Introduce a New Pet 2025: Vet Tips for a Smooth Transition 🐶🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Bringing home a new pet is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you already have other animals. The way you introduce a new dog or cat to your home sets the tone for future behavior, relationships, and stress levels.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Whether you're adding a puppy to a household with a senior dog, or a rescue cat into a multi-pet home, here’s how to do it the right way—step-by-step.

🏡 Step 1: Prepare the Environment

• Set up a separate space or room for your new pet
• Stock it with essentials: bed, litter box (for cats), toys, food/water bowls
• Allow your current pet(s) to see/smell the area without the new pet present

🐶 Introducing a New Dog

1. Neutral Territory

• Introduce dogs outdoors or on a neutral walk before bringing the new one inside
• Both dogs on leashes, with calm greetings—no tension on the leash

2. Controlled Entry

• Let the new dog explore your home while the resident dog is out or confined
• Rotate their access to sniff each other's scent before a face-to-face indoor meeting

3. Short Supervised Visits

• Keep initial indoor introductions short and positive
• Watch for signs of stress (growling, stiff posture, avoidance)
• Give breaks and space frequently—don’t rush the bond

🐱 Introducing a New Cat

1. Scent First

• Let cats get used to each other's scent via blankets, brushes, or room swaps

2. Use Barriers

• Let them see each other through a baby gate or cracked door
• Reward calm behavior with treats or praise

3. Gradual Integration

• When both cats seem calm, allow brief supervised visits
• Provide multiple litter boxes, food stations, and vertical escape spaces

👫 Introducing Dogs and Cats

• Always leash the dog during first meetings
• Allow the cat to observe from a high or safe location
• Do not force interaction—go at the cat’s pace

📦 Managing Stress in All Pets

• Use pheromone diffusers (Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs)
• Stick to consistent feeding and play routines
• Don’t neglect your existing pet—give them one-on-one time too

📉 Signs the Introduction Is Too Fast

• Growling, hissing, snapping
• Food guarding or blocking access to spaces
• Loss of appetite, hiding, or marking indoors

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet

• Snuffle Ball – Great for reducing new dog anxiety through calming enrichment
• Felt Caves – Give new and resident cats personal space during adjustment
• Ask A Vet – Get personalized advice if the introduction isn’t going well

📋 Summary Excerpt

Bringing home a new pet? A vet explains how to introduce dogs and cats the right way—without fights, fear, or stress—for a smooth start to their new life.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How long does it take pets to adjust to a new animal?
  A: Anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Go slow and follow your pets' cues.
• Q: Should I let new pets “sort it out” on their own?
  A: No. Supervise all interactions and step in at the first sign of stress or tension.
• Q: What if my pets still don’t get along after weeks?
  A: Consult your vet or a certified behaviorist for help before it escalates.