We want every adoption to be a successful one, which is why we are here to help you and your new pet to adjust.

All adopters through ACAPL receive a free subscription for Maddie's® Pet Assistant (MPA). MPA is a FREE app, developed by Maddie's Fund®, to follow up with adopters or foster caregivers once a pet is placed in a home. You will receive reminders, find resources, and connect with rehoming experts.

ACAPL also has a private Facebook Group just for adopters and fosters to connect and share experiences. We want everyone to know that the challenges (and successes!) they have are often held by other adopters.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP

What Your New Pet Needs

Dogs

• Food and water bowls
• Food (canned and/or dry)
• Collar
• Four to six-foot leash
• ID tag with your phone number
• Hard plastic carrier or foldable metal crate
• Dog bed
• Doggy shampoo and conditioner
• Nail clippers
• Canine toothbrush and toothpaste
• Brush or comb (depends on your pet’s coat length and type)
• Super-absorbent paper towels
• Sponge and scrub brush
• Non-toxic cleanser
• Enzymatic odor neutralizer
• Plastic poop baggies (biodegradable ones are best) or pooper scooper
• Absorbent house-training pads
• Variety of toys (a ball, rope, chew toy and puzzle toy are good starts)
• Variety of treats (such as small cookies - NO RAWHIDE)
• First-aid supplies
• Baby gate(s)

Cats

• Food and water bowls

• Food (canned and/or dry)
• Litter box and scooper
• Kitty litter
• Collar
• ID tag with your phone number
• Hard plastic carrier
• Nail clippers
• Feline toothbrush and toothpaste
• Brush or comb (depends on your cat’s coat length and type)
• Super-absorbent paper towels
• Sponge and scrub brush
• Non-toxic cleanser
• Enzymatic odor neutralizer
• Variety of toys (toys including catnip are a favorite)
• First-aid supplies

OTHER TIPS & TRICKS

Dogs have an amazing way of making people happy. You can enjoy all the benefits with some well-directed efforts to help your dog adjust to life in your new home. Have realistic expectations for bringing home a new pet. For an adult dog, the first few weeks in a new home are a critical transition period. How well you manage the dog’s behavior during this time will determine whether he develops into a well-behaved, loving pet. 

Adoptive owners view a dog’s new life in their home as a wonderful change from a shelter pen, but the transition presents some problems for the dog. The transition brings a change in the dog’s daily routine and caretakers. In the new home, the dog suddenly faces a new set of social companions in a new environment filled with unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds. He will be confused, stimulated and a little frightened. He faces a big adjustment as he learns his way around and develops relationships with his new family. Some undesirable behavior may result. Don’t panic! By modifying or redirecting his actions, you can help the dog become a solid citizen in a few weeks.

Check out this article from Humane World for Animals for more information: How to bring your new dog home and make them feel welcome