How to Prepare for Pet Adoption

In today’s uncertain times, there has been an uptick in pet adoptions. Due to social distancing and stay-at-home advisories, adding a furry friend to your family is a unique – and fun! – way to ward off loneliness.

But whether you recently adopted a new pet or are interested in doing so, it’s important to know what to expect from the process.

BE PREPARED

Before you adopt a dog, preparing your environment ahead of time can make the process go as smoothly as possible for both you and your new pet. If there are young children in your household, make sure to go over expectations and proper handling of animals. Keep everyone on the same page about dog training commands. Set aside a specific place, especially in the beginning, that your pup will spend time in as he gets used to his new environment. This can include access to his crate. It’s also a good idea to survey the immediate area your dog will be in and get rid of any potential hazards.

CALM YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Once your dog has arrived, the real work (and fun!) begins. A big change has taken place for you and your new pup, and it’s important to be patient as everyone adapts. Your dog may be stressed from moving from a breeder or rescue home. Similarly, family members and potentially other pets need to adjust to the new normal.

In order to make the transition easier on everyone, try to avoid lots of visitors or even excess noise as much as possible. Give yourself time to get to know your dog in a calm environment free of many distractions. As you bond with your dog and a routine is set, adding in visitors and other changes will be less likely to negatively impact the adjustment period.

KEEP A SCHEDULE

Finally, establishing and maintaining a reliable schedule is helpful for all of us these days, but especially for dogs. Routine helps all of us feel more productive and comfortable in our environments. Your dog is no different! The earlier you introduce a schedule for walks, toileting, playtime, etc, the sooner your dog (and everyone else!) will adjust. In fact, establishing a routine is a great way to involve everyone in your family, especially if you have young children. Once your dog adjusts to a reliable schedule, you can start to incorporate programs like Dog Daycare and/or Spot’s Tots.

CONNECT WITH US

Congratulations on the adoption of your new puppy! We know the unique joys and challenges that a dog brings to your family, and if you need help with training, a safe place for your pup to go during the day, or a fun and friendly environment for your dog’s grooming needs, give us a call!