Just adopted this weekend. I’ve adopted from shelters and a greyhound rescue group. Totally different experiences. Choosing a dog that fits your idea of a dog is important. If you don’t like constant barking, ask about barking. If you want a fetch pal or a hiking buddy, ask about their activity level. The shelters have been good at communicating their sense of the dogs they see every day. Right now, most shelters are doing virtual adoptions which can make it hard to get a sense of the dog like you would in person. After reviewing their website this past week, the first 9 dogs I inquired about, the staff suggested against them because I had a small old dog and have kids. I insisted to see one and they were right. The dog was way too energetic and would have pummeled my dog just trying to play. I was lucky the last time I adopted that the dog was 95% housebroken and did some basic commands. She was 2 years old. Now she’s 16 and much slower. The personality at the shelter was shy and timid, but the report was more promising and it worked out. The time before was a greyhound rescue group that did a phone interview, then a home visit, then a meet up. The adoption required things like “if you go out of town, you will find a rescue group member to take the dog while you’re gone” and a reference from a neighbor but I guess it makes sense. They deal with horror stories all the time. The shelters are pretty good about giving you material on how to crate train, how to potty train, etc. and they usually have places that will do the first vet checkup for free or reduced price. As for supplies: food, training treats, water dispenser, bed(s), collar, leash. Plan on possibly $1k/yr in vet fees (dental cleaning, two checkups, flea and tick prevention, heart worm prevention). I’d plan on being off 3-5 days when you first get the dog home so you can supervise the dog in their new home.