When adopting a dog for the first time, the most important things are: have the basics like a leash and carrier ready, make your home safe, and give your dog a quiet, predictable settling-in period — don't rush to take it everywhere to socialise. Most dogs need daily walks and company, so make sure your schedule and energy can keep up before you adopt. After your dog arrives, take it to a vet and update the owner details on its pet registration.
Before adopting: think these through
Dogs have different needs from cats. Before adopting, consider:
- Can you walk your dog every day? Most dogs need to go out daily; how much depends on age, size and personality
- How long will it be alone? Long periods alone can make dogs anxious. Ask the rehomer how long the dog can comfortably be left alone
- Your home and neighbours: Does your rental allow dogs? Would barking bother your neighbours?
- Size and space: Is the adult dog's size right for your home? A puppy may grow bigger than you expect
- Adult dog or puppy: Puppies need lots of time for toilet training and socialisation. An adult dog's personality is already settled, so the rehomer can tell you clearly what it's like
Not sure if you're ready? Try our Am I Ready to Adopt? 10-question self-assessment.
Before your dog arrives: essential supplies
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Collar or harness, and leash | Essential for walks. A harness puts less pressure on the windpipe; make sure it fits well so your dog can't slip out |
| ID tag | Engrave your phone number so you're easier to contact if your dog gets lost |
| Carrier or bag | For bringing your dog home, vet visits and public transport |
| Food and water bowls | Choose sturdy bowls that don't tip over easily |
| Dog food | Start with the brand your dog already eats. If you want to switch, mix in the new food gradually |
| Bed or mat | Place it in a quiet corner away from walkways |
| Pee pads and poop bags | For indoor toilet training and cleaning up outdoors |
| Toys | Chew toys and puzzle toys burn energy and reduce damage to furniture |
Nice to have: playpen, brush, nail clippers, pet camera.
Before your dog arrives: make your home safe
- Put away cables, shoes, socks, medicines, cleaning products and anything else that could be chewed or swallowed
- Use a lidded bin or keep it in a cupboard
- Never let your dog eat chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, or foods containing xylitol — these can be poisonous
- Check balconies, doors and fences for gaps. Dogs in a new home are often nervous and may bolt
Which costs should you budget for?
The cost of keeping a dog varies a lot depending on size, location, brands and health. Food, medication and vet bills are usually higher for large dogs. Here are the types of costs; for actual prices, ask local shops and vet clinics, or try our Pet Cost Calculator:
- One-off costs: leash, carrier, bed, bowls and other supplies
- Monthly costs: dog food, pee pads, treats, replacing worn-out toys
- Regular vet care: annual check-ups, vaccines, internal and external parasite prevention and heartworm prevention
- Grooming: depending on breed and coat, some dogs need regular professional grooming
- Emergency fund: vet visits, tests and hospital stays if your dog gets sick or injured
- Other: pet sitters or boarding when you travel, training classes
The first month: give your dog time to adjust
Many shelters describe a dog's adjustment to a new home as "3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months": for the first 3 days your dog is usually nervous and observing; at around 3 weeks it starts to learn the routine; and it may take about 3 months to feel truly at home. Every dog is different, so treat this as a rough guide.
- Keep the first few days quiet. Don't invite friends over or rush to busy places
- Set a consistent routine. Keep mealtimes, walks and bedtime as regular as possible so your dog feels secure
- Start with short walks. Walk quiet routes near home first and keep your dog on a leash at all times — it doesn't know the area yet and may bolt if startled
- Toilet training: Take your dog to the same spot after waking up, after meals and after play. Praise it or give a treat when it gets it right
- Use positive guidance. Don't hit or shout at your dog when it makes a mistake — this makes it fearful and damages trust
- If you have other pets, keep them apart at first, then introduce them slowly in a neutral space under supervision
When should you see a vet right away? Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea (especially with blood), refusing all food, extreme lethargy, rapid breathing, or suspected swallowing of a foreign object or something toxic — take your dog to a vet as soon as possible. Puppies can deteriorate quickly, so don't wait.
Within two weeks of bringing your dog home
- Take your dog for a vet check-up, and ask about vaccines, parasite and heartworm prevention, and spay/neuter
- Update the pet registration: Under Taiwan's Animal Protection Act, dogs must be microchipped and registered, and you must update the owner details after adopting. You can find a registration station through the Pet Registration Management Information Network (in Chinese)
- Check whether your dog is spayed/neutered: The Animal Protection Act requires pet owners to spay/neuter their dogs and cats, or file a report if they don't. See the original law for details
- Rabies vaccine: Under Taiwan's regulations, dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies regularly. Ask your vet about the schedule
- If you signed an adoption contract, send the rehomer updates as agreed
Basic etiquette when out with your dog
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times, and shorten the leash in crowded places
- Carry poop bags and water, and always clean up after your dog
- Not everyone likes dogs — ask before letting your dog greet someone
- Avoid midday walks in hot weather; asphalt can burn paw pads
- Never leave your dog alone in a car — the temperature inside can rise very quickly
Planning to take your dog on public transport? See Taking Pets on Taiwan's HSR, TRA and MRT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I adopt an adult dog or a puppy?
Both have advantages. A puppy can build habits from a young age but needs a lot of time for toilet training and socialisation, and tends to chew things. An adult dog's personality and size are already settled, so the rehomer can tell you exactly what it's like. For people who work full-time or are adopting for the first time, an adult dog is often easier to bond with.
Is it normal for my new dog to bark or not eat?
In the first few days in a new place, it's common for dogs to be nervous, eat less and bark at night. A quiet resting space and a consistent routine usually help things improve. But if your dog hasn't eaten or drunk anything for more than a day, or is vomiting or has diarrhoea, see a vet as soon as possible.
Does my dog have to be registered?
Yes. Under the Animal Protection Act, both dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered, and you must update the owner details after adopting.
How long should I walk my dog each day?
There's no single answer — it depends on age, size, breed and health. Puppies and senior dogs have less stamina, while energetic medium and large dogs may need more exercise. Ask the rehomer about the dog's usual routine, or ask your vet for advice based on your dog's condition.
References
Find your new family member on Ashera Pet
Browse cats, dogs and rabbits waiting for a home across Taiwan, or create a profile for your pet and list it for rehoming. Free to download.