This past spring, we welcomed three new rescues to our furamily. At the end of January 2022, we adopted Mac (female) and Iggy (male), a three-year-old bonded brother and sister pair from Colorado Pug Rescue. Harper, our deaf rescue Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler, said goodbye to her 16-year-old mini poodle buddy, Zach, in May 2021. Unfortunately, we also had to say goodbye to our sweet Sydney kitty in May 2022. We found Dozer, a five-year-old grey tabby whose dad passed away recently, via the NextDoor app in June 2022. From past experience with rescuing other furbabies and volunteering at Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue, we knew there would be a few bumps in the road when adding to our family. However, If you’re new to rescuing pets, we wanted to share tips to transition your pet to a new home.
Dozer
Iggy (left) and Mac
Images courtesy of Jessica Sullivan
Why the concern?
Anytime any sentient being changes where they live is stressful. Unfortunately, with rescue animals, the shelter or rescue may be unaware of what happened to them in their previous home. In our case, Mac and Iggy were surrendered to the rescue because of fear of strangers. At their last home, many unfamiliar people were coming and going, which really stressed them out. Additionally, we were their fourth home—including their foster home—in three years. Knowing those facts, we expected it would take a while for them to settle in here.
Tips to transition your pet to a new home
Anytime a pet changes residence, it is just as stressful for them as it is for you when you move. Throw in relocation from a rescue or foster home to their furever home, which magnifies the stress even more. Therefore, consider using PDSA’s tips to transition your pet to a new home.
- Get all the pet supplies before you adopt.
- Schedule a wellness exam with your vet within a week of adoption.
- Keep things calm and quiet.
- Take them on a tour, including where to potty, locate their water bowl and food, and show them their bed, crate, enclosure, etc.
- Limit their movement, but expect accidents and mistakes.
- Set a routine and stick with it.
- Practice pawsitive, reward-based training daily.
- Spend lots of time with your new pet to build your relationship
- Introduce family and friends slowly.
We can’t say it enough: take it slow when bringing home a new feather, fur, or scaly baby. If you’ve got any tips to transition your pet to a new home, please email or comment on our socials. Here’s to a lifetime of health and hoppiness with your precious pets.
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VETERINARY DISCLAIMER: We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice. If your pet is acting unwell, you have concerns for their well being, or before adding any new product, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
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