Bringing Home a Rescue Dog? Have These 15 Chewy Essentials Ready

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Bringing home a rescue dog is exciting, but that first day can feel very different from the happy homecoming you pictured. Your new dog has suddenly left everything familiar behind and entered a house filled with new people, smells, sounds, expectations, and routines. Some dogs eagerly explore every room within minutes, while others need considerably more time before they feel comfortable enough to relax. Having the right supplies ready can make those early days easier for everyone. A comfortable bed provides a quiet place to rest, identification and secure walking gear help keep a new dog safe, and simple enrichment gives them something positive to do without overwhelming them. You’ll also want practical basics for meals, bathroom breaks, grooming, and the occasional accident. Before filling your Chewy cart, however, talk with the shelter or rescue. Ask what food your dog is currently eating, what size collar or harness they’ve been wearing, whether they have experience with a crate, what toys they enjoy, and whether there are any known medical, behavior...