CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW FAMILY MEMBER! 🎉
We are more than excited for you, your family, and of course your new companion to emBARK on the journey of life together.
At CSDR we understand that bonding with a newly adopted rescue dog, although incredibly rewarding, takes time and support to be successful long-term.
Let us light the way for you ☀️
NEW ADOPTION CHECKLIST
BASIC CARE
The listed items below are essential for responsible canine companion ownership.
It is always a good idea to prepare as much as possible before your new companion's arrival as life can quickly become unpredictable while everyone is adjusting to their new lives together.
- Collar
- *Martingale* (click for details)
- Leash
- $ Crate
- Food bowl
- Bed
- Water bowl(s)
- Food (make sure to transition your new pets food appropriately. Always feel free to ask how)
- Poop bags
- Treats
- Seat-belt
- Toys List
- Stuffed toys
- Balls
- Squeaky toys
- Frisbees
- Tug toys
- Flirt Pole
- ID Tag
- Shampoo
- Nail Clippers
- $ Pet insurance
IMPORTANT PEOPLE
You should have at least one of each of the following professional's contact information, regardless of whether you use them or not.
It is always a good idea to have a list of trusted pet professionals in case you or your pet should need care assistance.
Veterinarian
This one should be previously determined before adoption and unless you are a brand new pet owner, a vet reference was part of your adoption process.
Trainer
As a dog owner, attending puppy classes or getting a trainer to help assist with behavioral issues, tend to be what most assume comes with the gig. However when adopting a rescue dog it is always a good idea to seek out the professionals in your area regardless of if you think you will need them. Especially if you have adopted an adult dog, with or without known behavioral symptoms due to their unpredictable pasts.
Get ahead of undesirable patterns when setting the stage for life with your new companion. It is far too common for dog owners to wait too long before seeking intervention.
*The longer an undesirable behavior pattern is practiced, the harder the "habit" will be to kick.
Groomer
Even if you did not adopt a long haired pet, it is always good to have a trusted groomer in mind should your dog be injured, interact with wildlife (skunk, etc.), or simply do what dogs do and get dirty in ways that need professional assistance...
Hiring or consulting with a dog trainer should not be seen as defeat, but rather the compassion and maturity to seek out an understanding of how to properly support your new friend as their life-leader.
Home Boarding/Boarding Kennel
Even if just as a backup should all other pet relief sources fail in an emergency situation, you want to have a safe place to house your animals, should you be unable to.
Life happens, it is always better to be over than under-prepared.
TRAINING TOOLS
The items listed below are basic, beginner training tools.
Please always consult a professional before using any professional training tools. Incorrect usage of such devices can result in worsened behavior or physical damage.
- Treats :)
- Longline
- Harness
- Treat pouch
- Slip Leash
- Clicker
- Whistle
If you would are seeking more training references or advice...
ACCESSORIES
Of course optional accessories like bandanas, clothes, and other fashion items exist. But as far as accessories that are truly useful, here's a few we recommend looking into;
- Breathable Protective Shoes
- Raincoat
- Jacket (depending on coat type)
- Snowsuit
OUTSIDE
It is always good to think ahead about what time outside at home will be like long-term. Here are a few examples;
- Poop scoop/trashcan
- Paw-safe salt (winter months)
- $ Kennel/X-Pen
- Kiddie Pool/Sprinkler
ENRICHMENT
The word "enrichment" gets thrown around a lot these days when it comes to pet dogs. Although it is an incredibly important part of fulfilling a dog's needs, keep in mind that only the dog can decide what IS enriching.
If your dog is not enjoying an enrichment toy/activity, take that as a sign they are seeking a different kind of stimulation. Some dogs like to solve puzzles, others wants to shred, and some just want new things to sniff.
Dogs can't lie.
Pay attention to the needs your dog is asking you to fulfill.
- Puzzles
- Kibble Toys
- Kongs/Topples
- Lick-mats
- "Sniff-ari"
- Snuffle mats
- "Busy Boxes"
- Long lasting chews
- Benebones
Want more ideas on enrichment?
GROOMING
- Conditioner
- Brush
- Comb/Flea comb
- Blow dryer
- Hose
- $ Outdoor bath
DON'T FORGET!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of a new adoption and forget the (not so) little things. Enjoy the moment & leave the lists to us.
Our advice: Plan to focus on yourself, your family, and integrating your new companion for at least the first 3 days after initial adoption.
After this initial period, you will want to start thinking about the following;
Check all veterinary records given to you by CSDR and ensure you do not have any upcoming vet care duties.
All necessary (and even some elective) vaccinations will be up to date on your newly adopted dog through CSDR, *with the exception of young puppies due to age restrictions*.
*If you recently adopted a young puppy; be sure to follow your vaccine schedule exactly as given. These matters are time sensitive and will need to be rescheduled by you if not followed.
The Rabies vaccine is required by state law for ALL dogs over the age of 16 weeks.
Exceptions can only be given by a state certified veterinarian directly.
Is your new companion spayed/neutered yet?
If NO, when is their sterilization date/time as discussed during adoption?
Also, where is your predetermined spay/neuter hospital location (if applicable)
*Many of our companion sterilizations are performed at; Potter League Spay & Neuter Clinic -
235 Elm st. Warwick RI, 02888
Do you have your new companion’s next dose of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention?
Check your adoption folder for your newly adopted companion’s free dose of monthly parasite prevention, given to you during their adoption appointment.
The last date they were given prevention is likely written somewhere in their records but it is OK to simply give them their next dose at the beginning of the following month, when you typically give your other pets prevention, or contact a CSDR representative for a more exact date if desired.
Have you chosen which prevention type you are going to purchase and use with your new pet long term?
Choosing a prevention type can feel overwhelming because there are so many types and so many conflicting reviews.
Here’s what we can say;
We tend to utilize the following brands of parasite prevention regularly with the animals in our care because they have been both recommended by our veterinarians, and we have had consistent good luck with their products throughout many years of usage.
Be sure to decide a combination that concludes with your companion being routinely protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworms at the minimum;
*Prevention Key ; F - Fleas / T - Ticks / HW - Heartworms / IP - Intestinal Parasites / RP - Repels Pests
(Click brand names for more info)
a monthly, prescription-only, flavored chewable tablet for dogs that protects against heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms
a monthly, prescription-only, chewable medication for dogs used to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control infections from roundworms and hookworms
a monthly topical flea and tick preventative for dogs that also repels and kills mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice
a chewable veterinary medication for dogs and cats that treats and prevents infestations of fleas and ticks
an injectable medication given by a veterinarian to prevent heartworm disease in dogs for 6 or 12 months depending on chosen dosage.
Pet Insurance may sound like a luxury but it is truly worth it. Review some trusted pet insurance options below;
Review some trusted pet insurance options below that supply policies for everything from regular vet care to major emergencies.
Ensure you can protect your pet and get them the care they need, when they need it. Care such as;
- Annual vet appointments
- Vaccines
- Major Emergencies
- Illness
- Surgeries
- Medications
- & more
Click a company name to be redirected to their website for more details.
Based on the dog you adopted, is a regular groomer going to be necessary?
Grooming minimums like baths, nail trims, ear cleanings, and mouth care is expected with any pet, but long-coated dogs will require extra coat management for life.
Either way, it is good to have a groomer in mind should your dog ever be sprayed by a skunk, injured in an unexpected way, or just extremely dirty, because life always happens.
Have you thought about reaching out to your trainer or starting a structured routine for long term success yet? for tine long term success yet?
Whether you are working directly with a trainer or training your new companion yourself, habits and impressions begin forming the moment you bring them home.
Routines matter.
Dogs are creatures of habit, what you allow now will continue.
If you do not know how to structure said routines for the dog you adopted based on breed or behavior concerns, always consult a trusted professional.
WHAT IS PETCADEMY?
CSDR ADOPTERS RECEIVE 30 DAYS FREE
Chasing Sunshine Dog Rescue is proud to partner with Petcademy, an award-winning online training and support platform for pet parents. Every CSDR adopter receives 30 days of free access to Petcademy’s professional guidance and resources.
Through your complimentary Petcademy membership, you’ll gain:
- Step-by-step training videos designed by certified behavior experts
- Personalized guidance for common issues like potty training, crate comfort, leash manners, and decompression
- Access to a team of professional trainers for tailored advice throughout your first month
- 24/7 educational tools to help you navigate your dog’s transition into home life smoothly and confidently
This partnership allows our volunteer team to focus on the dogs still in our care, while ensuring you receive expert, timely answers to everyday questions—without the wait.
You should have received an invitation to begin your 30 days of support within 48hrs following your recent adoption via text
Of course, for urgent situations or emergencies, or if you ever feel something isn’t right, please reach out to us directly right away.