Resources for Adopters
Often, adopters have lots of questions when they bring their new dog or cat home. Luckily, we have lots of answers! Below is a list of resources—everything from equipment, food, and toy recommendations to training tips—to help make your new furry family member’s transition to their new home a happy and successful one.
Resources for Dog Adopters
First things first: Read our Canine Adoption Handbook for lots of great information straight from SPCA Westchester!
Food
Most of our puppies and dogs eat Hill’s Science Diet. Amount varies by dog weight and ratio of dry to wet is according to dog’s preferences. See the back of your dog’s food bag/can for suggestions.
Getting Adjusted
Decompress for Success– a simple guide to help you and your newly adopted dog in the first few weeks home.
Is Your New Dog Mouthy or Jumpy?
Click here for some tips!
Does Your Canine Buddy React Negatively on Leash?
Check out our helpful guide by clicking here.
- Easy Walk Harness (shown in medium/large, black to illustrate the type of harness we recommend; search around to find your dog’s size and pick your favorite color!)
- Mendota Products Snap Leash 1/2″ x 6′
- Petsafe Martingale Collar with Quick Snap Buckle (shown in medium, 1″ width; search around to find the right size for your dog and pick your favorite color!)
Food Puzzles: A Great Enrichment Tool
- Wusjyeda Slow Feeder Bowl
- Lifeunion Pet Treat Seeker
- Outward Hound Star Spinner Interactive Dog Toy Puzzle
- Kong Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
- Bach Rescue Remedy Original Natural Stress Relief Flower Essence
- Pet Naturals Calming for Dogs
- SynergyLabs Richard’s Organics Pet Calm
Dogs and Kids: Safety First!
- Doggone Safe
- Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent’s Guide to Controlling the Chaos
- Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the Responsibilities and Joys of Puppy Care, Training, and Companionship
- Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog
- The Puppy Primer
- Checklist for Socialization
- Love Has No Age Limit: Welcoming an Adopted Dog into Your Home
- How to Greet a Dog
- Culture Clash
- Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training
- The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
- Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training, and Finding Grace
- Clicking with Your Dog: Step-by-Step in Pictures
- Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog
- Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0: New Practical Techniques for Fear, Frustration, and Aggression in Dogs
- FearfulDogs.com
- A Guide to Living with and Training a Fearful Dog
- The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Overcome Their Fears
Resources for Cat Adopters
First things first: Read our Cat Adoption Handbook for lots of great information straight from the SPCA of Westchester!
Litter
We use (and recommend) Fresh Step Clay Litter. We do not recommend clump litter of any brand, especially for kittens.
Food: For Kittens
Friskies for Kittens (canned wet) in turkey or chicken
2 ounces three times a day (total of six ounces)
Whiskers or Friskies or Purina One for Kittens (dry)
3-4 ounces (daily)
Fresh water (twice daily or more as needed)
Never mix wet and dry food together. Never feed kittens dog food or human food/table scraps.
Food: For Cats One Year and Older
Friskies or Whiskers or 9 Lives (canned wet)
3-4 ounces (once a day)
Whiskers or Friskies or Purina One (dry)
3-4 ounces (daily)
Fresh water (twice daily or more as needed)
Never mix wet and dry food together. Never feed cats dog food or human food/table scraps.
- Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat, Not a Sourpuss
- The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat
- Clicker Training for Cats