Adopting A Rescue Pet? 5 Helpful Tips From Experts
Have your kids been bugging you to get a family pet? Maybe you finally have more time in your life to give to a rescue dog, cat, or other rescue pet. Veterinary experts offer five helpful tips to get your home and your heart ready for adopting a rescue pet.
Of course, you and your family may want to go a different route. But adopting a rescue pet from a shelter not only saves a life, but it also costs a lot less than purchasing a pet.
With that in mind, the good folks at TrustedHousesitters gathered information from experienced veterinarians to offer helpful tips to get your home and your heart ready to adopt a rescue pet.
Pet-Proof Your Home
You’re going to want your new pet to cause the least amount of disturbance to your home. For example, if you’re adopting a rescue dog, be sure hazards and escape routes are blocked off. If you have priceless mementos or expensive decorations, you’ll want to make sure they are placed where a dog’s wagging tail won’t knock them over.
On the other hand, if you’re adopting a rescue cat, be sure to prepare a cozy bed, some litter trays in quiet locations, some cat toys, and a scratching post of some sort.
Smaller animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and the like should not be able to access any electric cables. For all pets, be sure to remove toxic vegetation from areas that can be reached by your new family member.
Give Your Rescue Pet Space And Time To Get Accustomed To Their New Home
There’s absolutely no guarantee that you and your rescue pet will form an instant bond. In fact, there’s no guarantee you’ll ever be able to form a bond with your pet. However, veterinary experts contacted by TrustedHousesitters advise new pet owners to give their new houseguest lots of space and time. It’s a good idea to sit near your rescue pet and let them come to you on their own terms.
In addition, that high-pitched, excited, pet-talk is not advised. Instead, speak in soft, low, reassuring tones to receive the best response from your rescue pet.
Establish A Daily Routine As Soon As Possible With Your Rescue Pet
Routines are very important for pets, and rescue pets are no different. Establish regularly timed meals, walks, playtimes, and rest times.
Additionally, avoid bringing over lots of house guests to see your new family member during the first few months. Instead, let your new rescue pet get used to you and your immediate family first.
Create A Safe Environment For Your Rescue Pet
It’s always a good idea to create a warm, cozy, safe environment for your new furry family member. Cats love cozy beds and quiet places to retreat to when they need it.
Smaller rodents, rabbits and mammals would love to have some old bedding to make them feel more comfy in their transportation box. Furthermore, it’s advisable to feed them the same brand of food the shelter was giving them for a good while after adoption.
Offer Your New Rescue Pet Lots Of Praise
Veterinarians advise you to offer your new rescue pet a good deal of regular praise. Make sure they know you’re happy with them when they follow your training methods.
In addition, regularly groom your pet if they are comfortable with human touch. If they are, regular human touch will help build trust between you and the new addition to your family.
Find out which games your rescue dog or cat enjoys the most and set regular play times with them. This also helps build a strong bond with your rescue pet.
Now, feel free to scroll down for more content which may interest you.
20 T-Shirts Every Pet Lover Needs
1) Sorry I’m Late I Saw A Dog
RELATABLE! I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve gotten so excited over a dog that I just really want to go up and pet it. And let’s be fair, I would definitely be late to things because of a dog.
3) PAWS Cat Tee
I love a good pun. If you love cats this is a really fun shirt you can grab in multiple sizes and colors.
4) Don’t Stop Retrievin’ Tee
This one makes us laugh. Journey and golden retriever fans this one is perfect for you!
5) Wish I Could Text My Dog
Same. Just same. I love my dog and we always have a fun time when I’m at home. This is perfect for all of you pet lovers who like to just stay home sometimes.
6) Kitty Biscuits Tee
One of my favorite things my cat does is knead my blankets or couch or basically everything soft. This tee just makes me laugh every time I see it because I love the little slogan. “We knead ‘em. You need ‘em.”
7) Easily Distracted by Dogs
It’s safe to say that whenever I see a dog you can guarantee that I will be distracted by said dog. Whether the dog be in a car, on a walk, in a window, or just behind the gate of their house I will immediately want to pet it.
8) HISS Cat Tee
Again, I love these weird, punny, animal band shirts. What would a cat-Kiss cover band look like?
9) Hip Hop You Don’t Stop Bunny Tee
This one is just super cute and funny. For all of you bunny lovers out there, this one is for you!
10) I Would But I Have Plans With My Cat
Raise your hand if you have ever considered canceling plans and blaming your pet for it? If your hand is up, you need this shirt!
11) The Dogfather
I mean, this is perfect for all of those dad dog owners out there. It would make the perfect gift for any occasion.
12) Creation of Adam Cat Tee
Ah yes, the creation of Adam but instead of God reaching a hand out to a human, it’s a human and cat reaching out. Pawsitively purrfect, right?
13) Dogs Are My Favorite People Shirt
Some of us just enjoy dogs more than real people. And that’s okay! Here’s a shirt for you to display your pride.
14) It’s Not Drinking Alone If You’re With Your Dog
It’s true. You’re not actually alone, and as a pet owner, I know that we all end up talking to them especially if no one is around.
15) Rock, Paper, Paws
OMG! This is a classic. Love the feline twist on the old school game we’ve all played.
16) Life Goal Pet All The Dogs
Exactly! This is a very achievable goal. Petting a dog is such a good way to relax and it’s been proven that pets actually help your mental health. So really, petting all the goals is a very healthy life goal.
17) I Was Told There Would Be Dogs
One of the biggest disappointments is going to a party where you were told there would be dogs… and then there are no dogs! This is a great causal party t-shirt.
18) I Do What I Want
Ah yes, one of my favorite cat things is when they knock things over. Especially when they look you in the eye and essentially knock over important things.
19) Tell Your Dog I Said Hi Tee
Please! Just let your dog know that I said hi, and if you would let me meet them I’d greatly appreciate it.
20) Don’t Cross Me Cat Tee
I don’t think I could ever cross a cat. They are some of the toughest creatures on the planet, and they are ready to show you their paws!
Bonus: Corgi Chonk Tee
This is definitely a bonus item for all the corgi lovers out there like me. I love how cute corgis are and we all know that corgis have such cute little behinds. So this Chonk tee is perfect for anyone who loves or owns a corgi!
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
