🐾 You and Your Newly Adopted Pet: A Vet’s Guide for 2025 🏡

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue is an incredible act of compassion—and it’s just the beginning of an exciting journey. Whether you’ve welcomed a bouncy pup, a shy senior dog, or a cautious kitty, it’s important to understand the emotional and behavioral adjustment your new pet may go through. 🐶🐱

Many shelter pets arrive with limited information about their history, health, and training. The first few weeks together are key to building trust, creating routines, and preventing common behavior challenges. Let’s walk through how to prepare, settle, and support your adopted companion so they thrive in their forever home. 🌟

🔎 Why Behavior Support Matters

Behavioral challenges—such as house soiling, barking, destruction, or fearfulness—are the number one reason animals are surrendered to shelters. Most dogs and cats entering shelters are under 3 years old, and many have received little to no veterinary or behavioral support beforehand. Some may be strays, others surrendered due to difficult life changes. Regardless of their backstory, these pets often need time, patience, and guidance. ⏳🐕

🏠 What to Expect at First

• Dogs may exhibit house soiling, leash reactivity, excessive barking, destructive chewing, or fear of people or other pets.
• Cats may hide, avoid interaction, refuse the litterbox, or display aggression or furniture scratching.

The shelter environment is stressful. Between the noise, unfamiliar smells, and confinement, pets may develop behaviors like barrier aggression, regressed house training, or overexcitement. Many behaviors seen at the shelter don’t appear until after adoption when the pet has had time to decompress.

🧸 Creating a Safe Haven

One of the most important things you can do is give your new pet their own quiet space. Think of this as their "safe haven"—a calm, enclosed area where they can retreat, rest, and feel secure.

• For dogs: Use a crate, quiet room, or gated area with cozy bedding, soft lighting, and minimal noise.
• For cats: Set up a separate room with their litterbox, hiding spots, vertical shelves, and a place to perch and observe. 🛏️🐈

Give them time to adjust. Avoid forcing interactions and teach others in the household—especially children—not to disturb your pet when they’re resting in this space.

📆 The 3-3-3 Rule of Adjustment

Here’s a general timeline many veterinarians and trainers follow for adopted pets:

• 3 Days to decompress
• 3 Weeks to learn the routine
• 3 Months to fully feel “at home”

During this time, remain calm and patient. Your new pet is learning new rules, smells, sounds, and routines—all at once! ⌛🐾

🎓 Training & Communication

Teaching your new pet basic skills can be empowering and bonding. Start with:

• Dogs: Sit, stay, come, leash manners, “go to mat,” and recall.
• Cats: Target training, name recognition, and using a scratching post or litterbox properly.

Use positive reinforcement—treats, praise, and play—to reward desired behaviors. Avoid punishment, which can worsen fear and damage trust. 🦴💚

🍖 Enrichment: Meet Their Mental & Physical Needs

Behavior issues often stem from unmet needs. Enrichment helps animals express natural behaviors and feel calm and fulfilled.

• For dogs: Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, food-dispensing toys, scent walks, and supervised playtime.
• For cats: Window perches, cardboard boxes, scratching posts, treat hunts, interactive feeders, and play sessions with wand toys. 🐟🧩

🚨 Addressing Behavior Challenges Early

Don’t wait to seek help if your pet shows signs of:

• Growling, biting, or snapping
• Excessive barking or vocalizing
• Urinating or defecating in the home
• Destructive chewing or scratching
• Fear of being touched, hiding constantly, or separation anxiety

These are often manageable with early intervention. Speak with your veterinarian and consider working with a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Medications or supplements may be helpful during this transition period. 🩺🐕‍🦺

🧰 Tools to Set You Up for Success

• 💡 Head collars and harnesses – offer gentle control for leash training.
• 🐶 Crates and pens – ideal for structure and safety.
• 🎾 Interactive toys – combat boredom and anxiety.
• 📚 Trainer support – reinforces skills and builds confidence.

❤️ Final Advice from Dr Duncan Houston

Your adopted pet isn’t perfect—but neither is any relationship. With time, trust, and love, your new dog or cat can become an incredible companion. 🐾

If you’re struggling with your newly adopted pet, don’t hesitate to get help early. At AskAVet.com, our experienced veterinary team is available 24/7 to support you, whether it’s behavior questions, nutrition tips, or training advice. Download the Ask A Vet App today for expert care at your fingertips. 📲🐕

Your forever friend deserves a forever home—and you deserve a peaceful, loving life together. ❤️