top of page

Congratulations on embarking on the journey of welcoming a new pet into your life! As adopting or fostering a pet involves significant adjustments for both the pet and the pet parent, we've put together a checklist to aid in ensuring a smooth transition for all involved prior to bringing a pet home.

  1. Am I ready to commit to the lifelong care and well-being of a pet keeping in mind pets live for an average of 15 years?

  2. What type of pet best suits my lifestyle, living situation, and activity level?

  3. Can I afford the financial responsibilities associated with pet ownership, including veterinary care, annual vaccinations, neutering, grooming, day care, boarding, food, and supplies?

  4. Do I have the time and energy to provide adequate exercise, training, and socialization for a pet twice a day?

  5. Am I willing to clean up after my dog poops on the street?

  6. Have I researched and understood the specific needs and behaviors of the pet species or breed I am interested in adopting or do I like a pet because  'its cute' ? Eg, Shepherds/Huskeys are highly energetic, reactive dogs who need an active lifestyle. If you lead a sedentary livestyle, they may not be the best breed for you.

  7. Am I prepared to handle potential challenges such as behavioral issues, medical emergencies, or changes in circumstances?

  8. Have I discussed pet adoption with all members of my household to ensure everyone is on board and willing to contribute to pet care responsibilities?

  9. Have I considered the long-term commitment involved in pet ownership, including potential changes in living situations, relationships, or work responsibilities, moving to another country or boarding the dog when Im on vacation?

  10. Am I willing to invest in pet insurance or set aside emergency funds for unexpected expenses?

  11. Have I explored adoption options from reputable shelters, rescue organizations, or breed-specific rescues rather than supporting pet stores or breeders?

  12. Does my landlord or the building I live in, permit pets?

  13. Have I considered how ill I take care of my pet in the event of an unexpected event or emergency?

  14. Have I considered paying for pet relocation if I have to move back to my country?

  15. Do I have any other pets or kids or older people and how will they react to a new pet?

  16. Is your current residence suited to the pet I am considering?

  17. How will my social life or work obligations affect my ability to care for a pet?

  18. How do the people I live with feel about having a pet in the house?

  19. Are I (or my spouse, partner or roommate) intolerant of hair, dirt and other realities of sharing my home with a pet, such as allergies?

  20. Is there tension in my home? Pets quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems.

  21. Is there an adult in the family who has agreed to be ultimately responsible for the pet's care?

  22. Do I have the time and patience to work young pet through its adolescence, toilet-training them? Have I taken their teething stage, chewing and energy-levels into account?

  23. Have I considered my lifestyle whether a younger or older animal would be a better match for me?

  24. Can I train or manage s pet with behavioral issues or do I prefer an easy-going pet? Have I

  25. Have I considered pet's size and I have adequate space for him/her?

Time Management:

- Pets require feeding two to three times a day, with more frequent meals for puppies, along with a constant supply of fresh water.
- Responsible pet owners should dedicate at least one hour daily to direct interaction with their pets. This time can involve training sessions, exercise routines, grooming sessions, or simply spending quality time together, such as cuddling on the couch for cats. Dogs will also need to be taken outside for potty breaks multiple times a day.
- Pets with high energy levels require additional time for exercise and engagement with interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Pets with long coats necessitate around 20 minutes of daily grooming to prevent matting.
- Pets with specific medical conditions may require extra attention, such as administering precisely timed injections for diabetic animals.
- It's important to recognize that newly adopted pets may need additional bonding time and reassurance, particularly in the initial weeks.

Shopping List:

It's advisable to wait until you've chosen your new pet before purchasing supplies, as certain items like food and water bowls or collars and harnesses depend on the pet's size.

Additionally, find out what food your pet was accustomed to in the shelter or foster home to ease the transition. Once your pet has settled in, consult your veterinarian about transitioning to your preferred food brand.

After selecting your pet, here's a checklist of essential supplies you may need:

For Dogs:
- Food and water bowls
- Food (canned and/or dry)
- Collar
- Four to six-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 coat length and type)
- Super-absorbent paper towels
- Sponge and scrub brush
- Non-toxic cleanser
- Enzymatic odor neutralizer
- Plastic poop baggies (preferably biodegradable) or pooper scooper
- Absorbent house-training pads
- Variety of toys (e.g., ball, rope, chew toy, puzzle toy)
- Variety of treats (e.g., small cookies, larger rawhides)
- First-aid supplies
- Baby gate(s)

For Cats:
- Food and water bowls
- Food (canned and/or dry)
- Litter box and scooper
- Kitty litter
- Collar
- ID tag with your phone number
- Hard plastic carrier
- Nail clippers
- Feline toothbrush and toothpaste
- Brush or comb (depending on coat length and type)
- Super-absorbent paper towels
- Sponge and scrub brush
- Non-toxic cleanser
- Enzymatic odor neutralizer
- Variety of toys (including catnip)
- First-aid supplies

bottom of page