List of items before adopting a dog

 

                                                List of items before adopting a dog:

 🐶 If you're getting ready to adopt a dog, having the essentials ready before the dog comes home makes the transition much easier.

🏠 Dog essentials

• ☐ Dog food appropriate for their age and size

• ☐ Food and water bowls — stainless steel or ceramic

• ☐ Collar with ID tag

• ☐ Leash

• ☐ Harness

• ☐ Poop bags + dispenser

• ☐ Dog bed

• ☐ Blankets

• ☐ Crate, if you plan to crate-train

• ☐ Baby gates or playpen, if needed

• ☐ Toys:

  • ☐ Chew toys

  • ☐ Interactive/puzzle toys

  • ☐ Fetch toys

  • ☐ Comfort/plush toy

🧼 Grooming & cleaning

• ☐ Dog brush appropriate for their coat

• ☐ Dog shampoo

• ☐ Nail clippers or grinder

• ☐ Dog toothbrush + dog-safe toothpaste

• ☐ Ear-cleaning solution

• ☐ Dog towels

• ☐ Enzyme cleaner for accidents

• ☐ Paper towels

• ☐ Lint roller

• ☐ Poop bags

🩺 Health & safety

• ☐ Veterinarian selected before adoption

• ☐ First vet appointment scheduled

• ☐ Vaccination records from shelter/rescue

• ☐ Microchip information

• ☐ Flea/tick prevention

• ☐ Heartworm prevention

• ☐ Basic pet first-aid kit

• ☐ Emergency vet information

• ☐ Pet insurance or emergency veterinary savings

• ☐ List of medications the dog is taking, if any

Don't give human medications unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to.

🚗 Transportation

• ☐ Properly fitted car harness or dog car seat

• ☐ Travel crate, if appropriate

• ☐ Portable water bowl

• ☐ Water bottle

• ☐ Towel/blanket

• ☐ Extra leash

• ☐ Small supply of food

• ☐ Waste bags

🏡 Dog-proof your home

Before bringing the dog home:

• ☐ Secure electrical cords

• ☐ Put medications away

• ☐ Store cleaning products securely

• ☐ Keep trash inaccessible

• ☐ Move toxic plants out of reach

• ☐ Secure small objects the dog could swallow

• ☐ Keep food off accessible counters

• ☐ Secure doors/gates

• ☐ Check fences and escape routes

• ☐ Establish where the dog will sleep

• ☐ Establish where food and water will be kept

📋 Important information to have

Create a little "dog folder" with:

• Adoption paperwork

• Vaccination records

• Microchip number

• Vet contact information

• Emergency vet information

• Medication list

• Food brand/type and feeding schedule

• Shelter/rescue contact information

• Pet insurance information

• Training notes

❤️ Things people often forget

• ☐ Treats for training

• ☐ Treat pouch

• ☐ Long training leash

• ☐ Name tag

• ☐ Extra collar

• ☐ Extra leash

• ☐ Portable water bowl

• ☐ Dog seatbelt

• ☐ Pet camera

• ☐ Baby wipes/pet wipes

• ☐ Washable blanket for furniture

• ☐ Snuffle mat

• ☐ Puzzle feeder

• ☐ Frozen Kong-style enrichment toy

• ☐ Emergency contact who can care for the dog

• ☐ Plan for what happens when you're working or traveling

⭐ If this is your first dog

I would prioritize these 10 things before adoption day:

1. Food

2. Bowls

3. Collar + ID tag

4. Leash + harness

5. Bed/crate

6. Poop bags

7. A few good toys

8. Treats

9. Cleaning supplies

10. Vet appointment + medical records