Transforming your new home into a cozy and welcoming space is one of the joys, and challenges, of moving. Whether you hang your hat in a new apartment or single-family dwelling, there are a lot of steps to make it your own.

But for many people, it’s not only the colour of the walls or the cushions on the couch that make a new place feel like home. It’s also who’s living there, whether it’s your children, your partner or your pet.

If you’re considering adding a furry friend, such as a dog, to your home and family, be sure to take the time for proper research for a successful and happy process.

Carefully research the individual or organization where you’re getting the dog from to ensure you can verify and trust them. Ask questions so you know about the dog’s history and health status.

Find a veterinarian in advance so you can have your pet’s health checked promptly once you bring them home. This way you ensure they have all necessary and up-to-date vaccinations and preventative medications for things such as fleas and ticks.

It’s also important to make your new home feel as familiar as possible. A new environment and unfamiliar sounds and smells can cause anxiety in even the most relaxed pets. Spend time gradually introducing them into their new space inside the home and also outside in the neighbourhood and nearby parks.

If you’ll be adding a furry friend to your home that comes from outside of Canada, or maybe you’re moving to Canada, be sure to do your research. There are very strict rules about bringing an animal into Canada. This is especially true for dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies, since one rabid dog can pose a great risk to public health and other animals. Rabies is considered fatal once clinical symptoms appear, and these requirements aim to prevent it and other diseases from entering and spreading in Canada.

Find more information about what to consider before buying or adopting a dog at inspection.gc.ca/dog-decision