Are you thinking about adopting a dog but not sure which services are most important after adoption? This article will help you get off to a good start.
It’s no secret that dogs are animals that require care similar to that of humans. Very often, their care needs can even exceed our own—and we’re ready to explain why.
The most important services after adopting a dog are veterinary care and training. They give dogs the right start in life by building healthy habits and supporting their overall health. Some breeds also require additional services such as grooming, depending on their breed and individual characteristics.
First steps after adopting a dog
Adapting to a new home
Moving a dog to a new home is a process that almost always causes stress, especially if the dog comes from a shelter or a difficult environment. During the first days, the dog relies on its instincts to observe, explore the surroundings, and build trust.
At this stage, it’s important to provide a calm and quiet environment that gives the dog a sense of safety while exploring its new space.
Since dogs are territorial animals, creating a dedicated area for rest and feeding helps establish routines and reduces stress.
Over time, the dog will begin to relax and gradually explore larger areas of the home.
Building routine and a sense of security
Dogs thrive on routine and build habits through repetition. To help a dog feel comfortable and confident, it’s important to establish a clear schedule for daily activities.
Feeding times, walks, and even playtime should follow a regular routine. This supports training and builds habits that can later be used for more advanced learning.
It’s important to remember that habits formed at an early age help shape a dog’s character. Skipping these steps at the beginning can make training much more difficult later on.
Veterinary services
Initial veterinary check-up
As soon as you adopt your dog, you should take it to a veterinarian. The goal is a professional examination and an assessment of the dog’s overall health.
Veterinarians often recommend a range of tests that help maintain good health and prevent serious illnesses.
Before visiting, it’s a good idea to research veterinary clinics in your area and choose one with good reviews. This will be the place you visit whenever your dog shows signs of pain, discomfort, or illness.
If your dog becomes ill late at night when most clinics are closed, it’s useful to rely on a 24-hour veterinary clinic in your area.
Vaccinations and parasite control
Puppies require three mandatory vaccinations before they are allowed to go for walks outside. Each vaccine is administered to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
When adopting a puppy from a shelter, you may often be told that it has already been vaccinated. However, if the dog has not received its vaccinations, it is essential to visit a veterinarian to administer them. Vaccines are given at specific intervals, with appointments scheduled in advance.
Parasite control is a similar process that also needs planning. It is recommended to carry out both internal and external parasite treatments.
This protects dogs from harmful bacteria and diseases such as worms and tapeworms, as well as from insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Neutering / spaying
For dogs that have entered sexual maturity, neutering or spaying can be an optimal solution. Many owners who do not want their dogs to reproduce choose this option, as avoiding the procedure can lead to health problems, some of which require surgical treatment.
If you are considering neutering early, it’s best to wait until your dog has fully matured and consult a veterinarian to confirm whether it is ready for the procedure.
Veterinary passport and registration
The veterinary passport and registration are the first documents you receive during your visit to the vet. They contain complete information about all services and procedures performed.
It’s important to keep the veterinary passport safe, as it is required at every check-up and provides the veterinarian with a clear overview of your dog’s health history.
Grooming services – care for appearance and hygiene
Bathing and grooming
Depending on the breed, grooming, bathing, and trimming are not a luxury but a necessity for your dog’s health. For some breeds, regular grooming significantly improves comfort and quality of life.
Regular care usually includes trimming the coat, bathing, and brushing, which helps prevent skin conditions and infections.
Additionally, cleaning the ears improves blood circulation and supports the dog’s overall health.
Dogs with curly or long coats—such as poodles, Yorkies, or bichons—most often require these services.
Dogs with double coats, such as shepherds and huskies, usually need grooming at least twice a year, while short-haired breeds require it the least.
Individual and group training
Dog trainers are an ideal solution for early training and behavior correction. They help build habits and obedience, while owners reinforce the learned skills at home.
It’s well known that dogs learn tricks easily at a young age, but building consistent habits can be challenging for many.
That’s why training should begin as soon as the dog is adopted.
If you’re unsure whether to choose individual or group training sessions, there is a clear approach that works best.
At the beginning, when the dog is not yet used to socialization, individual training is recommended. This helps build obedience and basic habits.
Once the dog becomes comfortable and understands commands, you can gradually move to group training, where it can continue learning alongside other dogs.
This allows the dog to observe others and develop social skills, especially during encounters with unfamiliar dogs.
Dog trainers in Bulgaria are professionals, and many owners trust them based on strong reviews and photos of dogs that have won awards and competitions.
Dog hotels and care during your absence
If you have a grown dog that easily trusts people and you want to take a vacation, dog hotels are a convenient option. In almost every city, there is at least one such place—offering dogs a space for rest, play, and proper care.
Dog hotels in Bulgaria have the advantage of bringing many dogs together, allowing both pets and owners to take a break from each other.
They are a great environment for socializing dogs that have already developed social skills through training and dog schools.
However, for some dogs, hotels are not the best solution. Each hotel has its own policy regarding breed and weight, and sometimes admission may be refused.
This shouldn’t disrupt your plans—there are many dog sitters in Bulgaria who are happy to care for your dog while you’re away.
If neither option suits you, you can also travel with your dog, as many hotels welcome guests with pets.
How to choose the right services for your dog
Age, temperament, and background
As you’ve seen throughout this article, every dog is unique and has its own personality, which changes over time.
To care for your dog in the best possible way, it’s important to select services in advance that can help prevent future issues.
For breeds without special requirements, the most important services are a veterinarian and a personal trainer. These two alone provide an excellent foundation for your puppy’s health, habits, and energy.
Why having everything nearby matters
When choosing a trainer, pet store, veterinarian, or any other dog-related service, try to keep them close to your location. If you need to travel with your dog, shorter car rides are always better.
Dogs are not big fans of car trips, especially long ones. Some become very stressed, and in such cases, a veterinarian may recommend medication to reduce anxiety.
If you want to track your dog’s health, you can use a dog health journal, which can be a helpful reference when discussing past consultations, diet, and other specifics with a professional.