Introducing a New Pet

Education + Patience = Happy, Permanent Adoptions

The Heart of America Humane Society strives to get animals out of shelters and into permanent homes - for life. Our aim is to connect people with animal companions who commit to each other through thick and thin, without automatically throwing in the towel after the first sign of "bad behavior" from either party. (There are some situations that occur like unforeseen allergies, but most of the time there are alternative things you can try before giving up.)

The last thing we want for an adopted animal? Uselessness:

• to be cast out
• dumped or abandoned along a country road
• dropped off (again) at a shelter as a stray that was mysteriously "found"
• shoved off through a "Free to Good Home" ad in the classifieds because it "just didn't work out" - after 2 days

Reminder: HAHS-adopted animals are required to be returned to HAHS; more policies here.

We think better education up front for the new owner can also help the animal as they make the transition together into the home (with or without existing animals).

Introducing New Pets to Existing Animals at Home

The reasons which initially motivate people to adopt a new animal are many: the excitement of a new family member; helping a puppy or kitten grow into an adult; the chance to give and receive unconditional love. In some situations though, perhaps too much attention is focused on simply finding and getting the new pet, buying new chew toys, treats, collars, a cushy bed, getting the Vet check up, etc.

Another very important consideration in the adoption process must recognize the temperaments and pending reaction of any existing animals in the home. Current animals may have absolutely no interest in accepting a new "intruder", even though the benevolent intent of their owner was to "get someone for you to play with while I'm gone", to which the 90-pound Mastiff thinks, "Oh yeah, right."

An owner's understanding, patience, and consistency are important ingredients for success. Pet adoptions sometimes "fail" quickly due to owners' preconceived and flawed notions about how multiple animals should, could, or WILL get along together under one roof. They often "fail" within the first month, after loud exchanges between the two (or more) sides in the ensuing battles. Human definitions of "companionship", "togetherness", or "peace and harmony" don't necessarily blend well with primitive drives instilled within our animals, who are strongly influenced by the "pack" concept and their own relative place within that hidden, but established, hierarchy.

Unrecognized by most owners, they themselves are probably already part of the existing animals' pack - a system which balances dominant/submissive personalities, male/female and physical size differences, and protective/permissive behaviors. The effects of intrusions which shake this balance should be considered before all the animals are simply put together with the owner somewhere nearby - like a boxing match with a referee.

Introduction Methods that Have Worked for Our Volunteers

The observations below come from HAHS volunteers who have lived through many difficult and wonderful introductions in their own homes, either for permanent adoptions or temporary fostering. Hoping to provide insight to prospective pet owners and animal foster families, their suggestions and tips are now offered here -- real-world experiences which worked for them (but in practice your mileage may vary).

A New Dog Meeting Your Current Dog:

When I bring home a new foster dog, since I already have my three in the house, I take the new dog into the backyard first to sniff and eliminate there. This is very exciting to the new dog because he can smell all the smells of my three dogs, even though he hasn’t met them yet . . . "introductions" are already in progress! Then I put him downstairs and let my dogs out into the yard to investigate the smells left by the new guy. At that point, I let them come into the basement area to see the new dog (who is in a dog pen), or invite the new dog into the backyard with one or all of my dogs. I stay pretty much away so not to invoke any jealously or protectiveness, and let all the dogs do their introductory dances with each other.
--- Alice Beshoner

Take them to a neutral meeting space like a park and let them meet each other.
--- Jennifer Lovins

A New Dog Meeting Your Current Cat:

Put the cat in a pet carrier and the dog in a puppy pen or crate. Put both near each other and let them sniff and get used to each other slowly. Do it for 15 minutes the first time and then increase by 5 minutes each time.
--- Jennifer Lovins