The New York Times reports, “KC Pet Project, a nonprofit animal shelter in Kansas City, Mo., received 250 requests to foster pets in four days.” That’s a huge spike considering that, “usually, getting 10 pets placed in foster homes is a good day for the organization.”

And new pet owners need to know some very important things before they agree to jump in. Do you enjoy sleeping in late? Staying inside for the night once you’ve put your PJs on? Leaving food unattended on the dinner table? Well, I’m going to tell you now. You may have to readjust your lifestyle a bit…

First things first, you’ll need a great dog crate.

The Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is constructed to be strong and durable while providing your pet with safety, security and comfort. Two large doors, one on the front and one on the side, are easy to open, close and securely lock with dual latches on larger models. An included plastic base pan sits on the bottom of the crate for easy cleanup and for your dog’s comfort. A divider panel is included as well, allowing your crate to grow as your pup grows. Assembly is simple, with no tools needed. It even conveniently folds and carries with adjustable handles, making travel and transport a breeze. And with a protective, black electro-coat finish, it’s made to last.

Next, you’ll need the best selling dog food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food was created for the holistic health and well-being of adult dogs. All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients. This Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.

And to put the food in, the top-rated stainless steel bowl, This Stainlesss Steel Bowl.

The Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl smart design helps keep kibble in its place—in the bowl—and features a wide rubber base that keeps it from tipping, even if your pal is extra hungry.
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Stainless steel is stain-proof, rust-resistant and easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. It’s the perfect bowl for all your pet’s meals and water too. Get the single bowl or the set of two to fit your pet’s needs.
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But what if your new foster pup eats too fast and gets sick? Well, the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl is here to help!

The brilliant and perfectly-designed Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl a natural for dogs to play with their food. Add a bit of fun to every bite with a Fun Feeder! Featuring meal-lengthening ridges and mazes, Fun Feeders keep pups engaged for up to 10 times longer at chow time.

Naturally, while your new friend is living with you, they’ll need to be protected against fleas and ticks with a Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar.

With its innovative delivery system, Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar offers a breakthrough in tick and flea control for your precious pup. This veterinarian-recommended treatment is specifically formulated to repel and kill fleas and ticks on contact with no painful biting required. Inside the unique polymer matrix of this easy-to-use, non-greasy, odorless collar are two active ingredients: imidacloprid to control flea infestations, and flumethrin to repel and kill ticks, larvae, and nymphs. These ingredients work together to provide dual-action protection against parasitic pests for up to eight months!

Did you know that all animals need a healthy amount of playtime to stay active and calm? Keep your pal happy with the best selling ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys.

These ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys feature three cute woodland-creature designs. This set includes a fox, a raccoon, and a squirrel, and each large plush toy is filled with two round squeakers for hours of squeaking action. These fun toys are designed for medium-sized dogs who love to squeak — with no stuffing to ensure they last longer with less mess.

Not all dogs like the same toys, though, so be sure to try out another, like the top-rated Nylabone DuraChew Plus Textured Ring Dog Chew Toy.

The Nylabone DuraChew Plus Textured Ring Dog Chew Toy is a disc-shaped chew toy tough enough for chewing for hours on end. Pet parents can roll it across the floor to give their pal something to pounce. The Textured Ring promotes healthy teeth and gums by removing plaque and tartar buildup as he chews. With multiple ridges and grooves for added chewing appeal, this vet-recommended chew toy just may keep your favorite sneakers from becoming your pet’s next chew-thing.

Lastly, don’t forget a treat for their teeth! With Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats your little guy or gal will have fresh breath and sparkly teeth.

Just one Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats a day is all it takes to give your dog cleaner teeth, fresher breath and a mouthful of fang-tastic flavor. With a unique texture that fights plaque and tartar down to the gumline, these powerful dental chews come vet-recommended for deliciously easy at-home oral care. They’re made from natural ingredients that are easy to digest and fortified with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to promote overall good canine health. Your pup will love the savory flavor and you’ll love his fresh-smelling pearly whites!

But most importantly, it will change theirs too. A loving home, a warm bed, and some good food is all a dog really wants. Is that too much to ask?