Better Days Family!

Please click here for our Foster-To-Adopt Agreement; click here for our Adoption Agreement.

Better Days Rescue is the owner of the dog until adoption is finalized.

Please administer medications, if provided, in accordance with the accompanying instructions. If meds are prescribed for a protracted period, please let us know at least five business days in advance of the date the meds will run out.

If a medical concern of any type arises during the foster-to-adopt period, or if you have any questions, please immediately call your BDR contact.

Other than a life-threatening emergency, all Foster AND Foster-To-Adopt dogs MUST receive approval from a BDR representative for vet visits/procedures/diagnostics. Unless otherwise directed, BDR dogs must be taken for treatment to a BDR-contracted veterinarian. Please reach out to your BDR representative for scheduling assistance. BDR dogs often begin their re-homing journey with a specific veterinarian for a reason, and may need to continue care with that provider. Please ask your BDR representative or call your BDR contact for clarification.

You’ll need the following items to welcome your dog!

  • HIGH QUALITY CRATE + CARABINER CLIPS - We can help you choose crate size, and show you how to correctly secure it with carabiners. Even if you feel your dog no longer needs a crate, please fold/store it in an easy-access location in case of emergency. Brands: Kong  (manufactured by Midwest), "Retriever" (available at Tractor Supply and come in 42" and 36" size). Retriever crates are a taller and more comfortable for big tails and ears, and have two doors - one on the end, and one on the side). Carabiner clips are sold online, at Ace Hardware, and at outdoor supply stores.
  • For inside the crate, a stainless steel flat-sided WATER BUCKET. The carabiner clip attaches to the bucket bail and the crate to stabilize the bucket and avoid spills.
  • Stainless no-tip WATER BOWL (XL) - A basic stainless no-tip bowl for outdoors is a good idea. A raised bowl (that raises food and water to chest-height of the dog) is a kindness to older dogs of all sizes who are experiencing arthritis. Please check with your vet for risks of bloat with deep-chested breeds. 
  • FOOD BOWL should be stainless no-tip, no-slip. If the dog gulps food, it may require a slow-feed bowl.
  • We'll provide a small quantity of FOOD. See below for nutritional helps.
  • Freeze-died, single-ingredient TREATS.
  • Invest in a quality 6' LEASH - no retractable leashes! We carefully select collars that are used with well-fitting harnesses (plastic clasps, not metal). Do not be in a rush to replace these to "customize" your dog as they are chosen with security in mind. We also use 'seatbelts' - one style clips onto the dog's harness and clicks into the vehicle's seatbelt buckle. Dog seatbelts are readily available on Amazon.com
  • PetSafe "EasyWalk" or ComfortFlex Sport HARNESS
  • XL BLACK KONG “for aggressive chewers” can be used to freeze a spoonful of peanut-butter to help with crate training. Supervise use of the kong to be sure the dog’s enthusiasm doesn’t cause their tongue becoming stuck in the toy.
  • 100% NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER without added sugars or sweeteners.
  • TOYS are for supervised dogs: Tuffy brand, cotton rope toys, raw frozen marrow bones. One bone a week for 15-20 minutes helps dog use energy and boosts dental health.
  • Plain, canned organic PUMPKIN (not pie filling) firms loose stool and eases constipation.

Food

No wheat, corn, soy, sugar, or seed oils. Limit or avoid starches entirely (chickpeas, lentils, potatoes - but sweet potatoes are good!) Avoid GMO ingredients and foreign countries of origin. Read ingredients and be aware that food companies change ingredients and recipes without notice! Know that recommended servings vary by individual product.

Be vigilant! Read Dog Food Advisor (sign up for recall notices and choose from five- or four-star rated foods). Read Truth About Pet Food for news on updated formulas and quality issues (you can sign up there as well). Limit fish products unless you’re certain they are properly sourced and do not contain high levels of dangerous metals.

Safety

Please print these six safety PDF’s and post inside your kitchen cabinet doors to read while you enjoy a cup of coffee. When you need it, there’s no time to read it.

Nutrition

Training

Outdoors

Preparedness

After adoption is final, we’ll gladly maintain a copy of your dog's current health records in case they’re needed while you’re on travel or if your veterinarian is unavailable. 

Puppy-specific Resources

Feeding the Large and Giant Breed Puppy

How to choose the best large breed puppy food and lower the risk of hip dysplasia.

Does your puppy drink tap water? 80% of tested dog foods contain high fluoride levels.

Prevent Angular Limb Deformities in Puppies

Beware of Bone Disease in Large Breed Puppies

Do you know what to feed your large and giant breed puppy?

Surviving Your Dog’s Teen Months

Adolescent Dogs - The Teenage Years

Adolescent Puppy Behavior

Marking in the House

Please let us know what other resources you’d like to see here!

Better Days Rescue PO Box 5374 Scottsdale AZ 85261

© Better Days, Inc.