Dog adoption

Dog adoption checklist

To ensure your dog is happy, healthy and safe, here is a basic checklist of what you will need to provide for your dog:

  • Microchip – with your current contact details on a microchip register
  • Local council registration – annual registration which is compulsory after three months of age
  • Collar – with council tag and engraved ID tag attached containing current contact details
  • Lead – to safely walk your dog
  • Bedding – warm, comfortable, clean and free of fleas
  • Shelter – weatherproof and protected from the sun, wind and rain
  • High, secure fences and gates – to ensure your dog remains safe and doesn’t escape
  • Food and bowls – nutritious, well balanced diet at least once a day
  • Water and bowls – clean and fresh water available at all times
  • Desexing surgery – once off surgery which will provide a range of health and behavioural benefits
  • Veterinary check up – at least once a year or whenever your dog is sick or injured
  • Vaccinations – important injection administered by your vet to protect against a range of serious and sometimes fatal diseases
  • Heart worm treatment – injection administered by your vet or medicated treatment you can provide to protect your dog against this potentially fatal disease
  • Intestinal all-wormer treatment – medicated treatment administered every three months to protect your dog against potentially fatal parasites
  • Flea and tick treatment – medicated treatment you can provide to protect your dog against nasty fleas and ticks
  • Behavioural training – to learn how to behave appropriately when at home and out and about
  • Exercise and socialisation– daily walks to release energy, provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom
  • Toys and stimulation – to have fun, provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom
  • Grooming items (brush, dog shampoo etc) – to keep skin and coat clean and healthy
  • Car harness/crate – to keep your dog safe when driving in a vehicle
  • Time with you! – include your dog in your everyday activities both inside and outside of the home, and interact and play games with your dog on a regular basis