new foster & adopter checklist

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 an extremely stressful shelter environment, or transitioning from another home, and needs time to decompress
  • We really can’t emphasize this enough. Remember, everything is brand new to your dog…new humans, new routine, new home, etc.
  • The first few days, keep things low key. Every dog will decompress at their own pace, but please make it easy for them! Remember the 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 month rule!
  • When you bring your new dog home, give them a safe, quiet place to rest, such as a crate or small, confined room where they have space to themself. The key is that they will come to you when they are ready! Do not force interaction 
  • Once they come to you, make slow introductions to other family members and existing pets. We recommend giving your new dog at least a few days to decompress before introducing them to the resident dogs. Baby gates are a fantastic way to let your new pup get accustomed to the idea that there are other dogs in the house, while keeping a safe distance.
  • Try not to overwhelm your dog with too many visitors or people; make sure children respect the dog's space
  • 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 DO NOT leave your dog unattended outside. Please ensure they are leashed or confined if you are opening any doors. 

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
  • 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

Getting Support
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
Here are some new foster resource videos!