Guide your new pet through a smooth transition with proven techniques for settling in, building trust, and creating lasting bonds.
Consider exercise needs, grooming requirements, and time alone tolerance; consult shelter staff for behavioral insights to improve fit. Shelter adoption requires preparation and understanding of your pet's needs and background.
Stock food, bowls, leash/collar or harness, bedding, litter and litterbox, scratching post, toys, and cleaning supplies. Budget for initial costs and consider pet insurance to buffer unexpected veterinary expenses.
Create a quiet room for cats with litter placed away from food/water; set up a crate with bedding for dogs in a low-traffic area. Use low-pressure introductions and establish consistent routines for successful adoption.
A calm, sniffy walk helps dogs unwind; for cats, confine to the safe room with hiding spots and vertical space. Over the first week, practice separation training, short training sessions, and manage interactions with resident pets.
Consistent routines build confidence: regular feeding times, brief training sessions, and predictable sleep locations. Manage initial introductions between resident and new pets carefully; use barriers and scent swapping before face-to-face meetings.
Choose a setup that matches your pet's comfort; use the crate as a den for dogs and a quiet room for cats. For dogs, a decompression walk and a designated space help. If behavior escalates, pause interactions and consult a qualified, positive reinforcement trainer.
Start with brief periods apart and build duration slowly; provide enrichment to reduce distress. Use short, predictable sessions and provide safe spaces; avoid overwhelming new pets with visitors or intense activities in the first week.
Add new experiences in small steps; reward calm behavior and avoid overwhelming your pet with crowds or high-distraction spaces. Manage resource guarding by feeding resident and new pets separately. If safety is a concern, use barriers and consult professionals.
Address jumping, leash pulling, or litter aversion with reward-based methods; seek professional help for persistent problems. Manage initial introductions between resident and new pets carefully; use barriers and scent swapping before face-to-face meetings.
Bring adoption records, confirm vaccinations and deworming, discuss microchipping and insurance options. Budget for initial costs and consider pet insurance to buffer unexpected veterinary expenses. Access to veterinary care is crucial for responsible pet ownership.