Adopting a New Pet

Adopting a pet is a rewarding experience but it can be a stressful time for the new member of the family. We feel it is important for people to understand the 3-3-3 rule.

Before adopting a pet ask yourself some questions:

Is the whole family in agreeance to adopt a new pet?
Do I have the time to help the new pet adjust? Will I have time after that to spend with the animal?
Can I care for this animal financially for the rest of his life?
Does anyone have any allergies?
Will I still want this pet even if we move, have a baby, get a different job, etc?

Be sure you are ready for the new pet to come home. Make sure you have toys, bedding, food, and anything else you may need. Create a quiet environment for the new pet to get comfortable and have a safe space they can retreat to if they need some alone time. Do not let children hug, kiss, or lay on the new pet. They are stressed and possibly scared. This will only cause the animal to bite out of fear. That is not fair to the animal or the child.

In the first 3 days, your new pet may be overwhelmed with his new surroundings. He will not be comfortable enough to be himself. Many animals don’t eat when they are stressed, so don't be worried if he doesn't eat for the first few days. He may shut down and want to curl up in his crate or under the table. Or he may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with, kind of like a teenager.

After 3 weeks, he’s starting to settle in, beginning to feel more comfortable and realizing this really could be his forever home. He has figured out his environment and getting into the routine that you have set. He will start to show his real personality. Behavior issues may start showing, so this is your time to be a strong leader and teach him what is right and wrong.

After 3 months, your pet is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your new pet, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

There are always going to be exceptions to this rule, but we want you to understand that the first day you bring your new pet home can be hard on them. The first thing you're going to want to do is show him off to the world, but its best to take things slow.

Adopting a New Pet

Before adopting a pet ask yourself some questions:

Is the whole family in agreeance to adopt a new pet?

​

Do I have the time to help the new pet adjust? Will I have time after that to spend with the animal?

​

Can I care for this animal financially for the rest of his life?

​

Does anyone have any allergies?

​

Will I still want this pet even if we move, have a baby, get a different job, etc?

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After 3 months, your pet is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your new pet, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

​

There are always going to be exceptions to this rule, but we want you to understand that the first day you bring your new pet home can be hard on them. The first thing you're going to want to do is show him off to the world, but its best to take things slow.