Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but a little prep goes a long way in helping them feel safe and settle in faster.
Create a Safe Space
it’s a good idea to create a quiet, designated space where they can decompress. This area can include a comfortable bed, fresh water, and a few toys so they a place to relax and adjust during those first few days.
Pet-proof Your Home
Secure loose cords, keep trash cans covered, and make sure toxic plants, cleaning supplies, medications, and small objects are safely out of reach. Think of it as baby-proofing, this is your new child after all!
Plan Introductions Carefully
If you’re introducing your new pet to other pets at home, it is very important to take things slowly. This allows your new pet to explore at their own pace while keeping initial interactions calm and supervised, while setting the stage for a positive relationship.
Plan for the First Few Days
Your new pet may be nervous at first and could exhibit behaviors like hiding or whining. Keeping things low-key and avoiding overwhelming them with too many visitors can help ease the transition. Patience and understanding go a long way during this time.
Find your Vet & Resources
Finally, make sure you have a veterinarian lined up and are familiar with local pet resources. Remedy Vet is operated by the Atlanta Humane Society and provides affordable veterinary services to pet owners in need by appointment only. Click here to learn more about Remedy.
Welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting process that takes time, patience, and a little preparation. If you’re interested in any of the resources Atlanta Humane provides, click here to learn more.
