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Bringing home a rescue pet

Black, brown and white coloured cat lying on its side looking left of the image.
Here’s how to introduce a new dog or cat to your household with patience and care.

Bringing home a rescue pet

A family pet can bring love, laughter and joy to a household, and adopting a pet in New Zealand from an animal shelter is a wonderful way to give a furry pal a second chance. But settling in an adopted dog or cat can be a confusing time for the pet, with new people, routines and possibly other animals to get used to. This guide to bringing home a rescue pet can help transitioning an adopted animal as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Top tips for bringing home an adopted pet

There are many things to consider when introducing a new pet to your home and family. SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan advises starting with patience. “The first few weeks with your adopted pet will be an adjustment period for both of you,” she says.

“They’ve likely been through a lot of stressful changes and may need some time to adjust to the sights, smells and routines of their new environment. This might mean they need some quiet time for the first few days to catch up on sleep, or they may find it hard to settle down and relax.”

Spending time with your rescue dog or cat

If you’re looking to adopt a dog or give a cat a new forever home, Dr Vaughan recommends aiming to spend a few days at home with your new animal so you can bond with them and get them feeling comfortable. “Maintain a quiet environment for the first week or so, and gradually introduce activities like outings, walks and visitors,” she says. “Set regular times for feeding, walking, and playtime to help them settle into a routine.” Check your rescue animal is toilet-trained and ensure your yard is escape-proof, safe and secure. It’s not their space yet, so your adopted pet might not feel safe for a while.

Leaving your adopted pet alone

If you do have to leave a new dog alone, the laundry area of your home – set up with a comfy bed and bowl of fresh water – is best. Or, if they must be outside, offer a bone or dog toy to keep them amused. Never leave a new dog or puppy unsupervised with a child and teach your kids to move gently and slowly around their new friend. “If you have other pets at home, make introductions gradual and safe,” says Dr Vaughan.

The laundry is also the best place to confine your new cat for the first week or so while they get used to the sounds and smells of their new house. Provide a soft bed, scratch post, litter tray and water, and regular, calm visits so you can get to know each other.

All set for bringing home a new pet

Prepare for the new arrival by checking out our range of pet supplies.

 

Photo Credit:  Getty Images

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.