Resources for Adopters

Adoption Resources

Adopting a pet can mean a big life change for even the most experienced pet owner. Fortunately there are many free resources available online to help with quick questions and to get you on your way. We’ve included some links that our volunteers have found useful and interesting.

Note that none of these should be a substitute for professional veterinary advice – or your own sound judgment about your own animal family members.

For Potential Adopters

• Adoption Checklist
• Am I Ready to Adopt?
• What are the costs of caring for a pet?
• Is a Dog Right for Me?
• Pet-Friendly Apartment Finder
• Dog Food Reviews

For Approved Adopters

The following documents are important to the adoption process, both for the meet and greet and bringing your new dog home. Please review the documents in each link and talk to your adoption coordinator or foster if you have any questions.

• Offical OPH Adoption Contract
• Spay/Neuter Agreement
• Staged Introductions for Your New Dog
• 5 Common Mistakes Made by New Adopters
• Adopting a Rescue Dog: The First Seven Days
• Adult Adoption Packet
• Puppy Adoption Packet
• New Puppy Information
• House and Crate Training
• What to Buy Ahead of Time
• Introducing Dogs to Cats
• Introducing Your Cat to a New Dog
• How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat

Health

• Why to Spay/Neuter Your Pets
• Toxic Plants that are Poisonous to Dogs
• Foods that are Poisonous to Pets
• Updated Pet Food Recall List
• Holistic alternatives for common dog health problems

Children and Dogs

• Teach Your Kids to Be Good Pet Parents
• Pets Are Good For Children and Development
• Downloadable Coloring Book about Kids and Dogs

Books

Dog Rescue Books

• The Little Blue Dog Series - by Karen J. Roberts
• Shelter Dogs - Traer Scott
• The Possibility Dogs: What a Handful of "Unadoptables" Taught Me About Service, Hope and Healing - Susannah Charleson

Children's Books about Dogs and Pets

• Rescued By Love: A Story About Dog Adoption - by Lindsay Jouet
• Puppy Training for Kids - by Sarah Whitehead
• Be a Dog’s Best Friend - by Renee Payne
• May I Pet Your Dog - by Stephanie Calmenson
• Tails Are Not for Pulling - by Elizabeth Verdick

Dog Training and Behavior Books

• How to be the Leader of the Pack - Patricia McConnell
• I'll Be Home Soon: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety - Patricia McConnell
• Way to Go! How to Housetrain a Dog of Any Age - Patricia McConnell
• The Cautious Canine - How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears - Patricia McConnell
• The Culture Clash - Jean Donaldson
• Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog - Brenda Aloff