s hand-drawn portrait is a paw-fect homecoming gift for your fur baby!
• Pet tags and Collar: Just like you, your pet deserves to look good! Find a fun and stylish collar and leash, and make sure to get personalized pet tags made with your pet’s name and your contact information. This is important to keep your pet safe in case you become separated.
• Food: Most adoption centers will provide you with a few days of food. It’s recommended to integrate their new food slowly in with their old food to minimize any digestive issues as your pet adjusts.
• Crate: If you are adopting a puppy, a crate is an excellent choice for training. Even if you are adopting an older dog, it can be a good idea to use a crate at first to create a safe space for your dog as they get used to their new environment.

Additional Supplies

Each pet is unique and will have its own preferences that you will get to know over time, but it’s a good idea to stock up on some of these extras to make your pet feel loved and excited right away! We suggest stocking up on treats (great for bonding and training time), a variety of toys to keep your pet engaged, and cozy bedding options. You might also want to get grooming supplies to brush your pet’s hair and a toothbrush!

Prepare Your Home

Before you bring your new animal home, it’s smart to “pet-proof” and prepare your space. Whether you are adopting a puppy or an older pet, switching to a new environment can be stressful for any pet so it's important to make the environment as safe as possible for them. Move any small or dangerous objects from ground level that a pet is likely to get into, and decide if there are any “off-limit” areas that you want to keep your pet out of. Baby gates are a great way to cordon off areas of your home.

Bring Your Pet Home

Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to bring your pet home! Walk your pup around the house on a leash so he can explore and get to know his new environment. Show your pet your yard (if you have one) or litter box and use treats to reward going to the bathroom. It’s recommended to introduce family members one at a time to your new pet, and watch their behavior closely to make sure they aren’t getting overwhelmed or territorial.

Visit the Vet

We suggest scheduling a vet visit within the first few weeks of adoption in order to establish care. Find out what care your pet already received from your adoption center or breeder, such as vaccines, deworming, microchip, and spay/neuter, and determine any new care that your pet needs right away. You’ll also want to make a plan with your vet for heartworm and flea preventative too.

Start Training

It’s important to start training your dog as soon as they come home. If you plan to use a crate, introduce your pup to this space and get in a routine of having them spend time in the crate each day. You can also consider enrolling in formal training to take you and your pets skills to the next level! Adopting a pet is a big step for you and your family, and we hope these tips help you prepare for the furry transition! Have more questions or tips to share? Leave us a comment below.