Acclimating a New Pet to Your Home
The 3-3-3 Rule is great to remember for both dogs and cats! Acclimating a new pet to your home doesn't happen over night. Pets are fearful in new environments. Forcing them to interact with you or to explore their new home will cause distrust. You need to provide time and patience with your new pet.
Within the first few days to weeks, a new pet should not be interacting with your existing pets full-time. Short meetings between pets with positive reinforcement is key.
When bringing home a new pet to a home with children, remind you children that the pet likely will not want to play or be handled by them initially. Remind children of how they might feel scared in a new place, too, to help them understand.
Always create a calm safe space for a pet to go when they are feeling overwhelmed. Provide positive reinforcement, such as treats, verbal praise, and affection, once they are comfortable. Use items such as calming collars or pheromone plug-ins to help a new pet adapt.
If you are struggling, please contact your vet for assistance on how to best acclimate your new pet.