You’ve made the decision to adopt a shelter pet. You’ve done your research and you’ve visited the shelter. Now it’s time to prepare yourself and your home. Bringing a new pet into your home is a big commitment, but with the right supplies and preparation you can lay the groundwork for a seamless transition.
Supplying Their Every Need. With any new addition to your home, you’ll need new supplies. For both dogs and cats you will need a food/water bowl, food and treats, a nail clipper, grooming brushes, crate and/or baby gate and a bed/blanket. For cats you will also need a litter box and litter and appropriate toys. Dogs will also require a leash and chew toys/bones. Once you bring your pet home, you should also arrange to have ID tags made to attach to their collars. We also recommend microchipping.
Creating a New Home. Preparing a place in your home for your new four-legged friend is also important. Create a safe, pet-proof area where your pet can stay unsupervised either while you are away or while they take a break from other animals or children in your home. Make sure this is a place that can easily be cleaned in case of any bathroom accidents or a place that can accommodate a crate if you chose to use that method for training. Also, go ahead and make an appointment with us for the first few days they are scheduled to be home. During this visit you can discuss any medical/behavioral concerns, their diet, and arrange flea and heartworm preventatives.
Bringing home your new best friend does not have to be an anxious experience. Making sure you are prepared is simple one of the steps in the transition from shelter to home. Creating a routine the first few days will also play a crucial part in setting the tone for your happily ever after.
