Are you thinking of expanding your furry family? Adopting a shelter or rescue pet is exciting, but it also requires planning and effort to ensure a smooth transition. This is especially true for pets who may have gone from home to home before finding their forever family. Here are our tips for the first three days, weeks, and months.

The first three days with a new pet

In the first three days with your new rescue pet, they may be unwilling to interact much with your family, reluctant to eat, and uninterested in walks or playtime, and they may spend much of their time in their crate or another safe place. Your new pet is likely uneasy because they have been uprooted yet again. They will need time to settle in and learn your voices, scents, and routine without being pushed. 

The first three weeks with a new pet

After three weeks, your new pet should begin to realize this is their forever home and to show their true personality. They have likely learned the routine, such as when to expect dinner, but may still be having training issues and need a refresher house-training course. Teach them as you would a new puppy or kitten—rather than an adult—with patience, using positive reinforcement to reward their appropriate behavior. Gently teach your new dog where to eliminate outdoors or confine your older cat with their food, water, bed, and litter box to retrain them to use a box. 

The first three months with a new pet

When the three-month period rolls around, your new pet should be settled in and understand the household schedule and rules. They may still have some training or behavior issues, but lifelong training is an excellent way to develop a deep relationship with your pet. At this point, you’ve picked up on your pet’s little quirks that make them unique, special, and your new best friend.

We can’t wait to meet your new furry companion! Contact us to schedule a wellness exam and determine a vaccination schedule to help keep your pet happy and healthy.