Adopting a Shelter Pet

Bringing a pet home from the animal shelter is a fun and rewarding addition to your family. Here are some tips to ensure your new friend settles in safely and comfortably in its new home.

• When you first get home, this is the moment for your new pet to explore and find its safe space.  
  • To help your dog feel at ease, allow it to explore the area until it finds a spot to settle. When it does, you can offer a tasty treat to build trust. You might consider placing a crate or a comfy bed in that chosen spot to help establish it as the pet's designated area.
  • For a cat, moving to a new location can be extremely stressful. Start slow and put it in a small, quiet room, such as a bathroom, bedroom, or laundry room. Make sure it has all the necessary supplies, including food, water, a litter box, and hiding spots. Let your cat familiarize itself with the room and the scent of your home for 1-2 weeks before introducing it to the rest of the house. Frequent visits with treats, playtime, and affection will help your cat adjust and feel secure in its new environment.

• After your new pet has settled in, make sure you provide plenty of ways to keep your new friend engaged both physically and mentally.  
  • Walking your dog or playing with an interactive toy with your cat are great ways to get movement.  
  • Equally important is stimulating its mental faculties. Find activities that engage its auditory, scent, visual, taste, and tactile senses. Consider providing a frozen Kong toy filled with a treat, hiding treats in boxes or blankets, and using puzzle feeders to engage its senses.  

• Finally, make sure you have emergency supplies readily available for your new pet, including: 
  • A readily-available package containing food, water, leash, and bowls  
  • Blankets for pets sensitive to cold weather
  • An updated and registered microchip in case it runs away