Ready to Adopt? How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet

Deciding to adopt a pet from the shelter can be an exciting experience for you and your family. But too often, pets come home to a house that isn’t truly ready to welcome them.

Before you pick up your new family pet, make sure you have taken the time to prepare your house and your family for what the new dog or cat’s life will be like. Remember that upfront preparation can save you and your new pet a lot of stress and heartache. Try a few simple tips so that you and your pet will know exactly what to expect.

Before You Bring Them Home

If you’re still in the planning stages of bringing home a new pet, make sure you spend the time doing your research! Decide what type of pet you want, whether you’d like an older or younger animal, and think about grooming requirements and activity levels. This ensures you have selected an animal that will best fit you and your family’s lifestyle, making it more likely you’ll experience a successful adoption.

Once you’ve decided on the right pet for you, it’s time to do a little home preparation. Puppy or kitten proof your home by cleaning up loose electrical cords, moving any house plants out of reach, making sure that chemicals and cleaning products are secured away from your new pet, and install some gates or set up a crate. You’ll want to create a safe space for your new dog or cat to spend the first few days where they can feel comfortable and secure while staying safely out of trouble.

If your pet is going to spending some time outside, prepare your backyard and the perimeter of your house as well. Make sure you know the types of plants around your home; many species of plants are toxic to dogs and cats, so you’ll want to be sure you keep them out of reach. If you don’t already have one, consider setting up a fence around the perimeter of your backyard. This will give your new dog a safe space to explore the outside and get some exercise. Fences are less of a problem for cats, so consider keeping your new cat inside or setting up a “catio” for them to experience the outdoors while still staying safe.

Lastly, make sure you’ve purchased everything you’ll need for your new animal, like food, toys, crates, bedding, or anything else you may need. Shopping for pet supplies early will save you the rush to the pet store with your new pet in tow. If you already have everything you need, your pet will be able to come right home to a prepared space!

The First Few Days in a New Space

Keep your new pet under supervision for the first few days at home. They’ll be adjusting to a new environment, and it can be a stressful time for your new friend. You can use the 3-3-3 rule to track your new pet’s progress in adjusting to you and your home. This rule involves three important milestones in the adjustment period: the first three days, the first three weeks, and the first three months.

During the first three days, a new animal is taking it all in; they may be stressed or nervous, so don’t be alarmed if your new pet doesn’t want to come out of the secure area you’ve made for them or if they don’t seem to want to eat much. You won’t be seeing a pet’s real personality during this period, so just stay patient.

Within the first three weeks, your pet will begin getting comfortable with your home and routine. You’ll begin to see your new pet’s new personality, and behavioral issues may start to make an appearance. It’s best to correct any issues as they occur, otherwise you may have a bigger problem down the road. Once you’ve reached three months, your new pet should be pretty much comfortable in their new environment. They’ll be well into a routine and feeling right at home with you and your family. Keep watching them for any behavioral changes, but all in all, if you’ve made it to three months successfully, it’s a good sign that you’re in the clear.

Now, if you have other pets in the home, you’ll want to keep them separate for at least a day before introducing the new pet into the family. Food can be used as a tool to help animals get acquainted. Feeding them at the same time with separation from a barrier can help your animals associate each other’s scents with mealtime, creating a positive association for your pet. Try to let cats make introductions on their own, always ensuring there is a safe escape route in place for them if things get uncomfortable. Always supervise introductions, and remember to take it slow!

Next Steps

Once you’ve taken these preparatory steps and helped your pet get comfortable with their new space, you can start to relax. Remember, your new pet is your new best friend! Play with them, take them for walks, and start building that relationship. Adopting a pet is rewarding and fun, so long as you know what you can expect!