Preparing To Adopt A Puppy

Have you decided to adopt a pet from a shelter or a rescue? Great, you are doing a good thing for an animal that can use a good home. Adopting a dog is not an always an easy thing. Take a look at some of the ways that you need to gt prepared for this journey.

Getting Approved For An Adoption

Adopting a pet is not always a slam dunk thing. In many cases, you will need to get approved before you take your animal home. This might sound strange, but these charitable organizations are looking out for the pet. They do not want them to end up in a bad situation or right back in another shelter.

Adopting From A City Shelter

If adopting an animal from a city shelter, requirements are typically easy but you still may have to meet some requirements.

Most shelters will require that the person adopting be over the age of 21. You may also need to prove that pets are allowed in your home and that any existing pets are current on vaccinations.

Adopting From A Rescue

If you are adopting a pure breed dog like the popular French Bulldog, you will be dealing with a rescue and their requirements are often much more stringent.

In addition to the above requirements, you may be subject to a home evaluation to make sure that you have a suitable living space. They may even talk to your current veterinarian to make sure that you are a suitable pet owner. Some will also require you to make commitments to the animals long term care, such as agreeing to training classes.

Preparing For Your Puppies Arrival

Once you have been approved for a pet, you need to make some preparations at home. This will be a rescue animal, so you need to make them as comfortable as you can, as quickly as possible.

Have A Sleeping Area Ready

Your dog will most likely be nervous when you get them home. They probably had a bad home life and then ended up in a shelter, so they have no idea what to expect now. Have a bed ready in a quiet area of your home. If you intend to kennel your pup, purchase a suitable kennel before they arrive. A suitable kennel should be one that is large enough for your puppy to stand.

Purchase Toys & Treats

An occupied dog is far less likely to be destructive in their new home. Have a collection of suitable toys on hand to keep them occupied. In addition, some high quality treats will be useful for positive reinforcement.

Buy The Proper Dog Food

If possible, find out what food your puppy is currently eating. This will allow you to buy the same food so that your new dog will not have to deal with an upset stomach right away. If you want to use a different food, you can then gradually make the switch.

Set Expectations

If you have kids, make sure that they know what to expect. Your dog will need to get accustomed to your home and, at first, they will need some peace and quiet. The last thing that you want to do is have the whole house rush your new puppy before they get comfortable.