Choosing to adopt a rescued dog is an exciting and emotionally fulfilling decision for you and your family. For the dog however, adoption day can be a very stressful time as often their foster family is the first loving home they have known. You will want to make the transition as easy as possible for them and being prepared for their arrival is a good start.
Work out your dog care regiment in advance among the human members of your household. Who will walk the dog first thing in the morning? Who will feed him? Will your dog be allowed on the couch, or not? Where will the dog sleep? If you start from the very beginning showing the dog what is expected and continue to be consistent, you will have a much higher success rate in helping the dog become a capable and respected companion in your home.
Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time with family members and other pets in the home before introducing your new pet to a host of other strangers. If you have another dog, they should have been introduced at the adoption meeting and had an opportunity to play which will help your new dog when he leaves his foster home.
Despite our best efforts, viruses can be spread and may occasionally go home with adopted pets. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure their vaccinations are up to date and they are in good general health before you bring your new pet home. It is always a good idea to have your new dog seen by your veterinarian as early as possible after bringing them home, to ease your mind that they are in good health. It doesn’t hurt to call ahead and ensure your vet clinic will be able to accommodate you. If your new puppy/dog is not already spayed or neutered when you take it home, that first visit is a good time to talk to your veterinarian about when it would be safe to have the procedure done.
Before you leave to pick up your new family member, ensure that you have picked up a few supplies so that you can spend some good quality time with your dog when you first get home. Some things you might want to include would be food and water bowls, a crate if you decide to use one, or a blanket or bed for the dog to lie on, and of course some toys and treats.
Ugly Mutts will send you home with the dog’s medical records, a collar and a few days supply of the dog’s current food. It is helpful if you bring your own leash but if not one will be supplied for you. If you are adopting a very small dog or a cat, it is a good idea to bring a carrier so the pet can feel safe on the ride home.
Gretchen about to go home with her new family!
Once you are prepared you can relax and enjoy the experience of getting a new dog. I am sure that whatever dog you take home he will soon adjust and it won’t be long before you are both the best of friends. Although you will have years of loving companionship ahead of you, there is still nothing like the joy and excitement of that first day with your new dog. Enjoy it!