Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time for you and your furrever friend. Now that you're equipped with the must-have supplies and are ready to bring home man's best friend, let's take a look at what to expect when adopting a new pet:
My pet seems a little nervous and uncomfortable. How do I make her feel welcome in her new home?
- Start training immediately. This will let her know which behaviors are and are not acceptable. Pets, especially dogs, want to please their humans, and the knowledge that she is behaving will put her at ease.
- Creating a designated ‘spot’ in each room will make your pet feel right at home, as they will know exactly where they are allowed and gives them a chance to be on their best behavior.
- Be consistent. For example, if your pet isn’t allowed on the furniture, don’t confuse them by allowing them on there sometimes and forbidding it other times.
Often times, we are unaware of the living conditions of our rescue pets before they found a loving home. This may make them a bit anxious around their new human. As long as you’re showing them love, they’ll learn to trust you in time.
Will my pet come house-trained?
Yes and no.
According to Austin Dog Rescue, pets can’t generalize like us humans can. This means your dog will be distracted by the new sights, smells and sounds of his new environment, and might not understand that he’s supposed to do his business outdoors or in the litter box in his new home like he was in his foster home or at the shelter.
The good news is that with a little patience, this behavior is usually quickly relearned.
Will my pet come crate trained?
Similar to housetraining, the answer here is “it depends.”
Many foster-based rescues work very hard with each pet to have them on their best behavior prior to adoption, including crate training. An unfamiliar environment may cause these behaviors to revert while she adjusts.
It is also possible your new pet will feel more comfortable in her crate as she gets used to her new home.
Will my pet come fully vetted?
The Austin community is passionate about making our city pet-friendly, starting with healthy pets. Any reputable rescue group will have your new fur-child spayed/neutered and up-to-date with vaccines prior to adoption.
Should your new adoptee not come fully vetted, there are many opportunities for affordable vaccinations and other veterinary services.
If your pet comes microchipped, be sure to register your pet with updated information. Not sure which brand of microchip your pet is equipped with? Ask the rescue organization from which you adopted him, or have him scanned at the vet’s office.
Any tips for your fellow pet parents? Share in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!
Source: Austin Dog Rescue
Local Delivery