Adopting a dog or a cat can be a wonderful experience for the entire family. Being prepared for your new friend’s arrival makes the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Before your pet comes home, prepare your home in advance so you can focus on your new friend rather than rearranging your house.
Dogs
- Your dog will need a 6-foot leash, a martingale collar, an ID tag with your phone number, food and water bowls, dog food, a dog bed, and a crate or pen. We also recommend getting chew toys, play toys, and a variety of treats for training.
- Dog-proof your house. Your dog will be safer and so will your belongings. Prioritize where you would like to give your dog access and which areas are off-limits. You can use gates to keep your dog contained in certain rooms. This can change once your dog becomes more reliable with housetraining. A quiet room with a soft bed or crate can help your dog feel safe and help with decompression.
Cats
- Your cat will need a collar with ID tags with your phone number, food and water bowls, litter boxes, scratching posts with high perches, a hide and perch box, and a carrier for transportation. When faced with new environments, cats can experience stress, anxiety, and fear. Purchasing toys to play with can help reduce the stress of a new environment.
- Cat-proof your house. A quiet room with a litterbox, perches, food, and water helps cats decompress and adjust to their new environment. Secure cords, windows, and doors to keep your cat safe. You may also need to cover your furniture to discourage your cat from scratching. Research your plants, since many plants are poisonous to animals.
Pets will need acclimation time to their new environment. Some adjust quickly, while others may take up to 3 months before they are comfortable. We call this the 3-3-3 Guideline or the “Honeymoon” period.
The First Three Days
- Crates and carriers are the safest way to transport pets in the car ride home. Have towels handy to clean up any unforeseen messes. Go directly home and avoid stopping for any errands.
- Your pet will need time to investigate and observe the new home. Be patient and take your time helping to guide your pet in becoming successful in their new home. Don’t rush introductions with people or existing pets in your home. This can take time.
The First Three Weeks
- This is the bonding time and is key to establishing a trusting and loving relationship. Taking your dog to a fun, reward-based training class will give you time with your dog while teaching good manners. Sitting calmly with your pet and giving treats is a nice way to make a positive association with you. Your cat may show interest or even rub your leg or hand.
- This is the time to bring your new pet to your veterinarian, who will guide you through your pet’s veterinary needs.
The First Three Months
- Continue to establish routines so your pet knows what you expect. The more predictable and consistent you are in helping develop habits, the easier it will be on your pet.
- Promote good behavior to avoid behavioral problems through management (e.g., close doors, pick up shoes, and remove food from counters). Learning is 24/7.
- Learn about your pet’s likes and dislikes to help avoid problems. For example, some pets don’t like to be touched when they are sleeping. Reading your pet’s body language can be very helpful in achieving a happy relationship.
If you have additional pets at home, please refer to our previous blog – Introducing dogs and cats to each other, for additional help.
Congratulations on your new adoption! A positive attitude will bring about a successful transition and keep you coming back to shelters for your next pet. Thank you for adopting!
