Getting a dog: start here
Choosing, adopting and settling a new cat or dog — honest guides for the first days and the decisions that matter.
Articles
Why adopt an adult dog instead of a puppy
An adult dog shows you its size, coat and temperament from day one, and is often already house-trained, for an easier start than a puppy.
Small, medium or large? Choosing a dog's size
Size sets food bills, strength on the lead and lifespan, but not energy. Match a dog's temperament first, then choose small, medium or large.
New puppy checklist: everything to buy and prepare
Your complete new-puppy checklist: what to buy, how to puppy-proof, and how to plan the first days before your puppy comes home.
Dog-proofing your home and garden
Dog-proof your home and garden before you adopt: fix indoor hazards, secure the fences and gate, clear toxic plants, and set up the dog's own space.
Adopting a senior dog or cat
What to expect when you adopt an older dog or cat: the calm, the fast bond, the vet planning, and the honest trade-off of less time.
The 3-3-3 rule for a newly adopted dog
The 3-3-3 rule sets simple expectations for a rescue dog's first days, weeks and months, so you know what settling in really looks like.
How to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter
A calm, step-by-step guide to adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or rescue, from where to search to the screening, the fee and the first days home.
8 rare dog breeds most people never meet
Eight of the world's rarest dog breeds — where they come from, what makes them unusual, and why you almost never see one.