It is common for families to adopt or acquire pets over holiday periods and during the summer months. Summer pet adoptions seem like a no-brainer: kids are out of school and vacation days are meant to be taken. In addition, the weather, while warm, is better for walking and exploring than it is in late fall and winter. It’s important to consider, however, that summer pet adoptions may present a few challenges.
Comfort
According to experts, it takes most pets numerous weeks to acclimate to their new home. For dogs, the 3/3/3 rule states that it takes most dogs three months to finally feel at home. According to the 3/3/3 rule, new dog guardians should expect three days of initial overwhelm and potentially nervous behaviors. They should also give the dogs approximately three weeks to start to feel comfortable in their new space. And, they can expect it to take about three months for the dog to develop a routine and build a trusting relationship with their new family.
While research is more limited when it comes to cats, the 3/3/3 concept appears to apply to bringing home new cats and kittens. In reality, however, each pet is an individual therefore it may take up to 6 and even 12+ months plus professional guidance for a pet to truly feel at home after trauma, multiple moves, etc.
Consistency
Pets, especially those that are learning to live in a new home with a new family, need routine and consistency. Unfortunately, with changing summer schedules and travel, it’s often difficult to provide routine and consistent care for new pets. A lack of routine and consistency may delay bonds, connections, and training. For this reason, families should be realistic about their summertime activities and how they may impact their new pets’ adjustment period.
Cost
Summer is a time when many children and teens are at pricey day or sleep-away camps. Annual vacations are also booked this time of year and families are out-and-about spending money while on travel and adventures. In addition to the initial cost of pet acquisition, families should plan for ongoing pet-related expenses. When traveling or out on the town, they should plan to either bring their pets along or pay for a professional pet sitter to care for them. Many pet parents adopt dogs with the best of intentions but don’t research the cost of professional pet care. The lack of planning can leave them in a financial bind or force them to reach out to non-professionals to care for their new pet.
Compassion
Before adopting a summer pet, we encourage you to consider the needs of your potential new pet. Ask yourself if you’re truly in a position to meet those needs.
Pets that are returned to breeders, rescues, and shelters suffer trauma and stress. As a result, these pets may develop behavioral and temperament changes. These changes could present challenges during future adoptions, therefore, rescue advocates recommend adopting the right pet at the right time every time. For the sake of the pet in question, pet adoption should never be an impulse decision.
Commitment
If, after considering the ins and outs of getting a new pet this summer, your family has decided to move forward with the commitment, we encourage you to register your pet with a professional pet care company for in-home pet care. The benefits of establishing a relationship with a pet care provider are endless and can prove beneficial in both the short and long term.
If you’re an existing Shoreline Happy Paws client, please access your account and add your pet or pets as soon as you’ve finalized their adoption.
If you’re new to our company, we encourage you to create an account or contact us at info@cthappypaws.com or 860-964-0464. We would be delighted to discuss your new pet’s needs and how we may be of service, even if you’re in the midst of selecting your new addition.
