From Shelter to Sofa:
Everything your new best friend needs to settle in and thrive.
To help you prepare and ensure shelter supplies remain available for animals in need, we recommend adopters purchase the following items:
Crate
Every pup needs the perfect den! Crates provide a safe, cozy space that helps your dog adjust from shelter life to home life. They can make training easier, prevent accidents, and keep your dog out of harm’s way when you can’t supervise.
Suggested Crate Size by Weight:
| Dog’s Weight | Suggested Crate Length |
| 0 to 25 lbs | 30 inches |
| 25 to 70 lbs | 42 inches |
| Over 70 lbs | 48 inches |
Harness
For strong pullers, we recommend a front-clip style like these:
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness
PetSafe Easy Walk® Harness
Martingale Collar
Ensure your walks are escape-proof. Martingale collars prevent dogs from slipping out and are ideal for those with narrow heads or new to leash walking. Remember to attach an ID tag with your contact information!
Leash
A good leash keeps walks safe and enjoyable. We recommend a standard 4 to 6 foot leash, which gives you control while still allowing your dog room to explore. Retractable leashes can cause injuries and make it harder to manage your dog.
Dog Food
Good nutrition starts with quality ingredients. We recommend choosing dog food that is free from dyes and artificial additives. High-quality food supports your dog’s overall health, energy, and coat condition.
Examples of reputable brands: Nutro®, Purina Pro Plan®, Open Farm®, Hill’s Science Diet®, Royal Canin®, Wellness®, Orijen®, Acana®, Farmina N&D®
Pet Corrector
A quick, gentle way to interrupt unwanted behavior. Pet Corrector is a gentle tool that uses compressed air to make a hissing sound, helping to interrupt unwanted dog behaviors like barking and jumping. It allows for positive redirection and can also be used for safety when approached by off-leash dogs.
Enrichment/Toys
A busy dog is a happy dog. Toys like Nylabones, KONGs, slow feeders, and lick mats keep your dog mentally stimulated, encourage healthy chewing, and can make crate time or mealtimes more engaging.
Note: We advise against feeding rawhide, as it is hard to digest and can lead to intestinal obstructions.
Flea, Tick & Heartworm Preventative
Protecting your dog from parasites is a must. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can carry diseases that put your dog’s health at serious risk.
| Flea/Tick Prevention | Heartworm Preventatives | Combination Preventatives |
| Bravecto® | Heartgard® | Simparica Trio® (flea, tick, heartworm) |
| NexGard® | Interceptor® | NexGard® PLUS (flea, tick, heartworm) |
| Simparica® | Tri-Heart® Plus | Trifexis® (note: does not cover ticks) |
Household Toxins
A safe home is a happy home. Many everyday items can be harmful to dogs. Use pet-safe cleaning supplies and be cautious with scented products like candles, essential oil diffusers, fragrance plug-ins, and even fragranced laundry detergent or fabric softener. Keep toxic plants out of reach and store chemicals securely.