new foster & adopter checklist

So you've just brought home a foster dog or adopted a new dog - congratulations! We made this handy checklist to ensure a smooth transition for your dog into his or her new home.
​
Introductions
  • Your dog was recently in a stressful shelter environment, or transitioning from another home, and needs time to decompress
  • The first few days, keep things low key, make slow introductions to family members and existing pets
  • Try not to overwhelm your dog with too many visitors or people; make sure children respect the dog's space
  • Give your dog a safe quiet place to rest, such as a crate or small, confined room
  • Don't leave your new dog and existing pets unattended until you are comfortable that everyone gets along
  • The first few days are the highest risk for a dog trying to escape or run away (new environment, wants to get back to its last home), so make sure to supervise your dog when outside and give him/ her a safe place to stay inside.
Supplies you'll need
  • Collar, leash, harness for walks (we use a temporary tag; you can also use a tag with your info on it)
  • High quality dog food or fresh food, treats, toys
  • Stainless steel or ceramic bowls, one each for food and water
  • A warm bed​ - can use old towels, blankets, memory foam bath mats, plush dog bed
  • A crate (check sites like Nextdoor or Craigslist for free or low cost crates), or we might be able to lend you one
  • Baby gate, to keep certain areas off limits
  • Grooming supplies, a well-groomed dog has a better chance of getting adopted
Daily routine
  • Walks at least once per day (twice is preferable) for your dog to get enough exercise and mental stimulation
  • Some dogs with higher energy will need more exercise, such as accompanying you on jogs, bike rides, or hikes
  • No off-leash environments or dog parks
  • Feed a high quality dog food or fresh food, twice a day, amount of food depends on the dog and type of food
  • Fresh water at all times; restrict at night before bedtime to avoid middle of the night trips outside
  • Playtime, fetch, snuggle time as needed (don't play too rough or over-exert right after eating)
Training
  • Crate train your dog so that it has a safe den to retreat to when it's anxious or tired, also helpful for separation anxiety
  • ​Teach your dog basic commands like "sit", "stay", "come", how to walk nicely on a leash
  • ​Devise games such as scent-work (treats around the house), puzzles, kong toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated
  • Dog proof your home: keep food, wires, clothes, knick-knacks out of reach; cover trash cans; lower toilet lids
  • House train: your dog may or may not already be house trained; even house trained dogs might initially regress in a new home
Marketing (for fosters)
  • Take good pictures of your dog and note details for his/her profile (e.g., good with people, other dogs, cats, kids; walks on leash; rides in car; house trained or not); send these to us (through your foster coordinator or email us below)
  • Post your dog to social media: Nextdoor, Craigslist, Facebook, Instagram; follow our FB and IG and comment or share our posts
  • Get your dog out and about on walks, at the park, at the beach, dog-friendly establishments; talk to people about your dog
  • We have "Adopt Me" bandanas and badges to lend you, or feel free to purchase fancier accessories to show off your dog
Getting Support
  • If you need support at any time during the fostering or adoption process, please reach out to us
  • Contact your foster or adoption coordinator, or email rescuetheunderog@gmail.com
  • For more in-depth information, check out our Foster Manual and Articles & More pages.
Lastly, we’d like to share this poem
Now I have arrived at your home, everything is strange, and I don’t feel good.
Do not feel impatient If I don’t sleep on my new basket. Yesterday, I slept on a stone floor.
Do not be terrified if I gobble up my food. Yesterday, I had to do it to survive.
Do not get angry if I pee on your floor. Yesterday, it did not matter.
Do not be sad if I am afraid of your loving hand. Yesterday, I did not have one.
Have patience with me, it’s your world, but not yet mine.
If I trust you, I can give you the greatest Gift I have to give. . . . . My Heart.
Please never forget, I was a pound dog. All I need, is a bit of time to adjust.
​
                                -Author unknown