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So you’re thinking about adopting a dog — that’s wonderful! You’re about to embark on a journey of supporting, caring for and providing a loving home to a pup in need. In return, you’ll get unconditional love, unlimited snuggles and all the kisses and tail wags you could ask for!
Before inviting a new best friend into your home, you may have a lot of questions on what to consider, how to prepare and where to start. Caring for a dog at any age is a big (but rewarding!) commitment — so everyone can benefit from understanding the dog adoption process to find the best fit for their home.
Check out our dog adoption guide to help you along the way. You can use the links below to navigate or just read along. If you feel confident you’re ready to adopt after reviewing this article, you’re probably a good fit for a new pup!
Before you head to the shelter, it’s a good idea to make a plan, research and prepare. Whether you live alone or with others, a lot of factors will change once you adopt your new furry friend. Think over (and discuss!) what potential new responsibilities and commitments will come with them. To make the transition as smooth as possible, purchase items your pup will need beforehand.
The first step of your journey is to consider how you want a dog to fit into your life. Adopting a dog is not only a long-term financial commitment, but an emotional and physical commitment, too. It’s helpful to talk over your expectations, goals and responsibilities with fellow caretakers and housemates if you have them. If you plan on adopting a dog alone, it’s still extremely important to assess the situation and make a plan before you start looking at potential new best friends. Here are some important topics to think over and/or discuss:
Now that you’ve made a general plan for your new pup, it’s time to consider supplies! It’s best to get what you can beforehand, so you can focus on bonding with your pup once you adopt. You may not need to purchase all of these items at once, especially if you’ve already had a dog or if your shelter provides some of these supplies upon adoption. Call your shelter or check their website for a list.
Remember, adopting and caring for a dog is both an emotional and financial long- term commitment. It’s helpful to research or ask around about general costs in your area and talk to your shelter for recommendations to budget efficiently. If you plan to get a puppy, you may have to replace some items as your dog outgrows them. Here’s a general list of items you will need for a dog-ready home:
Before getting a dog, it’s a good idea to research vets in your area and prepare for the first visit. Ask your shelter or rescue if they have a recommendation, or search online for local reviews.
The first time you bring your pup to the vet will give you and your vet a better understanding of how to best care for them. At the first visit, your vet will examine and document your pup’s overall physical health, go over their medical records, discuss a care plan (like daily exercise goals, feeding schedule and parasite preventive regimen), administer vaccines, test for health complications and schedule a spay or neuter (if your dog is not already). The first vet appointment may vary slightly depending on your location, what kind of dog you adopt and at what age. Your vet is a great resource to help you best care for your new best friend. Ask questions, take notes and be sure to maintain a consistent checkup routine to help keep your furry friend healthy.
Your new dog may be anxious for the first few weeks after adoption. It’s normal for dogs to be overwhelmed by this big change, especially in the first three to seven days. This anxiety may intensify if they are alone or overstimulated. Regular exercise, bonding activities and consistent reinforcement of good behavior can help remedy your dog’s nerves as they acclimate and build trust. If you’re concerned about your new dog’s comfort level, bring it up with your vet at the first visit or a follow-up.
If this is your first time owning a dog, or if you just want to refresh your memory, consider reviewing the basics of obedience training, like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it” or “come.” There is a huge selection of free training resources online, or you can research local dog-training schools if you’d like to hire a professional. These skills are an important part of building trust and a safe environment for your pup.
Finally, it’s important to remember the long-term commitment that comes with adopting a dog. Whether you’re a first-time owner or veteran pack leader, your dog will rely on you for love and care for the long haul. This may mean unexpected expenses, time commitments or changes in lifestyle. In exchange, you get a rewarding relationship and loving companion. It’s normal to feel a little nervous at first, just like your dog may! But if you’ve done the research, budgeted accordingly and prepared your home, you’re already setting yourself (and your pup!) up for success.
When you start your dog-adoption search, you’ll be greeted with great choices and options. What breed should you choose? What size dog is right for your home and lifestyle? Do you want an energetic, on-the-go dog or a couch potato companion? Are you up to daily coat maintenance, or are once-a-month baths and nail trims more your style? What mix of breeds could fit into your life? If you need inspiration, check out our Dog Breed Match Quiz and see which dog breeds may fit into your lifestyle and commitment level.
You should now have a good understanding of what will (and won’t!) fit into your lifestyle. Whether you’ve already decided a specific breed or you’re considering a long list of mixed breeds, each individual dog has its own special personality and disposition to consider. Breeds give us a good idea of what the dog will look and act like, but that doesn’t mean every dog will be exactly as their breed is described. That’s why it’s smart to also spend time with each pup you’re considering and take note of their personality. Are they outgoing and zealous, or timid? Do they hide from you or crawl into your arms? Ask the foster family, rescue or shelter about the dog’s unique personality to better understand how they will fit into your home in the long run. It’s also important for other pets or children in the home to spend time with the dog before adoption to be sure the dog will fit in well. Only you and fellow caretakers can decide which dog you connect with most, but being thoughtful with your research can get you closer to finding the perfect match.
Try not to go to the shelter expecting to find “your dog” the first time, because you may not — although it is difficult to leave without a new family member once you’re there! It’s important to find the right dog for you: one that fits your lifestyle, family dynamic and home. Be prepared to visit as many times as it takes. In the long run, it’ll be worth the wait.
Bring your lists or notes and a notepad and pen so you can write down pertinent information and important questions you have. Make sure to have your phone handy to take pictures; some shelters may not let you take pics of their dogs, but most will. Consider leaving the shelter with your notes and pictures and giving the decision more thought before going back to adopt a dog.
Keep in mind: Some shelter dogs are energetic or nervous because they’ve been confined, so don’t rule out a dog just because they seem hyper or overstimulated in that environment. If you can, ask the shelter to arrange some time to spend with the dog somewhere quiet and away from exciting stimuli to reduce distractions. You can also speak to volunteers or those who work at the shelter about the pup; many times, they are familiar with the dog and can tell you more about their typical behavior. Don’t be afraid to think it over and trust your gut.
It’s very easy to fall in love at first sight, but you should spend time with a dog before adopting them. You may like a dog very much, but that doesn’t always mean they will be the best and happiest fit. If a dog seems nervous in the shelter, this doesn’t mean they will feel the same way in a safe and loving home. It may take some time and deliberation, but your thoughtfulness will benefit you and whichever new best friend you pick for a long time to come.
After all of your searching and deciding, you’ve found a dog you think is meant for you. That’s awesome! Now you’ll start the application to adopt. Typically, this means alerting the shelter or rescue of your interest and providing them with information on why your home would be a good fit. This involves some paperwork, including the most important document, the adoption questionnaire, which usually contains questions such as:
Your honest answers will help the shelter during their approval process. Keep in mind that the purpose of these questions is to place a dog in the best home for them, weed out people who will potentially abuse their dogs, and keep the chances of having the dog returned to the shelter as slim as possible. If you feel nervous during the application process, it helps to remember that the shelter wants to find this dog a happy home just as much as you do!
After the paperwork is complete, a shelter or rescue representative will sit down with you and ask questions based on the information you’ve provided. Use this time to ask any questions you may have.
If you’re approved, you'll pay the adoption fee or donation. You may be asked to sign an adoption agreement, which is like a contract. And then — unless they need to be spayed or neutered first — you can take your new dog home immediately!
Adopting a dog is a serious, years-long commitment, which is why the adoption process is so involved. Those who aren’t ready to adopt can always participate in other ways. Get in touch with your local shelter about opportunities, or check out PEDIGREE Foundation® for ways to donate, volunteer and support rescues. You may also consider adding to your pack by fostering a dog instead. If you have second thoughts on adopting at any point, listen to your instincts. However, if you’re sure the dog you’re considering is the perfect match for you, get ready to enjoy years of long walks and snuggle sessions with your rescue pet at your side.
As your dog ages, you’ll likely notice changes in your best pal’s energy levels, routine and even muzzle. Older pets may require adjustments to help them get around, exercise and live their best life as a senior. One important aspect of caring for a dog entering their golden years is diet.
When it comes to diet, every dog has unique, individual needs, regardless of age. So, there's no one easy answer to the question of soft food versus hard food. Both types of food can provide your dog with the nutrition they need — as long as you feed your dog a high-quality dog food that’s nutritionally balanced and complete.
If your dog has very specific health concerns, such as aging joints or weight issues, consult with your vet for more information about what type of food best addresses your dog's needs. That being said, there are a few reasons why you may consider switching your senior dog to soft food.
As your dog gets older, their teeth may become more sensitive, which can make chewing kibble more difficult and even uncomfortable. Switching to a soft food can help to alleviate your pet’s oral discomfort when eating.
However, if your dog is experiencing serious pain at mealtime from a condition like tooth decay or gingivitis, switching to soft food won't remedy the problem. Make sure you talk to your vet about oral care and dental treatment.
Digestion begins in the mouth with saliva, so if your dog has a tendency to scarf down meals, they may not be adequately chewing the food or adding enough saliva to it. Soft food can aid with digestion because it's more easily chewed.
It’s no surprise that wet food has a higher moisture content when compared to dry kibble. If your senior pup is prone to urinary-tract issues or simply needs a little help staying hydrated, canned dog food may be a good choice.
Aging dogs tend to have a slower metabolic rate compared to their younger years, which puts them at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. Many nutritionally balanced wet dog foods offer high protein content with fewer carbs than dry food, which can benefit older dogs with slower metabolism. Always talk to your vet if you have concerns about your pup’s weight.
While wet food may be less than appetizing to humans, the opposite is true for dogs! If your aging best friend has started turning their snout up to dry food, wet food tends to be more appealing to picky eaters. Mixing wet food and kibble offers your pup a variety of flavors and textures; try adding wet food as a topper on dry food for a real treat!
Whether you choose dry food, soft food or a mix of both, ask your vet before making any transition. And when it's time to switch your dog's food, remember to do it slowly — even if it's the same brand and flavor — to help prevent stomach upset and allow your dog time to adjust.
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