by Team WellJoy
“It’s taken Marmalade a few months to get used to us, but with a lot of patience and gentle encouragement he’s finally started exploring his new home, and we’re catching a few flashes of the sassy personality he’s been hiding.”
Rescuing a pet is a wonderful thing. It’s also very necessary; in 2025, an estimated 5.6 million dogs and cats entered a US shelter. Around 4.2 million of them were adopted, but that leaves lots more still waiting for their forever home.
So if you’re the dedicated Pet Loyalist that’s just adopted, congratulations. Dial your Loyalist setting up to 11, because there’s a journey ahead of you…
Imagine it from your pet’s point of view
Every single rescue pet is different. Some might settle in a manner of weeks, while others might need months to get comfortable. If progress is a little slower, it’s easy to feel frustrated or to start to question yourself, but thinking about things from your pet’s perspective can help.
Being a newly adopted rescue pet is like moving countries, cities, homes, families and jobs, all at once – oh, and you don’t speak anyone’s language.
Everything feels different: routines, smells, sounds. Suddenly there are lots of new rules you don’t understand, and people you’ve never met before. Underneath all that, you’re thinking: is this safe? Will my food, bed, or new person disappear? Where am I meant to sleep? Are the people here predictable? What happens when I’m left alone?
That all happens on top of your pet’s past experiences, which might include trauma, a lost caregiver, previous health problems and multiple other moves between homes or shelters.
When you think about it like that, you can understand why the experience is overwhelming. Naturally, that stress might be expressed by things like toileting inside, restlessness, crying, hiding, or reduced appetite.
Worry not Pet Loyalists, you can help your rescue pet settle in.
The first day, week, month, year
When they get to their new forever home, many rescue pets will still be feeling worried and on edge. For the Pet Loyalists, it’s less about wondering when they’ll settle, and more about supporting them so they can move out of this frame of mind. That means doing everything slowly and predictably, and not exposing your pet to lots of new people or experiences straight away.
1. Create a safe environment
Rescue pets will often want to hide or retreat, and giving them a quiet, safe place with their bed, water and toys can help them decompress and feel safe. You can even add in bedding or something from their foster home or shelter, so there’s familiar smells. Importantly, resist the urge to coax them out of their new den – this can add to anxiety.
2. Be consistent with dinner time
Make sure your pet is being offered whatever food they’re used to, to maintain some consistency. Give them dinner in a quiet area without a lot of people coming or going, and avoid overwhelming them with new treats or options straight away.
3. Keep introductions slow and controlled
Whether it’s two pets meeting for the first time, or young members of the family, this should be done cautiously. Make sure pets have separate spaces, and can smell and see one another over the course of a few days before direct contact, and supervise all interactions with young humans.
4. Stick to a routine as much as possible
Repetitive, predictable routines can significantly reduce stress, and help new rescue pets get used to their new home. Wherever possible, keep feeding, walks, toilet breaks, bedtime and quiet time as regular as possible, and avoid any big parties or scheduling changes during those first few weeks.
5. Set ground rules for behavior
Make sure everyone in the house, especially young family members, understands that your pet needs space, and is only to be approached on their own terms. No chasing, hugging, or disturbing while they’re eating or sleeping.
6. Reward your pet, generously
Help your new rescue pet understand how your household operates by rewarding behaviors you want to see – for example sitting quietly, checking in with you, using the right bathroom spot, or calmly observing another pet.
7. And lastly, know when to call your veterinarian
Schedule a first appointment with your veterinarian, even if your pet seems healthy. This can help catch anything before it becomes a bigger issue. Any issues around vomiting, lack of eating, persistent distress or behavioral issues such as biting or resource guarding are also signs to seek additional help from your veterinarian and potentially a veterinary behavior professional.
Expectation vs Reality
We can’t emphasize enough: every pet is different. Some might hide for a few days before they feel brave enough to make friends. Others might need months to start showing their personality and finding their confidence.
So we wanted to share a few pet adoption myths to keep your spirits up in the more challenging moments:
It’s a journey – for everyone
Getting used to a new home is a huge life event for any pet. The experience can be stressful, and it takes time for cats and dogs to understand that they’re safe, loved and taken care of.
However, watching a rescue pet make that transition from day one to year one is very special. From the nervous pet that hides in the spare room, to the pet that’s curious exploring the house a few months later, to the pet that’s finding their personality and building their bond as they reach that first year milestone….
Time, patience, routine – and a determined Pet Loyalist – can truly work magic.
If you’re looking to adopt right now, you can find a map of your nearest shelters here.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.
