The decision to bring a rescue pet to your home can be exciting and rewarding. Not only will it cost you less, but having a pet can also affect your lifestyle positively in many ways. Nevertheless, keep in mind that a rescue pet can take longer to settle into your new life in comparison to other pets, possibly due to a difficult past or unsettled background.
What many new pet owners don’t realize is that this process often requires a great amount of planning, preparation, and patience. Therefore, to make things as easy as possible, we will take a closer look at a few unique factors you will need to consider if you have never rescued a pet before.
Doing Your Research
Once you have decided that you want to take on a rescue pet, it is important to determine the type of pet that will be right for your lifestyle and household. For example, if you want to bring a rescue dog home, you will need to ensure that you have enough time to devote to their needs.
Also, you should make sure that nobody in your household is allergic prior to visiting a rescue. Doing your research early on will make your decision easier. This will ensure that your new rescue pet will feel happy with your family.
Considering Veterinary Care
It is crucial to choose a great veterinary practice for the new member of your household. For example, Furdunkin provides an anxiety-free health care experience through its mobile vet service, emergency vet care, and specialty care. This allows animals to relax from the comfort of homes, which produces more accurate test results and eliminates the stress of traveling and waiting.
Their hospital is fully equipped with advanced equipment and experienced staff is there to help you get your rescue pet the treatment and relief they need for all types of injuries and accidents. Moreover, if the situation requires a different set of expertise, Furdunkin will direct you to the right solution for your pet.
Waiting For The Right Pet
You shouldn’t lose hope if you don’t find the right pet straightaway. Rescues work hard to end pet overpopulation and help pet owners keep their pets, which means that the number of rescue animals will decrease.
However, if your rescue doesn’t have the best fit for you, they might recommend different places to search for next. It’s also essential to take on a pet that is the right breed. This will ensure that you understand their inherited health issues, activity levels, nutritional needs, as well as weight and size.
Choosing The Best Time
Another key thing to consider when it comes to taking on a rescue pet is whether now is the right time for you. For example, if you are in the middle of a house move or you are planning a holiday at the moment, it might be better to postpone rescuing a pet until all of these other responsibilities and commitments are out of the way.
When a new pet comes into your life, it is always important to be able to give them your full attention. Some rescue pets might be nervous in their new environments, and a busy household can sometimes be terrifying.
Preparing Your Home
Ensure that you are prepared so that you have everything you need to make your pet feel comfortable and content as they get accustomed to their new home. It is likely that both you and your rescue pet will feel nervous on the first day, so you can help them settle in quickly with some forward thinking.
This means that you won’t need to head out on last-minute trips to the pet shop to get supplies. You may also want to tuck away electrical cords and put away children’s toys that your new pet might swallow.
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Making Introductions
When it comes to introducing your new pet to children and other pets, it is crucial to avoid distressing your new pet. It may be beneficial to explain to children that they should sit quietly and wait to see if the pet would like to approach them at that time.
They shouldn’t shout or make any sudden movements. As a result, your new companion will be able to assess the situation on their own terms, allowing them to approach your family more carefully. You may also want to supervise mealtimes until your pet is fully settled.
Developing A Bond
Although it may feel tempting to rush the process of developing a bond with your new pet, this might feel a bit intimidating to them. If you are constantly stroking them or picking them up, this might make the process even more difficult.
Instead, it’s advisable to take things slowly and allow the pet to approach you. You can start by sitting calmly, speaking gently, and just being in the same room as them. This will let them know that there is nothing to be scared of and that you can build a strong bond.
Establishing A Daily Schedule
Providing consistency can help your new pet understand what they can expect every day. Be sure to establish a daily schedule by keeping mealtimes regular. This will make them feel more relaxed and content with their new routine. It is important to stop your pet from engaging in bad habits, which can later become entrenched.
Cutting them slack, in the beginning, can do more harm than good in the long term. With perseverance, you will notice that your pet is starting to learn the correct way to behave in your home.
Setting Enough Time Aside
A pet that has recently been adopted from a rescue might not have been in a typical home setting for a long time, meaning that it might need more time and attention than you think. Therefore, you should free some time from your schedule, especially in the beginning.
Your new pet may easily become anxious and may need a few months to adjust properly to its new family and environment. If you want to earn their trust and reassure them that they are in a safe space, you should avoid leaving them alone to make sure there are no issues.
Being Patient
Some rescue pets may not behave as you would expect. In some cases, they might become aggressive or protective over things that they see as theirs. As a result, it is important to develop patience and learn how to manage your pet’s stress.
For example, not all rescue dogs will be trained, so you may need to take the time to properly train them in your house. Similarly, with cats, you may need to develop an understanding of their scratching habits at first. In addition, bear in mind that your pet’s true personality might show only after a few weeks have passed.
Allowing Them Their Own Space
Allowing your pet to have their own space is a great way to ensure that they have a safe space they can retreat to in case they feel scared or overwhelmed. For example, this might be a comfortable crate in a quieter corner of the room.
Also, if you notice that your pet prefers to sleep in a certain part of your home, it might be beneficial to place their crate or bed there. This will provide them with the peace and privacy they may need from time to time, especially if there is a lot going on in your household.
