How to Introduce a New Pet to Your Household

September 29, 2015

The time after you bring a new pet home is definitely an adjustment period. Even if you have pets already, each animal has his or her own personality that needs to integrate into the group. That's not to mention the fact that the new pet is in an unfamiliar place and may be scared or unsettled, despite your best effort. New pets takes special time to care for until they settle into their new environment and other pets get used to them.

The first thing to consider is to make sure you have enough equipment to care for the new pet. You don't want to be picking up a dog bowl and leash on the way home from the animal shelter. A dog will need two bowls, one for food and one for water; a leash appropriate for their eventual adult size; a collar appropriate for their current size with room for growth. When selecting dog food, make sure you get a variety that's appropriate for their age. Adult dog food is not good for little pups. Puppies like to chew, especially dangerous electrical cords and expensive shoes. If you have a large house, a dog fence will be useful for keeping puppy out of the pantry, office, or other rooms until he gains some self-control. Toys will be integral to helping you bond with your new family member. Puppy pads are an invaluable tool for potty training your pooch, especially if she doesn't have access to the outdoors 24/7. I like to create a fenced-in area with puppy pads in one corner for them to sleep in if they are still very young. (For more info, visit my article on puppy potty training.)

Cats, of course, are completely different. Even if you have an existing cat, you'll want to pick up a separate litter box for the new kitty. You should have at least one litter box per cat, because cats often won't use dirty litter boxes and might find your potted plant a more appealing location instead. Save up some disposable grocery bags before you bring the kitty home so you have something to scoop the dirty litter into to keep the smell contained. You'll also want some kind of outlet for her energy so she doesn't ruin the couch. Scratching posts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so find one that fits in your space.

Now that you're properly equipped, time to bring your new pet home. When you do, close off as many doors as possible and only allow your new pet in a common area. Let them explore that area on their own so they don't get overwhelmed, then open new doors as needed. Show them where their food and water bowls are, as well as their litter box. Even put the cat inside the litter box so they understand that there's some nice clean sand in there.

When introducing your new pet to your old ones, be sure to do so in a large area that gives each pet ample opportunity to keep their personal space. You want to make sure the cat can escape from the dog onto the sofa or other furniture if she's feeling overwhelmed. Don’t be surprised if the cat takes a swat at the new dog; it’s just the cat setting boundaries for the new member of the family. It’s completely normal and the dog will learn to leave the cat alone without hurting either party seriously. However, be especially cautious if the new animal is a rescue. You don't always know what past experiences a rescue has gone through; they may have been attacked by another animal before and will decide to lash out.

On that note, it's important to be especially patient with rescues. They are not puppies and it takes a little extra time to correct old habits they may have picked up from previous owners. To give an example, my mom brought home our new rescue beagle when I was little, and he jumped straight onto the kitchen table! He had never been inside before and was given free reign over the patio furniture, so he never learned not to jump up. It may take a few more scoldings to deter a rescue than a puppy, but be patient and consistent and they will learn.

Each pet is like a child. They have their own personalities and quirks. Just because two dogs are the same breed doesn't mean they will have the same personalities. Be patient, be prepared, and you won't be even remember life before them.