Prepping Your Home to Welcome a Rescue Dog
By Space Coast Daily // June 27, 2020
One of the best ways to add unconditional love to your home is to add a dog. Not only are these amazing animals known as “man’s best friend”, but they can also add excitement and joy to any family. There are thousands of displaced and abandoned animals that are just waiting to find their forever homes.
If you are thinking about rescuing a dog from your local shelter, you need to take some serious issues into consideration.
Adopting a dog is a full-time responsibility that should be taken seriously. These animals have already lost so much that you owe it to your new dog to be fully committed before you sign the adoption papers.
Getting your home ready for your new rescue dog will take a bit of time. It’s important to be ready before you bring your new family member home.
From making sure that you have all the right equipment, toys and grain-free dog food to dog proofing your home, there is a lot to do before you head to the shelter.
Basic Supplies
Dogs take work and there are certain things that you will need to get to properly prepare your home for a new dog.
• Nutritional food
• Food and water dishes
• Dog bed
• Dog crate
• Toys
• Leash
• Collar
• Treats
Vet Check
Most shelters have a vet technician onsite to evaluate the health of all of their animals. However, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your local vet to have your new dog checked out.
This is a good time to have your dog neutered or spayed and have an identification chip implanted. Your vet can help you to deal with any existing problems requiring special care or medications.
House Rules
Caring for a dog should be a shared family responsibility. Before you welcome your rescue dog it’s important to outline the chores and tasks for each family member. Assign responsibilities like feeding and walking duties.
This is also a good time to decide what the house rules will be for your new dog. What areas of the house will be off-limits? Will your dog be allowed on furniture or in beds? These questions and many more should be addressed before you welcome your dog into your home.
Consider A Crate
Many rescue dogs have spent a significant amount of time in a shelter cage. Although it’s not an ideal situation for many dogs, some animals find a crate to be comforting, especially if they are nervous about their new home. Talk to the shelter staff about their recommendations and consider using a crate until your dog is better adjusted to their new home.
Prepare Yourself
Getting yourself prepared is a crucial aspect of preparing your home for a rescue dog. From mentally understanding what the needs of a rescue are to figuring out how things will change financially are all important to think about. Those with a rescue dog should also consider looking into pet insurance for their new pup, to help you combat any veterinary costs you may face while helping your new friend become the best they can be.
Take Your Time
Many rescue animals have had hard lives or have experienced traumas that will make it hard for them to trust their new families. It’s important to take your time and give your new dog a lot of space to get comfortable with you and your family.
It’s true that puppies are adorable and irresistible but, they aren’t the only dogs that desperately need new homes. Visit your local shelter and find a needy animal that you can make a connection with. Prepare your home to bring in your new family member by following these tips and get ready for a new life for you and your rescue dog.
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