How To Prepare Your Home For A New Rescue Dog
Roll out the red carpet 🌟
Are you bringing home a new rescue dog? Congrats! What an awesome time for you and your family!
While you’re probably super excited to get that perfect new pup home, there are some things to keep in mind — and have prepared — before your dog arrives.
Having everything ready will make the adjustment way easier for everybody involved!
The Dodo spoke with Dr. Zay Satchu, cofounder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet in New York City, for more info.
What should I have prepared when bringing home a rescue dog?
Just like with preparing for any new furry addition, Dr. Satchu suggests getting the basics squared away before bringing your pup home.
“You will definitely need a collar, leash, food/water bowls, a comfy bed, food and a good cleaner,” Dr. Satchu said.
For food, make sure you check with the rescue to see if your pup eats any special foods. You can also check with your vet at your first appointment to see if there’s anything specific she recommends based on your dog’s age and size!
Give him plenty of decompression time
Make sure you give your pup time to decompress when he gets home.
This allows him to take in his new surroundings and get more comfortable with his new home — and family members.
During decompression, some dogs might be a little more standoffish or timid. It’s totally normal and understandable — so make sure you don’t take it too personally.
If I have pets already in the house, what’s the best way to prepare them?
“If you have the opportunity, it is a good idea to introduce the new pet's scent to your existing pet prior to bringing them home,” Dr. Satchu recommended.
This can be done by bringing in a blanket, towel or toy that has been with the new pup. “If you don't have a chance to do this ahead of time, try allowing them to smell each other from opposite sides of a door for the first day,” Dr. Satchu said.
Give your new pup a safe space in a crate, small bathroom or laundry room with his food, water, a toy and a bed. “This will help them get used to the new space without the stress of watching out for the existing fluffy family member,” Dr. Satchu said.
And keep in mind that all introductions and interactions between your pets should always be supervised in the beginning.
Bringing home a new rescue dog is such an amazing time in anyone’s life, and the bond you’ll build together will be unlike anything else!
