Before bringing your rescue pet home, it’s important to prepare the essentials they’ll need to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. A new environment can be overwhelming, especially for animals coming from a shelter, so having the right supplies ready can help make the transition smoother.
Here’s a list of basic essentials every rescue dog or cat should have before arriving home:
Rescue Dog List:
- Food and water bowls. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls to prevent bacteria buildup and avoid tipping during meals. Sturdy, easy-to-clean bowls help keep your dog well-fed and hydrated every day.
- Kennel. Purchasing a kennel is an important part of preparing to adopt a dog or puppy because it provides them with a safe, secure space they can call their own. A kennel helps with house training, establishes routine, and can reduce anxiety by giving your pet a quiet place to rest and feel comfortable. It also keeps puppies safe when they cannot be supervised and makes travel or vet visits much easier.
- Toys and enrichment. Keeps your dog mentally stimulated, reduces boredom, and helps prevent destructive behavior. Rotate toys every few days to keep them “new” and more exciting for your dog.
- Training pads or cleaning supplies. Useful for house training and managing accidents during the transition period. Place pads in the same spot consistently to help your dog learn where to go.
- ID tags. Ensures your dog can be identified and returned safely if they ever get lost. Include your phone number and regularly check that the tag remains securely attached and readable.
Rescue Cat List:
- Food and water bowls. Shallow, stable bowls help make eating and drinking more comfortable for cats. Keep food and water bowls separate, as many cats prefer not to drink near their food.
- Litterbox and Litter. Most kittens are already litter box trained and naturally prefer using a litter box rather than having accidents around the home. Providing a litter box and quality litter helps them feel comfortable, keeps the home clean, and encourages good habits from the start. With clumping litter you can easily remove pet waste, keeping their bathroom cleaner and more desirable to use. It’s also recommended that each cat or kitten in the household have their own litter box to reduce stress, prevent territorial issues, and ensure they always have access to a clean space.
- Scratching post. Helps satisfy natural scratching instincts while protecting your furniture. Place it near where your cat sleeps or lounges—cats often scratch right after waking up.
- Toys and enrichment. Encourages play, exercise, and mental stimulation for a happy, healthy cat. Schedule short daily play sessions to help build trust and reduce stress in a new environment.
- Grooming supplies. Regular brushing helps reduce shedding and keeps your cat’s coat clean and healthy. Start grooming slowly and gently, especially with shy rescues, to help them get used to handling. Nail scissors will help keep their nails short. Having a cat scratcher will take away the desire to scratch your couch. Ask an adoption counsellor to show you how to trim your pet’s nails. Nail trimming should become a weekly event.
DID YOU KNOW?
Adopters get 20% OFF all merchandise on adoption day at WPRS! Every purchase helps support the animals in our care. Pick out a special gift for a friend or your new companion to celebrate the moment.
Visit the Shelter for more info.
