BY THREE YELLOW DOGS
Every dog deserves a better first night home.
The First Night Project partners with shelters and rescue organizations to help newly adopted dogs and their families start life together with a little more support.
First Night Boxes go directly to shelters and rescue organizations. When a dog leaves for their new home, the shelter can send a box home with the adopter.
For shelters and rescues Send Boxes to a Rescue
Why the first night matters
After more than 20 years of fostering, we know how big that first night can feel. A dog who was in a kennel this morning is suddenly somewhere with new smells, new sounds, and new people. Some dogs pace. Some hide. Some aren't interested in dinner until they've had time to settle.
Adopters feel it too. They want to get it right, and they often head home without a few of the basics they'll need in those first hours. A little comfort, the right supplies, and some calm, practical guidance can make that first night easier for everyone.
How The First Night Project works
STEP 1
Boxes are funded
First Night Boxes may be donated by Three Yellow Dogs, purchased by supporters for a rescue, or offered by shelters as an optional adoption fundraiser.
STEP 2
Boxes go to the shelter
We send boxes in batches directly to shelters and rescue organizations.
STEP 3
A dog is adopted
When a dog leaves for their new home, the shelter gives the adopter a First Night Box.
STEP 4
The family gets a stronger start
Comfort, practical supplies, enrichment, and simple guidance for the first days together.
Three ways First Night Boxes can be funded
- Three Yellow Dogs donations: Three Yellow Dogs donates First Night Boxes directly to selected shelters and rescue organizations.
- Supporter-sponsored boxes: Individuals or businesses can sponsor First Night Boxes for shelters and rescues. Three Yellow Dogs coordinates delivery directly with the organization.
- Shelter fundraising option: Shelters and rescues may choose to offer First Night Boxes as an optional purchase at the time of adoption, allowing the organization to earn funds while helping new families leave with practical essentials, enrichment, comfort, and guidance.
However the box is funded, the shelter or rescue is where the First Night Box is handed over. The adopter receives it when the dog goes home.
What's inside, and why
Every item has a job to do in those first few days.
Comfort
A soft plush bear gives the dog something gentle and comforting during an unfamiliar transition.
Enrichment
A lick mat and a yellow treat ball give the dog good ways to lick, sniff, engage, and decompress.
Practical essentials
A leash, a poop bag dispenser, and a roll of bags help with those first walks and potty trips.
Training and bonding
Training treats help with positive reinforcement, simple cues, and building early trust.
Home safety
A home emergency sticker helps let responders know a pet lives inside.
Guidance
Your Dog's First 72 Hours, our short guide, offers simple, practical tips for helping a newly adopted dog settle in.
It all comes packed in our illustrated welcome-home box.
FOR SHELTERS AND RESCUES
Become a First Night Partner
The First Night Project partners with shelters and rescue organizations that want to provide First Night Boxes as part of their adoption program.
Partners may receive donated boxes, participate in supporter-funded box programs, or offer First Night Boxes as an optional adoption add-on that helps raise funds for their organization.
If your shelter or rescue is interested in becoming a First Night Partner, we'd love to hear from you.
Prefer to write directly? Email us at woof@threeyellowdogs.com.
FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES
Send First Night Boxes to a Rescue
Want to help a shelter or rescue give adopted dogs a stronger start?
You can purchase one or more First Night Boxes and have them sent directly to a shelter or rescue of your choice.
Choose how many boxes you'd like to send, enter the rescue's shipping information, and add an optional note. Your boxes will be shipped directly to the organization so they can be given to adopters when dogs go home.
Your Dog's First 72 Hours
Every box includes Your Dog's First 72 Hours, a short guide shaped by what we've learned from years of fostering. It offers simple guidance on:
- giving your dog time and space to decompress
- setting up a predictable daily routine
- keeping introductions calm and limited
- food, water, potty, and sleep basics
- letting your dog settle in at their own pace
- when to reach out to your shelter or rescue
- when it may be time to call your veterinarian
The guide shares general transition tips. It isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian, your rescue, or a qualified trainer.
The impact
A better first night can start at the shelter door.
The First Night Project gives shelters and rescue organizations another way to support dogs and adopters during one of the biggest transitions they'll make together. Boxes may be donated by Three Yellow Dogs, purchased by supporters for a rescue, or offered by shelters as an optional adoption fundraiser.
As the program grows, we'll share how many:
- boxes have been donated and sponsored
- shelters and rescues we've supported
- adopted dogs and families the boxes have reached
Every first night is a beginning
The First Night Project grew out of years of fostering and watching dogs head off to new homes. It's our way of being there, in a small way, on the day it all begins.
Every Three Yellow Dogs order also supports rescue through our 3% merchandise donation. Learn about our impact.
