Practical tips to help your new best friend feel safe, settled, and loved
Bringing a new pet home is one of the happiest moments for any animal lover. It can also feel a little overwhelming, especially if you are not sure what your new companion needs in the first few days. Whether you are adopting a playful puppy or a shy rescue cat, the goal is the same: create a calm, safe environment where they can relax and start to trust you.
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help your new pet settle in smoothly.
1. Prepare your home before your new pet arrives
Think of the first day like a “soft landing.” The fewer surprises, the better.
Do a quick pet-proofing sweep:
- Tuck away electrical cords (or cover them)
- Remove small objects that could be swallowed
- Store cleaning products and medications out of reach
- Check for gaps under fences or balconies
- Close windows securely
Stock up on the essentials:
- Food (ideally the same brand they were eating before you adopted them)
- Bowls for food and water
- A comfy bed or safe crate
- Litter tray and litter (for cats)
- Pee pads and/or newspaper (for dogs)
- Collar with ID tag (and a harness if needed)
- Leash and poop bags (for dogs)
- Toys and something to chew
- Grooming basics (brush, nail clippers, pet-safe shampoo)
- Pet insurance! (Check out our recommendations here)
Learn more: How to Take Care of Your Pet with Pet Insurance: Top 5 Tips
2. Create a “safe space” for the first few days
A new home can be scary, even for confident pets. Give them one quiet, low-traffic area to start.
For dogs:
A crate or cozy corner with a bed, water, and a few toys works well.
For cats:
A dedicated room is ideal, with a litter tray, food, water, hiding spots, and a scratching post.
Tip: Add a blanket or soft toy that smells familiar (from the shelter or previous home if possible). A familiar scent can be a powerful comfort.
3. Keep introductions calm and controlled
Your new pet needs time to learn who is safe and what is normal.
If you have children:
Teach them to approach gently and avoid picking up your new pet too often. Let the pet come to them.
Related: Children And Pets: Teaching Responsibility and Safety
If you have other pets:
Go slowly.
- Start with scent swapping (swap blankets or let them sniff under a door)
- Do short, supervised meetings
- Reward calm behaviour
- Give each pet their own food bowls, beds, and “escape routes” to reduce tension
Rushing introductions can create stress and set you back, so take your time.
4. Stick to a routine from Day 1
Pets thrive on predictability. A consistent schedule helps them feel secure quickly.
Try to keep:
- Feeding at the same times each day
- Regular toilet breaks (for dogs)
- Set quiet time and play time
- Consistent bedtime expectations
Even cats, who love independence, benefit from routine. It helps them learn that the home is stable.
5. Expect an adjustment period
It is normal for a new pet to act differently during the first few days and weeks.
Common signs of settling-in:
- Hiding (especially cats)
- Less appetite
- Clingy behaviour or anxiety
- Accidents in the house
- Sleeping more than usual
- Barking or meowing at night
Many shelters recommend the 3-3-3 Rule:
- 3 days to decompress
- 3 weeks to learn your routine
- 3 months to feel fully at home
Be patient and keep things calm. You are building trust.
6. Book a vet check early
Even if your new pet came with medical records, a vet visit within the first week or two is a great idea. Your vet can:
- Confirm vaccinations and deworming schedules
- Check teeth, ears, weight, and overall health
- Discuss flea and tick prevention
- Recommend diet and feeding portions
- Advise on training and behaviour
If your pet is anxious at the vet, ask them about fear-free handling and tips for stress reduction. (Don’t forget to get pet insurance to cover the costs of your vet visits!)
7. Start training with kindness and consistency
Training is not just about manners. It builds communication and confidence.
Focus on the basics first:
- For dogs: name recognition, recall, sit, stay, leash walking
- For cats: litter habits, scratching post use, gentle handling
Use positive reinforcement when training and interacting with your pet, such as treats, praise, play, and patience. Punishment creates fear and confusion, and often makes behaviour problems worse.
8. Build trust through bonding time
Some pets want to cuddle immediately. Others need space.
Here are ways to bond gently:
- Sit quietly near them and let them approach
- Hand-feed small treats
- Use interactive toys (wand toys for cats, fetch or tug for dogs)
- Speak softly and keep your movements calm
Trust is earned through many small moments. Let your pet set the pace.
9. Make enrichment part of everyday life
A bored pet can become destructive, anxious, or reactive. Enrichment keeps them mentally and physically healthy.
Easy enrichment ideas:
- Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats
- Short training games
- Rotating toys (don’t give all their toys to them all at once)
- Safe chew toys
- Cat shelves or window perches
You do not need expensive gear. Even a cardboard box can be a magical cat playground.
Read next: Outdoor vs Indoor Pets: Pros, Cons, and Safety Tips
You are doing better than you think!
Welcoming a new pet is a learning curve, and it is completely normal to worry that you are doing something wrong. The truth is: if you are showing up with patience, kindness, and consistency, you are already giving your pet what they need most.
Every day, you are building a relationship that will become one of the most rewarding bonds in your life.
Yours In Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurance.co.za Team
#NotYourAveragePetAdvice