Adopting a pet can be an exciting time for any family. However, among the commotion, it can be very easy to forget to bring everything you need when it is time to bring your new pet home. After all, your new furbaby will have to ride somewhere in order to get to their new forever home. How will he/she ride in your vehicle safely? This is something that even the most experienced pet owners can overlook.
Just this month we adopted a new dog. Everything was such a rush that I didn’t get a chance to do something as simple as — bring a collar and leash.
How did I forget that?
(facepalm)
Of course, after our new pet made it into our vehicle, he went bananas. He was so overjoyed to be out of the shelter walls that he couldn’t contain himself. He was hopping all over the car. Climbing on our toddler’s car seat — with my toddler inside of it! My teen son had the most difficult time trying to keep him settled. I put the window down (half way, like I usually do for our senior dog) and he proceeded to place his entire top half of his body outside of the car! I had to pull over onto the side of roadway to relocate him and my teen to the third row.
At this point I realized there were so many ways I could have done this better.
There were so many ways I knew how to do this better.
3 Things You Need to Bring When Adopting a Pet
First, bring a collar and leash with you every time you visit the animal shelter — just in case. You, at least, want to look like you know what you’re doing when you leave the building with your new pet.
Secondly, you should have a safe way to transport your pet. Pet buckles and seats sometimes require a little training to be sure your pet will ride safely. For your first ride, give your new baby a safe place with a travel crate. This will protect him/her, everyone else in the vehicle, AND other drivers on the roadway.
Third, pet treats/chews are a must! They give him/her something to keep them busy on the ride and can ease anxiety.
