What to Have Ready When Your Pet Arrives

Before we arrive

• Prep a quiet space. A small room, a crate, or a sectioned-off area with a bed, water, and a few familiar-looking toys. Not the whole house at once.
• Secure the yard.Walk the fence line. Check for gaps. A new pet in a new place is a flight risk. Don't assume a gate is latched.
• Prepare food.Ideally, start with the food the pet was already eating (the breeder or rescue should have sent a supply). Introduce new food gradually over 5-7 days if you're switching brands.
• Plan the first potty break. Leash, poop bags, ID tag on the collar. The first pee goes on the grass, not the carpet.
• Have payment ready. E-transfer, card, or cash for the balance due on arrival.

When we arrive

1. Meet us outside.Don't open the vehicle door yourself; the pet has been riding with Lesli and is used to her voice. She'll hand them off once everyone's in position.
2. Leash first. Clip the leash on before the pet leaves the vehicle. Excitement plus a new environment is how dogs bolt.
3. Potty break. Walk the pet to the designated area. Let them sniff and relieve themselves before entering the house.
4. Sign the delivery receipt. Quick formality. Confirm the pet arrived healthy and we hand over the full paperwork folder.
5. Pay the balance. We take whatever method you arranged.
6. Introduce slowly. Into the house, into the prepared quiet space. Let them explore at their own pace.

The first 24 hours

• Keep it quiet. No visitors, no big family gatherings, no other pets introduced immediately. Let them settle.
• Offer food and water.Don't be alarmed if they don't eat the first meal. Travel stress can suppress appetite for a day.
• Supervise constantly.For the first 24 hours, they should either be in their prepared safe space or under your direct supervision. Don't leave them alone in a new house.
• Expect accidents. Even a house-trained dog may have accidents in a new environment. Clean calmly and carry on.
• Sleep close. For the first night, have the pet sleep in the same room as you or very close. The familiar human presence helps.

The paperwork we hand over

• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Health certificate
• Microchip documentation (if applicable)
• Breeder or rescue's notes (feeding schedule, temperament, care instructions)
• Food supply the breeder sent (if any)
• CDC Dog Import Form receipt (for US-bound trips — keep this for your records)
• Our delivery receipt

If something seems wrong with the pet on arrival

It's rare, but it happens. If the pet looks sick, lethargic beyond normal travel fatigue, or has symptoms you're concerned about, tell us before we leave. We communicate with the breeder and can help coordinate vet care if needed.

If something develops after we leave, contact the breeder first. For emergencies, go straight to the nearest 24-hour vet and call us so we know.

Questions before the trip

Have questions before your pickup day? Get in touch or read the full process.