Congratulations! You are a pet owner. Now that your furry friend has found his or her forever home, it is up to you to be sure the environment is well suited for a four-legged lifestyle.
Our team at DriveTheNation.com has compiled a few tips to ease the transition:
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Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until it’s too late to stock up on food, treats, toys and even flea medicine. If you will be picking up your new baby from a shelter or pet store, then we advise that you also make all travel arrangements in advance. This includes the purchase of a crate or carrying case for your pet’s journey home. Click here to learn a few additional tips for traveling with pets.
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Toys, Toys, Toys
Your new friend will be ready to play right away, so you will want to be sure you can appropriately accommodate this bundle of energy. By introducing new toys gradually, you will build a treasure chest from which he or she can choose. Be sure all toys are safe and approved to chew, as chewing is an unavoidable consequence of the teething process among young animals.
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Pups Will Be Pups
It’s important to remember that training doesn’t happen over night. While cats may have an easier time acclimating to their new litter box, it may take days or even weeks for dogs to adjust to using the restroom outside. Puppy-proof your home in advance to avoid any unforeseen accidents. To further assist in the training process, you may want to consider enrolling your pet in advanced training courses.
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Identification
As your new friend adjusts to his or her new environment, don’t be alarmed if panic sets in for your pet. Both dogs and cats may experience nervousness and anxiety, especially in new situations. This may be manifested through timid demeanor or skittish behavior. For this reason, it’s even more important that your pet always maintains identification. Besides a microchip, a collar with an ID tag is the second best way of ensuring your pet will be returned to you in the event he or she were to run away.
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Other Animals
While some animals aren’t bothered by the presence of others, certain pets may have an issue with your new family member. In these instances, it is crucial that you facilitate the introduction over time, as to avoid any undue stress or pressure on either animal. We suggest that you first allow your pets to smell each another through the door and monitor all further interactions closely.
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Travel Arrangements
Presumably, since you are reading our blog, you’re likely an avid traveler. While there may be occasions where you can bring your pet with you on your trip, there will be other times when he or she would be better off left in the hands of a trusted caregiver. A bit of advanced planning will surely help in avoiding a headache down the road.
What would you add to our list of “Tips for Bringing Your Pet Home”? Share your ideas with us by commenting below!
