3-3-3 Rule

What to expect 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after adoption.

3 Days After Adoption

The first three days after you bring your new pet home is referred to as the adjustment period. It could take three days for your pet to warm up to you, or even longer in some circumstances. In these first three days,

Your pet may:

Hide
Be timid and scared to be themselves
Not eat or drink much
Be cautious about going outside

You should:

Be patient
Give them space to sniff and explore their new home
Stay calm
Set boundaries gently
Keep their food and water bowls and litter box in the same place so they know where to go.
Establish them with their new veterinarian

3 Weeks After Adoption

After three weeks of being in your home, you will start to notice that your pet has become more comfortable and has let its guard down. In the weeks following adoption,

Your pet might:

Begin engaging in play
Be eager to learn and train
Start showing their personalities
Test boundaries

You should:

Start teaching them basic commands
Praise every success
Give calm, clear direction
Implement a schedule
Give them plenty of toys and opportunities for enrichment

3 Months After Adoption

Once your pet has been in your home three months, they will have adjusted to their new way of life and your schedule. By this time, your pet has started to accept that this is their forever home. In the months following adoption,

Your pet will:

Have trust in you
Understands your routine
Build a bond with you and your family
Has begun building habits

You should:

Continue training, keep their minds active!
Begin to trust your pet and the work you have put into this relationship