Pet Adoption Checklist

Congrat ulations you are on the right track! This marks the beginning of a delightful and fulfilling relationship. Since bringing a new pet involves many adjustments for both the pet and the owner, we’ve prepared a checklist to ensure a smooth transition.

Ask yourself these questions to figure out how to do the right thing:

• Do you have other pets, and how might they respond to a new companion?

• Is your current living space suitable for the pet you’re considering?

• How will your social activities or work responsibilities impact your ability to care for a pet?

• Have you planned for your new pet’s care during vacations and work trips?

• How do the other people you live with feel about having a pet?

• Are you or your housemates intolerant of pet hair, dirt, or other aspects of living with a pet, such as allergies?

• Does anyone in your household have health issues that could be affected by a pet?

• What breed or species of animal best fits your current lifestyle?

• Is there stress in the home? Pets quickly pick up on household tension, which can worsen their health and behavior issues.

• Is there an adult in the household who will take ultimate responsibility for the pet’s care?

Additional Considerations:

• What do you hope your pet will add to your life? For example, do you want a running and hiking partner, or do you prefer a pet to relax with?

• If you’re thinking of adopting a young animal, do you have the time and patience for its upbringing, including house-training, chewing, and energy management?

• Have you carefully considered your lifestyle to determine if a younger or older pet would be a better match?

• Are you prepared to train and handle a pet with behavior issues, or are you looking for an easy-going companion?

• Do you need a pet that is good with children or one you can take on your travels?

• Would you prefer a pet that follows you around the house or one that is more independent?

Size Considerations (for Dogs):

• What size dog can your living space accommodate?

• Will there be enough room if your dog grows larger than expected?

• What size pet would be suitable for others living in or visiting your home?

• Do you have another pet to consider when choosing the size of your new pet?

• What size pet is convenient for traveling?

Pet Costs:

• Food

• Regular veterinary care

• Licensing per local regulations

• Collars, leashes, and ID tags

• Litter and litter box

• Basic grooming supplies

• Recommended additional expenses include:

• Permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo

• Training classes

• Additional grooming supplies or professional grooming (depending on your pet’s needs)

• A spare collar or leash

• A bed and toys

• A crate or carrier

• Unexpected costs: Accidents and illnesses may result in expensive emergency veterinary care. Recovery tools for a missing pet might include posters and rewards.

• Pets with special physical or behavioral challenges might need specialized professional support to address these issues.

Time Considerations:

• Pets need to be fed two to three times daily, more frequently for puppies, and must always have access to fresh water.

• A responsible pet owner should spend at least one hour a day giving direct attention to their pet. This could include training, exercising, grooming, and playing, or simply lap time for cats.

• Dogs need to be taken out to potty several times a day.

• High-energy pets require more exercise and interactive toys to keep them entertained.

• Pets with long coats need about 20 minutes of daily grooming to prevent matting.

• Pets with certain medical conditions may need additional care, such as timed injections for diabetic animals.

• Adopted pets might need extra bonding and reassurance time during the initial weeks.

Shopping Checklist:

• It’s a good idea to wait until you have chosen your new pet before buying supplies, as some items depend on the pet’s size.

• Make sure to find out what food your pet was eating in the shelter or foster home to continue the same diet initially, easing the transition. Consult your veterinarian about switching to your preferred food after the pet settles in.

• Once you’ve selected your pet, here’s a checklist of supplies you may need:

Necessary Items for Dogs:

• Food and water bowls

• Food (canned and/or dry)

• Collar

• 4-6 foot leash

• ID tag with your phone number

• Hard plastic carrier or foldable metal crate

• Dog bed

• Dog shampoo and conditioner

• Nail clippers

• Canine toothbrush and toothpaste

• Brush or comb (depending on your pet’s coat length and type)

• Super-absorbent paper towels

• Sponge and scrub brush

• Non-toxic cleaner

• Enzymatic odor neutralizer

• Plastic poop bags (biodegradable are best) or pooper scooper

• Absorbent house-training pads

• Variety of toys (ball, rope, chew toy, and puzzle toy are good starts)

• Variety of treats (small cookies, larger rawhides, etc.)

• First-aid supplies

• Baby gate(s)

Necessary Items for Cats:

• Food and water bowls

• Food (canned and/or dry)

• Litter box and scooper

• Litter

• Collar

• ID tag with your phone number

• Hard plastic carrier

• Nail clippers

• Feline toothbrush and toothpaste

• Brush or comb (depending on your cat’s coat length and type)

• Super-absorbent paper towels

• Sponge and scrub brush

• Non-toxic cleaner

• Enzymatic odor neutralizer

• Variety of toys (catnip toys are favorites)

• First-aid supplies