What preparations should I make before adopting an animal?

Before you adopt a dog or cat from the animal shelter, it is a good idea to outfit your home with certain necessities. There will be an opportunity to purchase leashes, collars and other training equipment during the adoption.

If you are adopting a dog, you should purchase:

• Dog food (at the shelter, we feed the dogs Science Diet; if you plan to switch to a different brand, we strongly recommend mixing the new brand with Science Diet food for a few days in order to ease the transition)
• Food and water bowls
• Crate or baby gate to facilitate house-training
• Pick-up bags or "pooper scooper"
• Emergency fund
• Optional but wonderful: dog bed, chew toys (ask us about Kongs!), treats, and interactive toys such as frisbees, tennis balls, etc. 
  

If you plan to adopt a cat, you should purchase:

• Kitty litter pan and scoop
• Kitty litter (we recommend starting with ordinary clay litter, as this is what we use at shelter; you may switch gradually to your preferred type if desired)
• Cat food (at the shelter, we feed the cats Science Diet; if you plan to switch to a different brand, we strongly recommend mixing the new brand with Science Diet food for a few days in order to ease the transition)
• Food and water bowls
• Emergency fund
• Optional but wonderful: canned food, cat treats, interactive toys (feathered wands, etc.)