Getting a Dog – Complete Checklist for New Dog Owners
Bringing a new dog into the family is a very exciting time. Becoming a pet parent is rewarding, but also full of responsibility. The best way to prepare for your new dog is to have a checklist to lay the groundwork for your new addition.
Download the Complete Preparing for a New Dog Checklist
Four Important Considerations:
1. Time: It is very important to think about how much time you’ll honestly be able to give your new pet.
- At the very least dogs need to be fed 2-3 times a day and walked at least once a day.
- Dogs with more energy may need even more time for proper exercise and stimulation.
- Healthy pets should get at least an hour or day of direct attention, even if it’s just cuddling.
- Don’t forget to add in time for grooming, hygiene, and appointments.
2. Costs: You want to make sure that you can always care for your vet. The best way is to create a budget for a new dog before you bring them home.
- Does your new pet need to be spayed or neutered?
- Is there an adoption fee that needs to be paid?
- Monthly expenses such as food, pet sitting or new supplies
- Routine veterinary care
- Microchipping
- Grooming equipment and supplies
- Will you want to sign them up for training classes?
- Beds and toys
- Spare supplies
3. Age & Size: These are also two important factors in getting a new dog.
- Puppies take far more time and training
- Is your home accommodating to a large dog or would it be better suited for a small dog?
- Do you have another pet to consider when deciding on what type of dog to get?
- Can a large pet travel with you comfortably?
4. Lifestyle and relationship: Another big consideration is how your lifestyles will blend and the relationship you want to to have with your new canine companion.
- Are you active and want to bring your dog on hikes and camping trips?
- Will your work and social life affect your ability to spend time and care for your pet?
- Do you want a pet that will travel with you?
- Do you have children that need a reliable and safe dog?
- Is your new dog going to be your best friend or more of an independent roommate?
Shopping Checklist:
- Age appropriate food
- Water and food bowls
- Collar
- Leash
- ID tags (make sure your phone number is on it)
- Dog carrier or crate
- Doggy shampoo and brush
- Super absorbent paper towels
- Various types of toys
- Blanket
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
- Plastic baggies for waste
Getting a new dog awesome. Once you have considered all the important factors and gotten their supplies, the only thing left to do is have fun with your new family member!
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
[…] your home so that all of your pets can get along. Spoiler: the key is not to rush the process! CLICK HERE to download our checklist for bringing home a new dog CLICK HERE to download our checklist for […]
[…] to learn more about us, including the host Liana Sanders CLICK HERE to check out our Blog CLICK HERE to download our checklist for bringing home a new […]
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!