Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make — for both you and your new furry friend. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or other companion animal, those first days together are crucial for building trust and setting the tone for a happy life ahead. This adopted pet checklist will help you prepare your home, manage those exciting first days, and give your new family member the smoothest transition possible1.

1. Prepare Your Home Before Adoption

Before your new pet arrives, make sure their new environment is safe and welcoming. Think of it as “pet-proofing” your home.

  • Set up a safe space: Choose a quiet, comfortable room or area where your pet can retreat and feel secure.
  • Gather essential supplies: Food and water bowls, bedding, toys, scratching posts (for cats), leashes/harnesses (for dogs), and litter box (for cats).
  • Remove hazards: Tuck away electrical cords, secure trash bins, and store cleaning products out of reach.
  • Stock the right food: Ask the shelter or rescue what brand/type of food they’ve been feeding — sudden diet changes can cause stomach upset.

2. The First Day: Keep It Calm and Low-Stress

The first day with your new pet should focus on safety, comfort, and trust-building2.

  • Limit new experiences: Avoid introducing too many people or taking your dog to busy public spaces on Day 1.
  • Let them explore at their own pace: Give them time to sniff around and become familiar with new smells and sights.
  • Provide consistent reassurance: Speak in a calm tone and avoid sudden movements.
  • Maintain familiar scents: If the shelter gave you a blanket or toy from their previous space, keep it nearby for comfort.

3. The First Week: Establish Routine and Boundaries

A predictable routine helps your pet adjust more quickly.

  • Set feeding and potty times3: Consistency reduces anxiety and helps with house training.
  • Create a bonding routine: Gentle play, short walks, or quiet sitting together every day.
  • Introduce basic training: Positive reinforcement builds trust and good habits from the start.
  • Monitor their health: Look for signs of stress, illness, or digestive issues. Schedule your first vet checkup as soon as possible.

4. The First Month: Build Trust and Confidence

As the weeks go by, your pet will start to relax and reveal more of their personality.

  • Gradually expand their world: Slowly introduce them to other rooms, people, and pets in the household.
  • Offer enrichment: Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and new experiences keep their mind active.
  • Reinforce training: Continue rewarding desired behaviors.
  • Watch for lasting anxiety: If your pet seems fearful or withdrawn after several weeks, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist4.

Handy Checklist

  • Before Adoption:
    Safe space set up
    Food, bowls, bedding, toys ready
    Hazard-proof your home
  • First Day:
    Keep things calm
    Let them explore slowly
    Maintain familiar scents
  • First Week:
    Set a routine
    Begin bonding activities
    Schedule vet visit
  • First Month:
    Introduce new spaces gradually
    Provide enrichment
    Continue positive reinforcement

Final Tip: Patience is key. Your rescue pet may take days, weeks, or even months to feel fully at home — and that’s perfectly normal. The love and stability you provide will be worth every moment.

  1. American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Selecting a pet: Things to consider. AVMA. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet ↩︎
  2. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Bringing your new dog home. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/adopt/bringing-your-new-dog-home ↩︎
  3. Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Bringing a pet into your home. HSUS. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/bringing-pet-your-home ↩︎
  4. Marder, A., & Shabelansky, A. (2019). Behavioral considerations in pet adoption. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 30, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.11.001 ↩︎