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Thinking of adopting a new dog or cat? Here’s how to introduce an animal to your household with patience and care.
Settling in
A family pet can bring love, laughter and joy to a household, and adopting one from an animal shelter is a wonderful way to give a furry pal a second chance. But introducing an adopted dog or cat to your family home can be a confusing time for the pet, with new people, routines and possibly other animals to get used to. RSPCA NSW spokesperson Kieran Watson advises patience. “It can take around three weeks for an adopted dog or cat to start to relax and be themselves, especially if they have spent some time in a shelter,” he says.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog or give a cat a new forever home, he recommends aiming to spend a few days at home with your new animal so you can get to know each other and settle them in. Check they are toilet-trained and ensure your yard is escape-proof, safe and secure. It’s not their space yet, so your adopted pet won’t feel safe for a while.
If you do have to leave a new dog alone, the laundry area of your home with a comfy bed and bowlof fresh water is best; if they must be outside, offer a bone or dog toy to keep them amused. Never leave a new dog or puppy unsupervised with a child and teach your kids to move gently and slowly around their new friend.
The laundry is also the best place to confine your new cat for the first week or so while they get used to the sounds and smells of their new house. Provide a soft bed, scratch post, litter tray and water, and regular, calm visits so you can get to know each other.