User RoadMaps

The user roadmaps are checklists that support your efforts in addressing the welfare of dogs and puppies in your care by:

1) Providing important preparation questions to consider

2) Linking to resources in this website to help you reflect on the questions

Regardless of the environment in which dogs and puppies live, it is critical that humans are well-prepared for their care and meet their physical and psychological needs in order to support good welfare. This care will look slightly different for each individual dog depending upon life stage, breed, temperament, health status, and other unique attributes. There are also important environment-specific considerations.

Caretakers in breeding kennels, shelters and rescues, research and teaching facilities, and in the home must all evaluate the needs of their dog(s) and how they can best address these needs. For some, this might include decisions regarding how to appropriately match and size group housing while for others this might entail participation in training classes. Caring for dogs is a big undertaking that requires advance planning and preparation. Doing so will best set dogs up for success and prepare them to lead healthy and happy lives.