Before you adopt a pet, check that your housing allows it, agree on care duties with everyone in your home, set a budget, and buy the basics: food, bowls, a collar and ID tag, a leash or litter box, a crate or bed, and a carrier. On adoption day, bring a photo ID, proof of address, landlord approval if you rent, a way to pay the fee and a safe way to get your new pet home.
Use this checklist to prepare in stages, from the decision to the first week.
Before you apply
- Agree as a household. Everyone who lives with you should want the pet and know who will feed, walk, clean and pay.
- Check your lease or HOA rules. Note pet limits, size or breed restrictions, deposits and monthly pet rent.
- Check local rules. Some cities and counties require pet licenses or limit the number of pets per household.
- Plan your budget. Include food, routine vet care, preventives, supplies and an emergency fund. See the cost of owning a dog.
- Think about time. Puppies and young dogs need several short outings a day. Cats need daily play and litter care.
- Consider allergies. Spend time with the type of animal you want before committing.
- Choose a vet. Call nearby clinics to check they accept new patients and ask about first-visit prices.
- Research organizations. Compare shelters, humane societies and animal rescues. See shelter vs rescue vs humane society.
What to bring to the shelter or rescue
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Government photo ID | Most organizations require adopters to be 18 or older (sometimes 21) |
| Proof of address | A utility bill or lease may be requested |
| Landlord approval or lease | Shows pets are allowed in your home |
| Vet records for current pets | Some groups check that other pets are vaccinated |
| Payment for the fee | Ask which payment methods are accepted |
| Everyone in the household | Many groups ask to meet all family members |
| Your current dog | If required for a dog-to-dog introduction |
| Leash and collar, or a carrier | For a safe ride home |
Supplies for a dog
- Flat collar or harness, plus an ID tag with your phone number
- Six-foot leash (avoid retractable leashes at first)
- Crate sized for the dog, or a gated safe area
- Bed and blankets
- Food the shelter has been using, plus the food you plan to switch to
- Food and water bowls
- Poop bags
- Chew toys and a puzzle feeder
- Training treats
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- Brush and nail clippers suited to the coat
Supplies for a cat
- Litter box (a common guideline is one per cat plus one), litter and scoop
- Carrier
- Food the shelter has been using, plus bowls
- Scratching post and a horizontal scratcher
- Hiding spots, such as a covered bed or a box on its side
- Wand toys and small toys
- Breakaway collar with ID tag (optional for indoor cats)
Pet-proof your home
- Secure trash cans and cleaning products
- Move electrical cords out of reach or cover them
- Remove or relocate plants that are toxic to pets (the ASPCA keeps a list of toxic and non-toxic plants)
- Put away medications, sugar-free gum (which may contain xylitol), chocolate, grapes and raisins
- Check fences and gates for gaps
- Make sure window screens are secure
- Set up one quiet room for the first days
Adoption day
- Ask for all medical records, including vaccines, surgery and microchip number
- Ask what food, schedule and routines the pet is used to
- Ask about known behaviors, fears and medical conditions
- Confirm the microchip is registered to you, or register it yourself (see microchipping explained)
- Ask about the return policy and post-adoption support
- Put on the ID tag before leaving the building
- Use a carrier for cats and a secure leash for dogs; many pets panic in new places
The first week
- Keep a simple, predictable routine
- Keep visitors to a minimum
- Supervise interactions with children and other pets
- Book a vet visit within one to two weeks
- Get a local pet license if required
- Transition food gradually over about a week to avoid stomach upset
- Start gentle training with rewards
For dogs, see the first 30 days with a rescue dog for a fuller plan.
Where to start looking
Browse dog rescues and cat rescues, or use the near me page to see shelters and rescues in your area.