10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog
Before adopting a dog, follow these tips to prepare for your furry new family member. Adopting a dog is a major decision, and one that will have up to 20 years of consequences (if you’re lucky and your pup lives long!). It’s worth preparing ahead of time so you can find the right fur kid to fit your lifestyle and make sure that your pup will be happy and well-adjusted.
Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision. Photo by Ja San Miguel.
These tips will help you get from the contemplation stage through adoption and living happily with your dog. Whether you are adopting a puppy or a full-grown rescue pup, planning and research will help you make an informed decision and prepare for a happy life together with your dog.
How to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog
Do your research.
Research dog breeds and general dog care information so you have a full understanding of the commitment you are about to make when you bring a dog into your family. If you’ve had dogs before, this will help you prepare for a new pup. Here are some areas to research and plan for before adopting a dog:
What is your living situation and what breeds would do well with this? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a yard? Do you have other pets? Kids? Find dog breeds that suit your living circumstances.
What level of training and exercise can you commit to? Do you want a couch potato pup or an active dog to run and hike with? Make sure you can consistently commit to the level of exercise that your breed - or mix - demands.
What is your budget? This is a big one that many people do not calculate well. Having a dog is not as simple as buying dog food. You will need to buy quite a few pet supplies - see our checklist below - as well as pay for pet health insurance and vet costs. Small dogs generally cost less than big dogs but vet care and pet insurance can get costly for any dog. Most dogs require a budget in the thousands per year. Make sure you have the financial bandwidth to take on this responsibility and if something happens like you lose your job, you need enough savings to cover expenses for your pup.
Is everyone in your household ready for a new pup? Before adopting a dog, it’s important that everyone in your household is on the same page about wanting a dog and being able to help care for them if needed. Make sure no one has allergies, or if they do, you will want to look for a hypoallergenic dog like a poodle or Goldendoodle.
Research the rescue or breeder before adopting a dog from them. See what policies they have about bringing the pup back if any problems arise. A good rescue or breeder will take a dog back if needed. Does the rescue or breeder have good reviews and can you contact people who have got dogs from them in the past? You do not want to get a dog from people who are dishonest, don’t care about animal welfare, or breed large amounts of puppies just to make money. There are so many great rescues, including pure breed rescues, and I highly recommend getting your pup from a rescue because there are millions of dogs who need homes in shelters and at rescues.
Spend time with your new pup before adopting. Photo by Mathis Jrdl.
Spend time with your pup before adopting.
Take time to get to know your potential new dog before adopting. Meet, play, and get to know each other. Come with a list of questions. Ask about the dog’s energy level, how the dog is with other dogs and other animals, if the dog likes kids, etc. Socialization is so important for dogs and unless you’re an experienced dog owner with a lot of time for training, you will want to get a dog that has been well-socialized. Also ask about any medical conditions your dog may have.
Pet-proof your home.
Pet-proof your home. If you are adopting a puppy, you will need to do the most pet-proofing. Make sure you cover light sockets with plastic protectors, don’t leave electric cords exposed, and keep cleaning supplies and trash cans out of your pup’s reach. It’s best to put your puppy in a small area like a room or gated area that has hard floors that are easy to clean. You can set up your puppy’s crate and bed in her area.
Similarly, you’ll need to pet-proof your home for an adult dog. Make sure cleaning supplies and trash are not accessible and keep your new dog in one room to start until you are sure your dog is housebroken and is settling in well. Place dog toys, a bed, and food and water bowls in your dog’s area to make him feel comfortable.
Get dog supplies.
Before adopting a dog, you will need to get supplies for your pup. Here is a checklist of dog supplies to assemble:
Collar, harness, and leash
ID tag with your dog’s name, your name, and contact information
Food and water bowls (make sure they’re easy to clean, like stainless steel)
Dog bed and crate or carrier
Grooming tools - brushes, nail clippers, dog toothpaste and toothbrush, etc.
Poop bags
Treats and toys
Find a good vet.
Find a vet near you that is knowledgeable, thorough, and fair. If you don’t have a vet already, ask around with pet owners you know and see who they recommend. You can also go on review sites and check out the best and worst reviews of each vet to get an idea of who is the best veterinarian. Consider the dog you’re getting and make sure your vet has experience with that type of dog (such as experience with large dogs, etc).
Pet health insurance can save money on vet costs. Photo by Karsten Winegeart.
Look into pet insurance.
Research pet insurance and find one that fits your needs. Some factors to consider include your pup’s age and any pre-existing medical conditions. Pet insurance can save you money on vet bills if you choose a good company. Look at reviews and ask other pet owners what pet insurance they recommend. If you decide not to get pet insurance, make sure you have a savings account set aside just for pet medical expenses. Vet bills can quickly add up to hundreds and thousands of dollars for surgeries or emergency issues that come up, and you will want to be able to give your dog the care she needs without worrying about having enough money.
Find a dog trainer.
Basic obedience is always a good idea. Find a local trainer or obedience school that uses humane training methods and sign up for a class. It will be a bonding experience for you and your pup and will help your dog become socialized while teaching you how to be a good leader of the pack.
Establish a routine.
Dogs feel secure with having a routine, and it will help you plan your schedule. Establish a regular food, walk, and play routine so you can bond with your pup and make sure she feels safe in her new home. The first few weeks will be a lot of adjustments for a new dog, so try to keep your home especially calm and predictable during this time.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Photo by Magdalena Smolnicka.
Give your dog time to adjust.
It will take a while for your new pup to adjust to a new life. The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guideline for adopting a dog, stating that the first 3 days are a big adjustment for a new dog, and within 3 weeks most dogs start to feel settled, and within 3 months, a dog feels comfortable in her new home and is bonded with her owner. These timeframes can vary of course, depending on your dog’s history and personality, but in general, make sure your dog feels comfortable and has a stable, calm environment for this adjustment period of the first few months.
Enjoy your time together!
Life with a dog is so much better, and make the most of your time together. Enjoy adventures outdoors, and once your dog is adjusted to your new life, bring your pup with you to lots of places to socialize. Have fun, be patient, and enjoy a happy, furry life together!
