Bringing home a rescue animal can be a little different from bringing home a puppy or kitten that’s come from a loving home. Often, rescue animals have had a long and stressful journey before they reach their forever home, and they require a little more time and understanding to adjust to their new surroundings.
To celebrate Pet Wellness Month in October, pet sitting community TrustedHousesitters has joined forces with Pet Psychiatrist Dr Jacqui Ley to help pet owners ease their rescue pets worries as they transition into their new forever homes. As one of only two registered Veterinary Psychiatrists in Australia, Dr Ley has more than 15 years of experience in animal behaviour medicine.
1. Give them time
“It’s important to realise that you are a new and confusing person to your new pet. Some pets are still adapting with the changes that have happened in their life and may not be ready to accept a new person. They may need time to get to know you and your family.”
2. Set a routine
“Your home and way of doing things will be new and confusing. Setting a clear routine helps the pet learn where and when food will be given, where to find water, resting spots and toileting areas. You will need to take time to find what they like to do. So be prepared for some misunderstandings.”
3. Be prepared for accidents
“Take dogs out the same door until they have learnt where you want them to toilet. Recognise that if they have been in kennels, they may have lost their house training and will need to be taught again. So, no matter how old, just keep taking them to the toilet area until you have learnt their signals for needing the toilet.”
“With cats, provide more than one litter tray, keep them very clean (but no smelly cleaners) and trial different levels and types of litters to find the perfect combination for your new cat.”
4. Create a safe place
“Everyone needs a quiet place to go and rest, especially pets who have just been adopted. Make it a house rule that if the pet is in their ‘safe place’ to leave them alone until they come out, or it is time to do something fun.”
5. Plan for holidays
“For many pets, staying in a familiar environment when their owner is away is preferred. This is especially true for cats, and rescue cats in particular. Not only are they a territorial species, when rescue cats are placed in a boarding environment, they often experience higher stress levels due to previous trauma associated with similar environments. Same goes for dogs, although they are social animals in nature, a dog who has been rescued from inhumane environments can be timid and anxious around other dogs. Get to know your pet and consider the type of care arrangements that will cater for your pets’ needs while you are away.”
6. Watch out for the signs
“Recognise that growling is a dog or cat’s way of saying “I am uncomfortable with what you are doing, please stop and give me space”. Respect their request by moving away from them. It is not win or lose, rather its being polite and understanding.”
7. Secure your property
“Check and recheck that your property is secure. Some pets are scared and may try to escape. If walking dogs, spend time doing short walks that loop back to your home, so they learn to approach it from many directions. This helps them learn where to head for if they do get lost.”
8. Keep a close eye on new pets
“Recognise that some problems will not show up until the pet has settled into the home. If there are worrying or problem behaviours, seek help early. Many problems can be managed either with training for manners or with treatment by a veterinary behaviourist if it is more serious issue.”
Want to know all the types of pets you can have? Watch the video below.
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