When adopting a new family pet and introducing it to its forever home, there is so much to think about, not the least of which is how to manage that first meeting between your children and the dog or cat once you’re safely in the door. Read on for the best step-by-step approach to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable.
1. Do a little homework
Prepare your youngsters ahead of time by talking about what it will mean to have a dog or cat in the family. Explain the adoption process in a manner that is geared toward the child’s age. Try looking at online photos and descriptions of pets at the local shelter so the child can get an idea of what a potential pet will look or act like.
If you have very young children, try reading children’s books about what to expect when a new puppy or kitten comes home. You can also spend time with them roleplaying the experience with one of their stuffed animals. Answer your child’s questions and set a few rules in advance about how to behave with the new pet.
2. Create a sense of calm
Maintaining a sense of calm starts with the drive home from the shelter. Decide who is going to pick the cat or dog up and how the animal will be managed in the vehicle to minimize its anxiety. Once you’re in the door at home, try to speak softly and move gently to demonstrate to your children how to interact with the pet.
Your kiddos are likely to be a little wound up with extra energy and excitement when a new pet comes home, so you’ll need to closely supervise their initial interactions. Show them how to properly pet their cat or dog with an easy stroking motion. Notice how the animal responds and, if it seems shy or uncertain, teach your child to stop and try throwing a treat or a toy for it instead.
3. Prepare safe spaces
Before you pick up Lucy or Lucky, enlist your children to help you prepare a few safe spaces around the house where the animal can go for alone time. A pet bed of some sort is needed. If you’re getting a cat, a cat tree or cat shelf can be a safe space too.
Choose an area of the house where the animal can have privacy and still feel like part of the family. For instance, if everyone usually spends time in a recreation or living room, a soft blanket or pet bed tucked into a corner can allow the pet to feel included but safe in its own space. After a while, your new addition will find a few other spots on its own when it can take a little “me time.”
4. Set some expectations
As well as designating several safe spaces for your pet, identify where it isn’t allowed to be. If you have very young children who spend time in a playroom, you may not want your dog or cat to join them. Decide whether the animal is permitted to sleep with your child.
Do you want it to stay off the furniture? Think about where it will have its dinner and the location of its water bowl. Also, when your family is sitting down to a meal, where do you expect your pooch or kitty to hang out?
5. Tune into your pet’s signals
As you get to know your new pet, you’ll learn how it behaves when it’s feeling stressed or unwell. However, when they’ve just joined the household, it’s important to understand a few basic signals it might be giving you; make sure to help your children notice them.
For example, if your dog is feeling overwhelmed, it may lower its head and extend its neck, lay its ears flat against its head, lick its lips, tuck its tail, or raise a paw. A frightened cat might crouch low to the ground, arch its back, puff up its tail, growl, hiss, flatten its ears, or flick its tail. Paying attention to these behavioral cues is essential.
6. Give some responsibility
An especially important part of owning an animal is caring for it properly. While your child is wrapped up in the early thrills of welcoming the new puppy or kitten (or mature rescue animal), assign them a few chores. Feeding your pet and engaging in playtime with it are responsibilities even younger children can take on, albeit with some supervision.
Older children can take a dog for a walk or clean the cat litter. Make sure to encourage your child to have regular play time with the pet, whether it’s indoor games or throwing a ball in the yard. Older children and dogs can participate in an obedience training class together, as well.
In closing
Taking in a family pet is a big adjustment for any household, so make sure that you have a thoughtful plan with enough flexibility to make any needed adjustments.