Tips for adopting a pet from a shelter

Give it time

What your new shelter pet needs most is time to adjust at their own pace.  They won’t immediately understand that your home is their new forever home and it will take time for them to get comfortable and build a connection with you. Exercise patience and let them adapt according to their own schedule. “We follow what we call the 3-3-3 Rule,” says Jessica Miller, CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society.  “Whenever someone adopts, there needs to be some decompression time. You're going through a big change in your life, you need a couple of days to decompress. Then, you need another three weeks to get closer. And when you get to the three month mark, that's when you're really feeling your true self in your new home,” she explains.  “It takes time for everyone to get used to new beginnings. So I think that's probably the best way I would recommend.” When your pet first arrives, try to set aside more time to spend at home with them during this adjustment period. As excited as you are to have them in your life, some animals may take longer to be ready to meet your friends or extended family — not every pet is a party animal.

Make your home their home

Before their big Gotcha Day, stock up on new pet necessities like food, treats, and toys and create a space for them in your home where your pet can feel safe and secure.  “Some things that you want to have lined up before you adopt a new pet would be basic care items,” advises Ontario SPCA Chief Veterinary Officer Stephanie Black.  “If you're getting a cat, you want to get your litter box and your litter. You want to have a carrier to take your pet home and once your pet is home, you want to have a sanctuary space, a quiet space that they can call their own. Knowing that a lot of animals will hide for the first few days, you want to give them time to come to you,” she explains.  “These animals have been through a lot. And the most important thing is to try and build that trust and give them time to bond with you to have a forever relationship with them.”

Ensure you have an expert support system

More than one shelter expert emphasized the importance of finding a vet you like and trust, and building a relationship with them you can count on.  “You want to make sure that you have a veterinary relationship so that you have a support system in place,” says Black. “It's always important to look at your pet’squality of life, and really talk it through with your family about what is the best thing for them because unfortunately, they can't tell you themselves.” Liam Cullin, Executive Director of the North Bay Humane Society, says that vet care for pets is an important element of the education program they offer through their organization.  “Our summer day camp really aims to teach children about the responsibility of pet ownership and what's involved,” he says.  “And hopefully they can bring that message home to their parents so when theyare considering adopting, they know what to expect and about some of the expenses that are involved to make sure that they are getting the best possible adoption experience.”  Cullin says that his Humane Society makes sure that every adopter has a veterinarian lined up to ensure pets will have access to care. “A lot of it is just really about educating people,” he says, “and making sure they know the responsibilities involved when you're adopting a pet.”