The arrival of a new pet is exciting for both you and your new family member. Here are some tips to get things off to a great start. The single most helpful thing you can do is to think of this time as a gradual, deliberate process, not a one time event. Adjust your schedule so that you can be home with your new pet for the first few days after arrival.
Weekends work great. Immediate free reign of your home can be overwhelming for some pets, especially ones coming from a shelter. Limit their access to a single room at first, with multiple options for things like water, resting spots, toys, and litter boxes. Then, as they are comfortable, gradually introduce them to new areas over the next week or two, one room at a time for just an hour at a time. Be sure each new area is pet safe, and restrict access to any off-limit areas. Limiting access to just a single room at first is also helpful for households with existing pets, for pets who aren't yet potty trained, and for most cats.
With cats, don't force interactions. They may choose to hide under a bed or other safe place for the first few days. This is completely normal. When introducing a newcomer to existing pets it's important to consider the personalities and temperaments of all pets involved. Laid back pets will more easily adapt to a newcomer than easily excitable ones. Adolescent dogs and senior cats can also be more challenging. If existing pets are territorial, or guard toys, keep them separated until the new pet is fully settled, which could be a few weeks.
When introducing a newcomer to an existing cat, wait until the resident cat lets you know they are ready before introducing them to a new housemate. Keep in mind that best friend status can take time and isn't possible for all pets, so keep your expectations realistic and be patient. Introducing a new pet to a house with children comes with its own challenges. Supervise all interactions at first, making sure your children know how to approach and touch pets properly. Discourage your kids from chasing or being chased by your new pet, and be sure they know how not to disturb them while eating, chewing, or sleeping.
Being able to identify your new pet's body language for signs of stress can also help both you and your children be sensitive to their new comfort level. The arrival of a new pet is an exciting time for everyone involved, but it's important to stay focused on your overall goal, establishing your new pet's home as a comfortable and safe place. Remember, it's a process. And when you bring your pet in for their first vet visit come prepared with questions, we love to help new pet parents however we can.
Things to Know if Your are Bringing a Pet Home
Weekends work great. Immediate free reign of your home can be overwhelming for some pets, especially ones coming from a shelter. Limit their access to a single room at first, with multiple options for things like water, resting spots, toys, and litter boxes. Then, as they are comfortable, gradually introduce them to new areas over the next week or two, one room at a time for just an hour at a time. Be sure each new area is pet safe, and restrict access to any off-limit areas. Limiting access to just a single room at first is also helpful for households with existing pets, for pets who aren't yet potty trained, and for most cats.
With cats, don't force interactions. They may choose to hide under a bed or other safe place for the first few days. This is completely normal. When introducing a newcomer to existing pets it's important to consider the personalities and temperaments of all pets involved. Laid back pets will more easily adapt to a newcomer than easily excitable ones. Adolescent dogs and senior cats can also be more challenging. If existing pets are territorial, or guard toys, keep them separated until the new pet is fully settled, which could be a few weeks.
When introducing a newcomer to an existing cat, wait until the resident cat lets you know they are ready before introducing them to a new housemate. Keep in mind that best friend status can take time and isn't possible for all pets, so keep your expectations realistic and be patient. Introducing a new pet to a house with children comes with its own challenges. Supervise all interactions at first, making sure your children know how to approach and touch pets properly. Discourage your kids from chasing or being chased by your new pet, and be sure they know how not to disturb them while eating, chewing, or sleeping.
Being able to identify your new pet's body language for signs of stress can also help both you and your children be sensitive to their new comfort level. The arrival of a new pet is an exciting time for everyone involved, but it's important to stay focused on your overall goal, establishing your new pet's home as a comfortable and safe place. Remember, it's a process. And when you bring your pet in for their first vet visit come prepared with questions, we love to help new pet parents however we can.
