How To Prepare Your Home For A Rescue Pet
How to prepare your home for a rescue pet
Bringing home a rescue pet is exciting—but a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to set up your home so they feel safe, loved, and secure.
- Prepare a safe, quiet space before they arrive.
- Gather basic supplies—food, bedding, bowls, toys, cleaning kit.
- Pet-proof rooms by hiding cords and removing hazards.
- Secure doors, windows, and garden gates.
- Check ID tag and microchip registration details.
- Book a vet appointment within the first week.
7 steps to prepare your home for a rescue pet
1) Create a safe zone
Set up a quiet room with bed, water, and (for cats) a litter tray. This gives a retreat when things feel overwhelming.
2) Stock up on essentials
Food, bowls, collar/harness, lead (dogs), toys, bedding, cleaning spray, poo bags, and a crate or carrier.
3) Pet-proof rooms
Hide wires, secure bins, move fragile items, block off small gaps, and store cleaning products up high or in cupboards.
4) Prepare outdoor spaces
Check fences/gates for gaps; remove toxic plants; for cats, secure exits and consider a microchip cat flap later on.
5) Plan introductions
Introduce resident pets slowly using scent swapping, baby gates, or short supervised meetings. Reward calm behaviour.
6) Book a vet visit
Arrange a check-up within the first week to review vaccinations, parasite control, microchip and diet.
7) Prepare your family
Agree on routines (feeding, walks, training), where the pet sleeps, and how to handle nervous moments.
Tip: Keep the first 3–5 days calm and predictable—limited visitors, short play sessions, and lots of quiet time.
Helping them settle in
- Go slow: Let them explore one room at a time.
- Stay consistent: Fixed schedule for meals, walks and play.
- Build trust: Reward calm choices; avoid forced cuddles.
- Enrichment: Short training and puzzle feeders reduce stress.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take a rescue pet to settle?
Every pet is different. A common rule is 3-3-3: about 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to feel fully at home.
Should I crate my dog at night?
A crate can be a safe den if introduced positively—never as punishment. Keep it comfy, leave the door open initially, and reward going inside.
What about cats and litter trays?
Provide at least one tray per cat plus one extra. Place trays in quiet areas away from food/water and keep them clean daily.
How soon can we introduce to other pets?
After a few quiet days, start scent swapping, then short, supervised visual introductions. Progress at the pace of the most nervous pet.
