Adoption Day Checklist: What to Pack & What to Expect
Adoption day.
You’ve raised this little wiggly floof from nervous newbie to confident companion, and now it’s time for their next big adventure: finding their forever family.
You might be feeling a mix of pride, anxiety, excitement, and a tug at the heartstrings (okay, maybe a full-on ugly cry). That’s all normal. This moment is huge, for your foster pup and for you.
To help things go as smoothly as possible, here’s a helpful checklist of what to bring, what to expect, and how to set your pup up for success.
What to Pack
You don’t need to send them off with a suitcase, but a few familiar items can make all the difference as they settle into their new home. Here’s what we recommend:
Essentials:
Adoption paperwork (signed contract, microchip info, vet records)
Leash or harness (ask your rescue if one is being provided)
Any medications (clearly labeled, with instructions)
Comfort items:
A blanket or towel that smells like home
Favorite toy or chew
A small bag of their current food (at least a few days’ worth to ease the transition)
Nice-to-haves:
A quick “about me” card with the puppy’s routine, likes, fears, and quirks
A goodbye letter (optional, but such a sweet touch!)
What to Share with the Adopters
Your insight matters! You’ve gotten to know this pup in a way no one else has, and the adopters will appreciate your knowledge more than you know.
Make sure to share:
Their potty schedule
Favorite enrichment or playtime activities
Any training you’ve started
Things that scare or overwhelm them
Feeding routines, food sensitivities, and treat preferences
Crate habits, car ride behavior, and how they do home alone
The goal is to make the transition gentle and set everyone up for success.
What to Expect
Every adoption day is a little different, but here are a few things that might come up:
Nerves (on all sides): Some pups get the zoomies, others get the shakes. Let adopters know this is normal. Transitions are big!
Tears (yours, theirs, the staff’s): Bring tissues. No shame here.
Last-minute questions: Be prepared for anything from “what’s their favorite toy?” to “what time do they poop?”
Post-adoption updates: Some adopters will stay in touch. Others may not - and that’s okay. What matters is that your puppy is safe and loved.
One Final Reminder
This day is possible because of you.
Your patience, your love, your late-night potty trips, and your silly squeaky voice that convinced them to come out from under the couch: all of it made this moment happen.
You’ve helped change a life.
Even if you’re sobbing in the car after drop-off (we’ve been there), know this: You did something incredibly meaningful. And the next foster puppy you welcome? They’re going to be just as lucky.
