How to adopt a family member’s future puppy?

November 6, 2024 9:09 AM

My partner’s father’s dog is pregnant. We are in a position to adopt at least one of the future puppies. What do we need to know about timing, best practices, etc?

I assume there are hundreds of things online about this, but I’m not sure how to search for the situation exactly. (So, in addition to specific answers I will gladly accept links to further reading.)

I’m annoyed that this dog is pregnant, because my partner’s father is not a super responsible dog owner. However, I’m happy that we can take one of the future puppies. But we don’t really know any best practices about when and how to take a new puppy, or if there’s anything we should make sure is done before we take the puppy.

If we adopted from a shelter, I assume there’s a bunch of stuff they would do (vaccines, check-ups, etc), and all of that stuff will fall to us - but what is that stuff? And when does it need to happen?

As a bonus question: should we just let these puppies go to a rescue/shelter? I know that’s not an ideal situation, but on some level I feel like they know what they’re doing in a way that we don’t?

posted by hapticactionnetwork to Pets & Animals (2 answers total)

all of that stuff will fall to us - but what is that stuff? And when does it need to happen?

If you don't already have a vet, call and establish yourself at a vet. Ask them these questions.

Your puppy should stay with mom until 9-10 weeks old, but should get its full set of core shots (Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus minimum) before then, about 6-8 weeks. Then it will need another round of core shots shortly after you bring it home, including rabies and lepto, and you should also microchip it at this time. But I'm not an expert (I was just extremely involved with my first dog who I got from an extremely involved and communicative breeder) and you should consult with your vet.

And your relative, because all those puppies need shots before they're weaned.
posted by phunniemee at 9:23 AM on November 6 [4 favorites]

If shelters there are anything like here, they are incredibly full right now - some Covid rush-to-get-a-dog owners are experiencing err, life cycle issues and either have let their dogs get pregnant or are dumping them. So if you're thinking of having some or all of the puppies go to a rescue or shelter (rescue is better in many cases if you know a good one), start on that like, today, because it will take time. Puppies are expensive to rescue if easier to place, but right now there's just a glut.

For puppy questions:

- Here's a link that might be helpful and it links to some other articles around puppy care etc.

- Best to stay with mom and if possible siblings until 9-10 weeks as this helps with a lot of stuff including bite inhibition.

- yes you'll need shots. I recommend you get pet insurance from the start so that none of your conditions are pre-existing; it is expensive and can be bad, but it also can be great. I have Trupanion and my puppy developed some stuff and even though he's still young it's been worth it (not dollar for dollar but invoices Have Been Paid at times that the chunk would have been a lot.)

- you didn't ask about having a puppy but I have a 17 month old one and it had been almost 20 years between dogs and dog ownership has changed a lot! For the better but I have intel. So if that would be helpful let me know.
posted by warriorqueen at 10:04 AM on November 6 [1 favorite]