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Shelter Pet Adoption: Month 1

April 15, 2022

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day is April 30th! If you’ve been considering adopting a new pet, we hope you’ll head to a shelter to find your new buddy. Many of our favorite patients are former shetler pets! Here, a Rockwall, TX vet offers some insight on what to expect during that first month.

Go Slow

Gotcha Day is a big deal for pets … but it can also be overwhelming, especially for animals that may have already been through several homes, shelters, and foster homes. Give your pet time to adjust and settle in. You may want to start them in a quiet area of your house, and let them explore as they are ready.

Agenda

Our animal companions tend to thrive on steady schedules. Get your furry friend started on their normal agenda as soon as possible, and keep the same schedule for walks, meals, and playtime. (They’ll sort out napping times on their own.)

Avoid Negative Reinforcement

Fido and Fluffy are wonderful pets, but they aren’t perfect. You could come home to a bit of a mess. Don’t punish your furry pal for transgressions: that may only make them scared of you. Focus on rewarding good behavior instead.

Put Safety First

Never underestimate pets’ capacity for getting into mischief. You’ll need to do some petproofing. Anything small or sharp is a concern, as are items with ropes and cords; plastic bags; and anything that could be toxic, such as plants, chemicals, and household cleaning products. If you have a dog, you’ll also need to make sure that your fencing is secure.

Meet The Vet

One of the first things you’ll want to do is bring your new fuzzy friend to the clinic to meet their new doctor. Most shelter pets have been fixed already, but a thorough exam is definitely in order. Take advantage of this time to get some specific advice on your new pal’s care needs.

Earn Trust

Shelter pets tend to be very loving and devoted to their saviors. However, they may need time to learn to trust. Don’t force attention on your furry buddy. It’s very important to let them come to you when they want attention. You can’t hurry love!

As your local Rockwall, TX animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering excellent care and service. Please reach out to us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.