Dog Life

October: National Adopt a Dog Month

Why adoption matters, how to get your home ready, and how to choose a dog who fits your life.

By 4 min read
October: National Adopt a Dog Month – Freezbone

Somewhere near you, a dog is sitting in a shelter kennel, waiting for someone to stop and say hello. October is National Adopt a Dog Month, the perfect time to be that someone and give a dog a forever home.

If you are thinking about adopting, this guide covers why adoption matters, how to get your home ready, how to choose the right dog for your life, and how to help a new dog settle in those first few weeks.

Why does dog adoption matter?

Adopting a dog is a big, compassionate decision, and it changes two lives at once: the dog’s and yours. Dogs end up in shelters for all kinds of reasons, from owner surrender to being found as strays. By choosing to adopt, you give one of them a second chance and a loving home.

Adoption also sends a message that all dogs, whatever their past, deserve a chance to be loved and cared for.

You are not just getting a dog. You are giving one a second chance.

How do I prepare my home for a new dog?

A little preparation makes the transition much smoother for everyone.

Get the supplies

  • Collar and leash
  • Food and water bowls
  • A comfortable bed
  • A few safe toys

Dog-proof the house

  • Remove anything hazardous your new dog could chew on or swallow
  • Tidy away cables, shoes and bags

Set up their space

  • A designated spot with their bed and toys
  • Somewhere safe and welcoming to retreat to

Plan a routine

  • Regular times for meals, walks and bathroom breaks
  • A predictable day helps a new dog adjust faster

When you choose toys, look at what they’re made of. Freezbone toys are made from natural rubber. They are fillable, reusable and dishwasher friendly, which makes them a long-lasting part of your new dog’s routine. Mental work matters as much as exercise, too: here’s why mental stimulation is so important for your dog.

How do I find the right dog for my lifestyle?

Picking a dog who fits your life is one of the biggest factors in a successful adoption. Think honestly about these:

  1. Your activity level. Active people might love a high-energy breed that enjoys the outdoors. A quieter household might suit a calmer, more relaxed dog.
  2. Your daily routine. Long workdays matter. Our post on balancing a busy career with canine care is worth reading before you commit.
  3. Your space. Smaller dogs may suit apartment living, while larger dogs may need more room to roam.
  4. Allergies and shedding. Factor in any allergies in the household, and how you feel about dog hair on the couch.

Freezbone tip

Whatever your new dog’s energy level, match their toy to their chewing strength. Freezbone makes designs for gentle chewers and for strong biters, so you can start with the right one and keep them busy from day one.

What are the benefits of adopting over buying?

  • Cost. Adoption fees are generally much lower than buying from a breeder, and they often include vaccinations, spaying or neutering and a health check.
  • Saving a life. Adopting gives a dog in need a home and helps reduce demand for puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders.
  • An easier start. Many shelter dogs are already house-trained and socialized, which can make the move into your home smoother.

Adopting from another country? Check the latest rules first. Our guide to the new dog import rules for U.S. pet owners explains what to expect.

What does a happy adoption story look like?

There are countless stories of shelter dogs who found their forever homes, and they tend to have the same thread: resilience, a big heart and a family that gave them a chance.

The details change from dog to dog. A kennel swapped for a sofa, a routine of their own, people who show up every day. And it is never too late for that ending, even for a senior dog who has waited a long time.

How do I help my newly adopted dog settle in?

Bringing a new dog home is exciting, and a lot for them to take in. New smells, new people, new rules. A frozen, filled toy gives a newcomer something calm and rewarding to focus on while they get used to everything, and it can quickly become a favorite part of their day.

October is the perfect month to start that ritual, and spooky season comes with its own shape.

“The perfect size for my two Klee kai and so cute for spooky season! I love that it keeps them entertained with dinner for about 30 min and totally calms them down!”
Shayla M., verified buyer

The FreezPumpkin is made for moderate chewers. If your new dog turns out to be a power chewer, choose one of our tougher designs instead.

Whether your new family member is a wiggly puppy or a gray-muzzled senior, this October could be the start of your own happy ending.

Frequently asked questions

  • National Adopt a Dog Month is in October. It encourages people to give shelter dogs a forever home.

  • A collar and leash, food and water bowls, a comfortable bed and a few safe toys. Remove anything hazardous your dog could chew or swallow, set up a designated space, and plan a routine for meals, walks and bathroom breaks.

  • Generally, yes. Adoption fees are usually much lower than breeder prices and often include vaccinations, spaying or neutering and a health check.

  • Consider your activity level, daily routine, living space and any allergies. High-energy dogs suit active households; calmer dogs suit quieter ones; smaller dogs may suit apartments.

  • Keep a steady routine, give them a quiet space of their own, and offer calm activities like a frozen, filled toy that gives them something rewarding to focus on while they adjust.

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Written by Freezbone Team

We make freezable, refillable chew toys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and test every fill and routine on our own dogs before we write about it.

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