Adopting your first dog is an exciting, exhilarating experience.
Among the fast-paced nature of adopting a dog, there may be a few things you may forget to acquire before you bring your new dog home.
Print out the below list and check off everything needed when adopting a dog from a shelter. Putting time and energy into preparing to care for your first adopted dog is vital for a smooth, successful transition into your home.
Table of Contents
Home Life & Miscellaneous Items
- Plastic Dog Kennel — A plastic dog kennel or crate is a great item to keep in the back of the car to keep your dog when traveling and add a blanket or small doggy bed to the bottom comfort. Remember to anchor your dog kennel in your dog, so it doesn’t tip or rock so your dog feels more comfortable when traveling.
- Folding Metal Dog Crate — A folding metal dog crate can be used to give you dog space for resting and sleeping at night and pad the bottom for comfort.
- Puppy Pads — Puppy pads can be purchased as a backup in case your new dog has any accidents.
- Pooper Scooper & Bucket — A pooper scooper can be kept in the front or back yard near your dog’s bathroom area, along with a bucket to dispose of waste.
- Round Bolster & Square Dog Beds — Padded dog beds are available on the market as round bolster types, and square or rectangle versions. These dog beds can be used as a comfy base in the bottom of your dog crate and/or around the house.
- Dog Tags — You’ll want to place your dog’s name, contact info, and latest vaccination/rabies dates on dog tags on your dog’s collar.
- Dog Gates — Dog gates can be used in the home to separate space where the dog isn’t allowed.
- City Pet Licensing — Most cities have a pet licensing program where you can register and license your dog to ensure it’s more likely recognized and identified if it’s ever in the unfortunate circumstance of finding it’s way to a dog shelter or pound.
Food & Nutrition Selection
- Real Chicken Jerky Cuts — Use treats like real chicken jerky cuts instead of rawhide, which can be harmful to your dog by causing blockage or choking.
- Pet Food Storage Container Vault & Scoop — A pet food storage container or vault will keep your dog food dry, fresh, and away from any mischievous dog behavior.
- High Protein Dry Dog Food — A high-quality dry dog food with high protein is necessary to keep your dog healthy and happy. If you use high-quality, commercial dog food, you shouldn’t need to give your dog many supplements to keep healthy — as the dog food should suffice.
- Dog Bowl and Pet Feeding Station — A dog bowl and pet feeding station should be kept somewhere recognizable for your dog, with water available at all times, and used for daily or twice-daily feedings.
- Tiny Training Dog Treats — Small, low-calorie dog treats can be kept on hand as a great training tool used with your dog. You can use a handful during a training session and not overfill or upset your dog’s stomach.
Activity and Exercise Equipment
- Training Leash/Lead — A 6′ training leash or lead is a great way to keep control over your dog when teaching obedience skills while walking.
- Retractable Leash — Although not recommended while training, a retractable leash will give your dog freedom of movement if casually walking and have unrestricted movement available.
- Scented Dog Poop Bags with Dispenser and Leash Clip — Always keep dog poop bags on hand when walking away from home so you can responsibly collect any hard waste from your dog and dispose of it in the garbage. A dog poop bag dispenser and leash clip is an easy way always to keep the bags attached to your dog’s leash, so you won’t forget to bring them with you.
- Assorted Chew Toys — Assorted chew toys will keep your dog entertained and away from valuable goods at home they shouldn’t disturb and destroy.
- Dog Collar & Harness — You’ll want to get a dog collar for your dog and possibly a harness to have greater full-body control over your dog when transporting and handling.
- Durable Dog Chews — Dog chews will keep your dog’s teeth healthy and strong, and give them and activity around the house to keep them occupied throughout the day.
- Doggy Backpack — A backpack specifically for your dog can be used for supplies, food, toys, and bowls when traveling.
Health, Medical, and Grooming Supplies
The first step to good health for your adopted dog is identifying a local vet to provide regular medical checkups and more.
Visit with a vet to have a heartworm test to start a monthly heartworm prevention product like Heartgard, keep up to date with vaccinations, and make sure your dog is microchipped.
- Flea and Tick Treatment — Flea and tick treatment is essential to keep nasty bugs away from your dog’s skin and coat. FRONTLINE Plus is a common brand used for flea and tick treatment and can be purchased without a veterinarian’s prescription.
- Dog Dental Care Fresh Breath Kit — Establishing and maintaining a proper teeth cleaning schedule for your dog will ensure their smile and teeth last long into their senior years.
- Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers — Dog nail clippers, trimmers and grinders will keep your dog’s nails healthy, strong, and at a healthy length.
- Dog Shampoo and Conditioner — A monthly dog bath with dog shampoo and conditioner will rid your dog’s fur of any dirt and fifth that may have built up over time.
- Dog Shaver and Clippers — A regular visit to the groomer will keep your dog in tip-top shape, and you can use a dog shaver to make touchups in-between visits.
- Self Cleaning Slicker Brush and Soft Brush — A self-cleaning slicker brush can be used to brush through short to medium length hair, and a soft brush can be used to comb through long fur easily.
- Rubber Bath Brush — A rubber bath brush will help you lather soap over your dog during bath time and remove built-up hair.
All in all, your journey with your adopted dog is going to highly rewarding.
Make sure to spend plenty of time researching how to best care for your dog, establish a good relationship with a veterinarian, exercise your dog often, and maintain its health by staying up-to-date with preventative medication schedules.
Get started today and you’ll find you’ll soon have everything needed when adopting a dog from a shelter!
