How to Start Preparing for Adopting a Dog

After hours of research, paperwork and interviews, it’s almost time to bring your new dog home – how exciting! The hard part may be over, but there are still a few things you’ll want to do to prepare for your new addition. We’ve put together a guide on preparing to adopt a dog, to help you make sure everything is in order before your pup arrives.

Choose a quality food

One of the most important things you can do when preparing to adopt a dog is to choose high quality food. Your dog’s food has a big impact on his overall health, so you want to limit your search to brands that offer healthy, balanced recipes using fresh, local ingredients. If you choose Freshpet, your pet will benefit from recipes that are lightly steamed at low temperatures to protect the integrity of the ingredients before being vacuum sealed to lock in the natural goodness and stored in the refrigerator where the fresh food belongs. But don’t take our word for it, see what other Freshpet parents have to say!

Speak to the foster parent or shelter staff

If you can, arrange a quick call with your pup’s adoptive parent, shelter staff, or anyone else who spent time with him while looking for his forever home. During this call, you can ask them questions that will help you better prepare for the arrival of your puppy, such as:

• Do they have favorite toys or games?
• Do they have general likes or dislikes?
• Do they have food allergies or sensitivities?
• Are there commands they are comfortable with or need a bit of work?
• Do they have experience of being around children?
• How are they with other animals?

The more information you can gather about your new puppy, the better you can personalize your home, the supplies you buy, and the introductions you make to other two- and four-legged family members when they arrive. If you already have a resident dog, be sure to check out our tips for introducing a second pup to your pack.

Find a veterinarian and make an appointment

Even if your dog had a vet appointment before the adoption through their shelter or shelter, it’s a good idea to book one with your own vet. This will give your vet a chance to record your pup’s baseline health so it’s easier for him to track if there are any changes over time. Some things your vet will likely want to record include those of your pet:

• lester
• Arterial pressure
• Vital signs
• Blood values
• Oral health

Choosing a veterinarian beforehand also gives you time to consider more practical details such as prices, location and hours of practice, pet treatment approach and general clinic environment. . Your veterinarian will be with you through all stages of your pet’s life, so you need to make sure you pick one that you can build a strong relationship with.

Schedule a session with a groomer

While waiting for their forever home, not all pets have the luxury of regular grooming appointments. Unfortunately, without regular appointments, some animals’ coats quickly become messy and overgrown. If your adopted dog has a coat that needs professional grooming, consider inquiring about an appointment before his adoption date. Some groomers have waiting lists that go on for weeks, so the sooner you book, the less time your pup will have to live in an uncomfortable coat! You can also consult our tips for grooming your pet at home.

Search pet insurance

A growing number of pet owners are opting for insurance for their pets and we can see why. With pet insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that in the event of a medical emergency, you can make a decision based on what’s best for your pet, not the cost. There are many insurers and a wide variety of policies, ranging from coverage for routine care to larger emergencies, so it’s easy to find the one that’s right for you and your pet.

We hope this guide will give you some insight into how to prepare for adopting a dog. If you have any questions that haven’t been addressed, talk to your veterinarian. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about bringing home a new addition before your first date.