Bringing a new pet home is exciting, but the first few days and weeks are critical for setting up long-term success. Whether you're welcoming your first pet or adding to your existing animal family, a thoughtful approach to introduction makes the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Key Principle
Go slowly. The first weeks set the foundation for your pet's confidence and your relationship. Rushing introductions or overwhelming a new pet can create lasting behavioural issues.
Before Your New Pet Arrives
Preparation begins before your new companion sets paw in your home. Decide where your pet will eat, sleep, and spend time during their adjustment period. For dogs, this might be a crate and a designated room. For cats, prepare a separate "base camp" room where they'll stay initially.
Gather essential supplies in advance: food and water bowls, appropriate food, bedding, collar and ID tag, lead (for dogs), litter box and litter (for cats), and a few basic toys. Having everything ready reduces stress on arrival day and lets you focus on your new pet.
Pet-proof the areas your new animal will access. Remove or secure toxic plants, chemicals, small objects that could be swallowed, and electrical cords. Check for escape routes—small gaps that a frightened cat might squeeze through or fencing weaknesses for dogs.
Scent Introduction
If you have existing pets, ask the shelter or breeder for a blanket or towel with the new pet's scent. Let your current pets investigate this before the introduction, and vice versa, to begin familiarisation.
The First Day Home
Keep arrival day calm and low-key. This isn't the time for the whole family to crowd around or for visitors to meet the new addition. Your new pet is processing enormous change and needs space to decompress.
For dogs, take them to their toilet area first before entering the house. Let them explore their immediate environment on lead before giving more freedom. Offer water and a small amount of food, but don't be alarmed if they don't eat—stress often suppresses appetite initially.
For cats, take them directly to their base camp room and open the carrier, but don't force them out. Let them emerge when ready and explore at their own pace. Ensure they know where the litter box, food, and water are, then give them space. Some cats hide for days—this is normal.
For small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs, set up their enclosure before arrival and place them directly inside. Cover part of the enclosure with a light cloth to provide a sense of security while they adjust.
The First Week: Building Trust
The first week is about establishing routine and building trust through consistent, positive interactions. Maintain regular feeding times, as predictability helps anxious pets feel secure. Keep exercise and play sessions gentle and brief.
Let your new pet set the pace for interaction. Some animals warm up quickly; others need weeks to feel comfortable. Avoid forcing contact or overwhelming them with attention. Sitting quietly in the same room, reading or working, lets a shy pet observe you without pressure.
Expect some adjustment issues. Puppies and kittens may have toilet accidents; rescue animals may show stress behaviours. Approach these with patience rather than punishment. Your pet is learning new rules while processing significant life change.
The "Two-Week Shutdown"
For rescue dogs especially, consider a "two-week shutdown"—limiting their world to just your home and family while they decompress. Avoid dog parks, training classes, or visitor introductions until they've settled. This prevents overwhelming an already stressed animal.
Introducing to Existing Pets
If you have other pets, proper introduction is crucial. Never simply put animals together and hope for the best. Rushed introductions can cause conflicts that damage relationships permanently.
For dog-to-dog introductions, first meetings should happen on neutral territory like a park. Keep both dogs on loose leads with relaxed handlers (your tension travels down the lead). Allow brief sniffs, then move on. Multiple short, positive meetings build better foundations than one long session.
Cat-to-cat introductions require even more patience. Keep new cats in their base camp room for at least a week—longer if either cat shows stress. Exchange bedding between cats to spread scents. Gradually progress to feeding on opposite sides of a closed door, then a baby gate, then supervised face-to-face meetings.
Dog-to-cat introductions depend heavily on the dog's prey drive and training. Keep the dog on lead and reward calm behaviour around the cat. The cat should always have escape routes and high places to retreat. Never force proximity; let the cat choose to approach when ready.
Safety First
Until relationships are well-established, separate animals when you can't supervise. Even animals who seem to get along may have conflicts, and it only takes seconds for an incident to occur.
Children and New Pets
Children's excitement can easily overwhelm new pets. Teach children to approach calmly, speak quietly, and let the pet come to them. Demonstrate gentle petting and explain that the pet needs quiet time to adjust.
Supervise all child-pet interactions, especially initially. Even the gentlest child can inadvertently stress or hurt an animal, and even the gentlest animal can react defensively if frightened or hurt. Supervision protects both the child and the pet.
Establish rules about when not to disturb the pet: during meals, when sleeping, when in their crate or safe space. Teaching children to respect these boundaries prevents conflicts and helps the pet feel secure.
When to Seek Help
Some adjustment issues resolve with time and patience, but others benefit from professional guidance. Consider consulting a veterinarian or behaviourist if your new pet shows persistent aggression, extreme fear that doesn't improve, or concerning health symptoms.
For introductions between existing and new pets that aren't progressing despite your efforts, professional help can make the difference between success and rehoming. Don't wait until the situation becomes dire—early intervention is more effective.
Remember
Bringing a new pet home is the beginning of a relationship that will last years. The patience you invest during the adjustment period pays dividends in trust, bond strength, and behaviour throughout your pet's life. Go slowly, stay consistent, and give your new family member the time they need to feel at home.