6 Professionals You Should Have in Your Contacts List Before Bringing Home a New Dog (And How To Find Them)

When you get a dog, one of the best things you can do before bringing them home is line up a team of professionals who can support you and your new furry family member from the start.

Here are the six dog care professionals you should have in your contacts and ways to find trustworthy options in your area.

1. Regular Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian in advance can simplify things once your dog is home. You'll want to spend those first few days helping them acclimate and establish a routine rather than worrying about which vet to use.

Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and ongoing health monitoring are all essential for your dog's well-being. A good vet can treat illnesses and help you stay ahead of potentially costly health issues with preventative care, so this is one professional you DON'T want to be without!

Pro tip: Schedule an initial wellness exam within a week of bringing your new pup home. This gives your dog a few days to decompress before throwing them into a stressful situation, and it gives you time to make note of any health issues you’d like a veterinarian to address.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

2. Emergency Veterinarian

Emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, and it can be hard to keep a level head when you are in a crisis. Trying to figure out your options in an emergency will only increase your stress levels in a situation that is already anxiety-inducing.

Whether your dog swallows something dangerous or starts exhibiting concerning symptoms, knowing which emergency vet you want to take them to can ensure you get them prompt, lifesaving treatment.

Pro tip: In addition to having an emergency vet’s phone number in your phone, save their address to their contact info so that you don’t have to search for their location before you start driving.

3. Dog Trainer

Whether you get your dog from a shelter or rescue, moving into a new home can be stressful for a dog. Behavioral concerns are inevitable, and knowing how to tackle those issues can ensure your dog’s long-term success.

A professional dog trainer can help your dog learn commands, potty training, and leash etiquette. Some trainers can even help reduce unwanted habits like jumping, excessive barking, reactivity, or separation anxiety.

Pro tip: Remember that dog training is as much about training your dog as it is about you learning how to lead your dog. Take feedback and direction from the trainer so you can reinforce any training your dog gets, maximizing the odds of long-term success.

4. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

Whether you work long hours or travel often, having a reliable dog walker or sitter is crucial. These professionals can provide exercise, food, companionship, and care when you're unavailable.

You could also consider doggy daycare or boarding, but do so with caution. Evaluate the dog-to-handler ratio based on the size and temperaments of the dogs at the facility to ensure your pup's safety. Also, keep your dog up to date on all their vaccines to protect their health.

Pro tip: Have a couple of different walkers or sitters you can call just in case your regular sitter is already booked when your dog needs care.

5. Animal Poison Control Hotline

Inevitably, your dog is going to eat something questionable, and you are going to have no idea if whatever they ate was safe or toxic. This is when having an animal poison control number saved in your phone can be helpful.

The most popular options include:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

• Pet Poison Hotline: (855) 764-7661

You’ll likely have to pay a fee to use the numbers listed above, so don’t be surprised if they ask for your credit card info.

Pro tip: Have hydrogen peroxide on hand as well in case poison control needs to walk you through inducing vomiting. Otherwise, be ready to head to your emergency vet.

6. Emergency Contact

Ok, so this one isn’t a “professional,” but this is still an important contact to have.

Sometimes, life happens at the most unexpected and inconvenient times, and you need someone you trust who can care for your dog on short notice (especially if your dog walker or sitter isn’t available).

This person might be a friend, neighbor, or family member. Whoever it is, they should live nearby, and you should make sure they are someone you trust fully since the last thing you need in a crisis is to have to worry about the care your dog is receiving.

Pro tip: Give this person a key and care instructions for your pet in advance of an emergency so that if you must drop everything and leave suddenly, you don’t have to worry about these logistics.

Learn More: Why and How To Make a Plan for Your Dog

How to Find Dog Care Professionals You Can Trust

Here are four ways to find dog professionals near you:

• Referrals: Ask your friends, family, or your local rescue/shelter for recommendations. Word of mouth from someone you already know and trust is one of the best ways to find excellent providers.

• Google: A quick search can help you locate nearby professionals. Check their websites and credentials to make sure they are legit.

• Yelp: Reviews on platforms like Yelp offer honest feedback from other pet owners. Look for consistency in praise or complaints. Also, see how the company responds to those reviews, as this can be an indicator of the customer service you can expect.

• Profession-Specific Websites: Sites like Rover can help you find dog walkers or sitters, while sites like APDT can help you find dog trainers. Some sites have ratings, but others don't. Do your research before working with anyone listed on these sites.

Final Thoughts

There's more to preparing for a new dog than buying food, a bed, and toys. You need a strong support system to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

By connecting with these six people ahead of time, you’ll be setting your dog up for the best life possible from the second they walk through your front door.