Tips — Pet Adoption

Pet Care Tips

Expert advice compiled from the ASPCA, AVMA, and Humane Society.

Before bringing your new pet home, the ASPCA recommends taking time to prepare your space:^[1]

Pet-proof your home: Secure loose wires, remove toxic plants (check the ASPCA's toxic plant list), and store chemicals out of reach.
Create a safe zone: Set up a quiet area with a bed, water bowl, and toys where your pet can retreat. Consider using gates to limit access to specific areas.
Stock up on essentials: Food and water bowls, collar and leash, ID tags, bed, crate (if using), toys, and grooming supplies. For cats, include a litter box, litter, and scratching posts.
Choose the right food: Ask the shelter what food your pet has been eating and stick with it initially to avoid stomach upset. Look for AAFCO-approved pet foods.
Schedule a vet visit: Book a checkup within the first week to establish care and discuss vaccinations.

The first week is about building trust and establishing routines. The ASPCA's 3-3-3 Guideline explains what to expect:^[1]

Go slow: Give your pet space to explore at their own pace. Don't overwhelm them with too many visitors. Your pet might feel nervous and overwhelmed encountering new sounds, smells, and people.
Establish a routine: Consistent feeding times, walk schedules, and bedtime help pets feel secure. Get into a routine as soon as possible.
Start training gently: Begin with basic commands like "sit" and "stay" using positive reinforcement. Stay calm and give clear direction.
Monitor eating and drinking: Some pets may be nervous eaters at first. Contact your vet if they refuse food for more than 24 hours.
Be patient: It can take about 3 weeks for a pet to start settling in and 3 months to fully adjust. Expect some accidents or anxious behavior — this is normal.

Proper nutrition is key to your pet's health and longevity. The ASPCA offers these guidelines:^[1]

Quality food matters: Look for AAFCO-approved pet foods formulated for your pet's life stage. The ASPCA notes that a good quality commercial pet food is often more cost-effective than a homemade diet.
Age-appropriate diet: Puppies/kittens, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Choose food formulated for your pet's specific life stage.
Portion control: Follow feeding guidelines on the package and avoid free-feeding to prevent obesity. According to the AVMA, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's overall health.^[3]
Fresh water always: Ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times. Change it daily.
Avoid toxic foods: Never feed pets chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or xylitol (artificial sweetener). The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides a complete list of toxic foods.^[4]

Training strengthens your bond and ensures good behavior. The ASPCA provides these professional recommendations:^[5]

Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and play. Never use punishment — it can increase fear and anxiety.
Keep sessions short: 5-10 minute training sessions are more effective than long ones. Short, frequent sessions help maintain your pet's attention.
Be consistent: Use the same commands and rules from every family member. Consistency helps your pet understand what's expected.
Socialize early: Expose your pet to different people, animals, and environments in a controlled, positive way. The ASPCA recommends group classes for young puppies who need socialization.
Consider professional help: For serious behavior problems, the ASPCA recommends seeking a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB). For basic training, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) is a great option.

Regular veterinary care keeps your pet healthy. Recommendations from the ASPCA and AVMA:^[3]^[6]

Annual checkups: Even healthy pets need yearly exams. The ASPCA warns that skipping regular check-ups can lead to more expensive and risky treatments down the road.
Core vaccinations: Dogs need rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (hepatitis). Cats need rabies, feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus type I. Non-core vaccines are given based on lifestyle and exposure risk.^[6]
Parasite prevention: Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is essential. The ASPCA notes that flea and tick infestations can cause costly medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening blood loss.
Dental care: Brush your pet's teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings as recommended. Dental disease can lead to heart and kidney problems if left untreated.
Spay/neuter: This prevents serious health problems including uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancers. Many local shelters provide resources for low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries.^[1]

^[2] Humane World for Animals. "Adopting an Animal from a Shelter or Rescue Group." https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/adopting-animal-shelter-or-rescue-group

^[3] American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "Pet Care Resources." https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare