Deciding to bring home a new pet is an exciting and rewarding experience! Whether you’re adopting a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a quiet senior pet, a little preparation and thoughtful introductions can help reduce stress for everyone—including you! In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect when you bring home a new pet.
Introducing Children and New Pets
Kids and pets share an incredibly special bond. But it’s important to teach children how to take care of their new animal companion. Before you bring your new pet home, have a talk with your kids about how to greet your new family member calmly. Set expectations around the first meeting and coach kids on how to be gentle and respectful of the pet’s space.
Always supervise early interactions and make sure kids know how to interact with the new pet. For example, shy or fearful animals may need time to adjust to their new settings. You can teach kids to speak quietly, respect the animal’s space, and even offer treats to help them acclimate.
Finally, make sure kids understand their role in caring for the new pet. Age-appropriate tasks help teach kids responsibility and will help them establish a bond with their new pet. Tasks like feeding, brushing, and walking a new pet can be a family affair!
Introducing Household Pets and New Pets
If you already have pets at home, introducing a newcomer takes patience and planning. If possible, introducing pets before you sign the adoption papers can be helpful to see if they’re going to get along. Many shelters and rescues will actually require an introduction between family pets and your potential adoptee.
Keep pet-to-pet introductions low-stress by:
- Introducing pets in a neutral area, like a park or on a walk around the neighborhood, before bringing them into their shared home. Many dogs will feel protective of their space (house, yard, etc.).
- Using leashes, gates, or crates to introduce pets gradually. These tools give animals time to see and smell each other without direct contact.
- Keeping initial meetings short and positive. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. At the same time, watch for signs of stress. If you notice your pet or the new animal growling, trying to hide, barking/meowing excessively, or panting, your pets may need more time apart in a calm, quiet space.
- Never leaving your pets alone unsupervised! Until your current pack and the new pet have developed a positive relationship, it’s important to keep an eye on their interactions so you can intervene if either pet has a negative response.
Before Your Bring Home a New Pet
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to bringing home a new pet! Before the big day, do a little house prep! If you’re bringing home a puppy or kitten, it’s especially important to pet-proof. Figure out a quiet, safe place for your new pet to get away from the hustle and bustle of the household (guest rooms and bathrooms work great for this purpose!). Finally, make sure you’ve got the supplies you need for your new pet’s first few days or weeks at home.
Here’s a checklist of essential items you’ll need. (Psst: Feel free to print it out and take it shopping with you 😊).
Basic Supplies:
- Food and water bowls
- Age-appropriate food
- Collar with ID tag and leash (for dogs)
- Litter box and litter (for cats)
- Crate or carrier
- Bedding
- Toys and chews
Health and Hygiene:
- Grooming supplies (brush, nail clippers, shampoo)
- Flea/tick prevention
- Poop bags (for dogs) or litter scoop (for cats)
Training Tools:
- Potty pads (for puppies)
- Scratching post (for cats)
- Treats for positive reinforcement
- Pet-safe cleaning supplies (because accidents happen!)
Building Trust and Bonding
The relationship you build with your new pet starts on day one. Whether they’re shy or outgoing, your love and care will set the foundation for a happy life together. Bonding with a new pet involves creating a comfortable environment, spending quality time together, establishing routines, and engaging in activities that strengthen trust and connection. Positive reinforcement through training and play is also key.
Most importantly, be patient. It takes an average of three months for a new pet to be entirely comfortable in a new home. Some pets may need longer to adjust, and some may adapt much faster! Either way, the reward of seeing them come out of their shell as the days pass is an incredible experience.
Final Thoughts
We’re so excited that you’re considering bringing home a new pet! The early days might be a little chaotic. Still, with preparation and patience, your new companion will soon feel right at home. Before you know it, you won’t be able to imagine life without them.
Looking for veterinary care for your new furry friend? The team at Pine Point Animal Hospital is here to help! We’re accepting patients and can’t wait to give your new pet the attention and personalized care they deserve.