Pet Adoption Checklist

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

Complete adoption preparation guide. Supplies checklist, home setup, first vet visit, and helping your new pet adjust.

Key Information

What You Need to Know

Practical Recommendations

Expert Tips

Understanding the Research

Budgeting for Pet Care

Related Guides

Explore more of our comprehensive pet care resources.

Where can I learn more?

Shelter medicine programs and the ASPCA adoption pages cover vaccines, fecals, and the first clinic visit. Ask the shelter what was given and the date. FeLV and FIV results for cats, and heartworm status for dogs, should be on the paperwork you leave with.

How often should I take my pet to the vet?

An adopted dog or cat should see a veterinarian within a few days of coming home, records in hand if any exist. A young animal with missing vaccines is restarted on visits every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks. After that, adults settle into about one exam a year. Many dogs from about 7 years, giant breeds earlier, and cats from about 10, are examined about every six months. Diarrhea, coughing, or itching in the first week belongs in that first visit.

How can I save money on pet care?

The adoption fee usually includes some vaccines and a spay or neuter. Budget the first clinic visit anyway, plus a crate and a measured food. A new bed, a new bowl set, and three toys before the animal has settled add cost in the first month while the vaccines and the crate training stay the same.

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