THE RULE OF 3

When adopting a shelter pet - remember the Rule of 3!

Taking home a new pet from a shelter is a life-changing experience for both you AND your animal. Oftentimes, we as owners have expectations for our pets, even from the moment of adoption. I want an adventure buddy, someone to take with me to bar patios and coffee shops. A hiking partner, a cuddlebug. A companion, a best friend.

But what we fail to realize is that your new dog or cat's life has just been flipped upside-down. Whether they were strays and picked up by Animal Control, or they were given up by their old owners, these animals have lost the only home they have ever known, taken to a new place with lots of new sounds, smells, people and other animals. Now, they find themselves in your care - in yet another new environment, with expectations they don't even know they're under (no matter your good intentions!). They don't yet know they've been "saved" by you to come live in their forever home - all they know is that their life has changed again.

What your new pet needs is TIME. Time to decompress, time to readjust, and time to form that bond we are all looking for.

The Rule of 3 is a general guideline for new adopters to keep in mind when they bring home a shelter pet, as they get used to you, your home, your routine, and their new life.

3 DAYS to Decompress

It takes around 3 days for an animal to decompress. This can look like a lot of different things: sleeping a lot, hiding, not eating or eating a lot, seeking enclosed spaces, and scent marking are some behaviors animals will do while they decompress.

Oftentimes, dogs and cats don't get restful sleep in a shelter environment, so they may find themselves napping often and HARD in the first few days you take them home. They may also retreat to "safe space" or a "Zen zone" like a crate, under a bed, or another enclosed area where they can feel secure and self-soothe.

While it can seem like your new pet wants nothing to do with you during this time, it's very important that you allow this decompression process to take its course. An animal needs to feel safe in their surroundings, and you don't want to push them to do things they aren't yet ready for, as this can cause this period to last longer, and make it difficult to bond with them later on.

3 WEEKS To Learn a New Routine

It takes around 3 weeks for an animal to acclimate to a new routine. Just like it takes time for us humans when we start a new job, go to a new school, or move to a new city, we have to learn how things are done around our new settings. Dogs and cats are the same. They watch, listen, and learn - and eventually they will begin to pick up on your routines and what to expect on a day-to-day basis.

Your dog may start to learn their walk schedule, when dinner is served and when you come home from work.

Your cat will pick up on feeding times, when the house is more boisterous and when it's quiet hours.

This is when you will start to see them settle into themselves and their personalities begin to shine through. After all, pets thrive on routine and predictability.

If your pet takes longer to grasp certain rules and routines, don't worry. Some animals take a little longer than others to catch on, but don't give up! Consistency will eventually win out.

3 MONTHS to Start to Feel at Home

It takes around 3 months for an animal to start to feel at home. This may sound like a long time to get to this point, but remember, it's been a lot of changes for them up until now. By 3 months, they should have a solid routine, and hopefully begin to see that they are there to stay.

This is when bonds start to form deeply. Your animal may begin to consider you a member of their pack or family, and hopefully you do, too!

Remember, The Rule of 3 is a general guideline, NOT a hard deadline. Your new shelter pet may adjust much faster - or slower - depending on their personalities and previous circumstances.

The takeaway: give your adopted pet the time they need to readjust to their new surroundings, new people, and new life. The best thing we can give them is time, patience, and understanding.