Getting ready to bring another pet into your home? Good for you. There are plenty of lovely animals out there in need of a great home. A word of advice? Involve your current pet(s) in the process if possible. Here are three simple tips for making pet adoption go smoothly.
Bring your other pet along for the initial meet.
Since we have a dog, I’ll use that as an example. If going to the home of the pet being put up for adoption, I would bring our Labrador Maggie along for the introduction if possible. It’s a simple way to see if the pet personalities are going to mesh before taking things to the next level.
A play date in the park.
Is there a dog park or other common meeting place where you and the owners of the other dog can meet for a structured play date? Not only will it give the two animals a chance to bond further, you will get a first hand look at any public behaviors that might prove to be more than you bargained for.
Arrange a test visit.
If the family is open to it, have them bring the adoption ready pet to your home. It’ll provide an excellent opportunity to see how your current pet(s) feel about the reality of sharing their space with another. Meeting for play dates is one thing. Having their new furry friend move in is quite another.
In the end, it’s your call, and obviously shelter adoptions only allow for tips one and to happen in a reasonably simple manner. The overall concept however is worth considering. Many people make the mistake of picking up new pets as though they were fashion accessories, and find themselves surprised and frustrated when home flow and family dynamics are thrown for a loop. Have any great tips of your own for incorporating pets into your lifestyle? Feel free to sound off in the comment section below.
Related Readings: Ten of My Favorite Pet Hacks, Three Easy Pet Tips to Help Out on the Home Front, this set of resources for pet travel and our own pet related section right here on We Be Sharin’.
Photo Credit: Itinerant Tightwad
