What's inside the pet adoption checklist
- Are We Ready?
- Shelters & Rescues
- Meet and Greet Notes
- Supplies Checklist
- Home Prep
- First Two Weeks
- First Vet Visit
- Notes
See every page
All 12 pages of the US Letter version, exactly as they print. Tap a page to see it larger.
- 1. Cover
- 2. This Checklist Belongs To
- 3. Contents
- 4. Are We Ready?
- 5. Shelters & Rescues
- 6. Meet and Greet Notes
- 7. Supplies Checklist
- 8. Home Prep
- 9. First Two Weeks
- 10. First Vet Visit
- 11. Notes
- 12. Thank you page
Who this pet adoption checklist is for
This checklist is for individuals and families preparing to adopt a dog, cat or other pet from a shelter or rescue. It suits first-time adopters, families with children who have been begging for a pet and experienced owners welcoming a new rescue into a home with other animals. Adoption is a lifelong commitment, and thinking through readiness, budget, home preparation and the first few weeks helps every new pet settle in safely and happily.
How to use your pet adoption checklist
Start with the ready page and talk honestly as a family about time, budget, space and lifestyle. Research shelters and rescues and note their adoption processes. Write questions and impressions on the meet page for each animal you visit. Buy essentials using the supplies list. Prepare your home by pet-proofing and setting up a quiet space. Follow the first weeks plan for routines and gentle introductions, and book an early vet visit.
Formats included
A4 PDF
For printing in most of the world (210 × 297 mm).
US Letter PDF
For printing in the US and Canada (8.5 × 11 in).
Digital PDF
Hyperlinked tabs for tablets and PDF annotation apps.
Ready to start?
Free downloadPet Adoption Checklist questions
Does it help decide if we are ready?
Yes. Use the ready page. Look for the "Are We Ready?" page in the 12-page pet adoption checklist. Download it free, print only the pages you need and add more copies of any page later. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet.
Is there a supplies list?
Yes. Look for the "Supplies Checklist" page in the 12-page pet adoption checklist. Every page is undated, so you can start any day and reprint a page whenever it fills up. Download it free, print only the pages you need and add more copies of any page later.
Does it cover the first weeks at home?
Yes. Look for the "Home Prep" and "First Two Weeks" pages in the 12-page pet adoption checklist. Download it free, print only the pages you need and add more copies of any page later. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet.
Is the Pet Adoption Checklist really free?
Yes, the Pet Adoption Checklist is completely free for personal use. Download the 12-page PDF without an account or email address, print it at home as often as you like and share the page link with friends. FolarraStudio is free to use. In the future, a few clearly labeled ads may help keep it free.
What size is the Pet Adoption Checklist?
The Pet Adoption Checklist comes in A4 (210 x 297 mm) and US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), plus a hyperlinked digital PDF for tablets. Choose the file that matches the paper in your printer and print at Actual size or 100%, so nothing is cut off. Both paper sizes have the same 12 pages.
