Tips for Adopting a New Pet

If you are looking for a new best friend, I highly encourage you to start your search at the local shelter or rescue. They have so many great animals available to adopt and a wide variety of breeds and ages to choose from. Contrary to popular belief, they even have pure bred animals. Just because they are in a shelter doesn’t mean that the animals are somehow “broken”. These animals have usually gotten there through no fault of their own and just want a forever home. When you are looking, make sure to pay attention to all the animals including those that may be shy, scared and hiding. Not all animals will thrive in a shelter setting where it is loud and confusing. If you see an animal that catches your eye, make sure to ask the staff to take them out of their kennel so you can interact with them in a safe and neutral place. Many animals will come out of their shell as soon as they are out of the kennel and allowed to run around and play. Once you get your new friend home please give them a lot of time to adjust! The first 3 days from adoption your new pet will be overwhelmed and may be scared and hide. They also may not want to eat very well for the first few days as they will be stressed. After the first 3 weeks they should feel more comfortable. At this point they have settled in, are learning your routine and are starting to realize that this is their home. They will hopefully be showing more of their true personality at this point. After 3 months they should feel very secure with their home and have built a bond with you. Additionally, if you have other pets in the home, give them each enough space after initial introductions so that they can figure out on their own how to interact in a way that they feel comfortable. Don’t be discouraged if they do not get along right away! Everyone will be a little stressed and confused at first, and if they growl, hiss, raise their hackles at first it doesn’t mean that they will never be friends. I find it works well to make introductions with other pets in a neutral space at first so that not one animal feels the need to protect their area or be defensive. Keeping these things in mind will help you to help your new friend adjust to their new home. Cinema Veterinary Centre is located at 23460 Cinema Drive, suite L in Valencia 91355, (661) 253-9300.