How to Care for a Rescue Pet: What Every Adopter Should Know
The First 48 Hours: Safety, Calm, Routine
Keep it quiet: Limit visitors. Give your pet a small, puppy-proofed room or gated area.
Set a schedule: Same feeding times, walks, and bedtime each day.
Minimal demands: Let them observe you. Pet gently, avoid crowding.
The 3-3-3 Decompression Rule
3 Days: Overwhelmed. Expect extra sleep, accidents, or clinginess.
3 Weeks: Learning routine; behavior and appetite normalize.
3 Months: Trust forms; the “real” personality shines.
Vet Check & Health Essentials
Schedule a wellness exam within 7–10 days. Bring rescue records.
Core topics to cover:
Vaccinations & parasite prevention
Spay/neuter status and timing
Microchip registration (confirm your info)
Dental and weight check
Create a folder: Keep vaccine dates, meds, microchip #, and vet receipts together.
Tip: If you adopted from Big Family Rescue, we can help you gather records and recommend local vets. Contact us.
Nutrition: What, How Much, and How Often
Transition gradually: Mix old and new food over 7–10 days.
Measure meals: Consistency prevents tummy upset and weight swings.
Treats ≤10% of calories: Use high-value treats for training, not constant snacking.
Fresh water 24/7: Wash bowls daily.
Training & Bonding (Kindness > Perfection)
Short, positive reps: 3–5 minutes, 2–3×/day beats long sessions.
Reward calm: Mark and treat quiet sits, checking-in, loose-leash moments.
Crate as a den (optional): Soft bedding, door open at first; never a punishment.
Chew outlets: Rotating safe chews lowers anxiety and protects your shoes.
Socialization & Introductions
Other pets: Parallel walks, baby gates, and scent-swaps first.
Kids: Model gentle touch, “no hug/ear pulling,” and give the pet an escape route.
Guests: One at a time. Let the pet approach; no looming or forced petting.
Home Setup Checklist
❑ Bed/crate in a low-traffic area
❑ Food, water, slow-feeder (if needed)
❑ Collar with ID + microchip registered
❑ Leash, harness, waste bags
❑ Enrichment: puzzle toys, lick mats
❑ Cleaning kit: enzyme cleaner for accidents
Behavior Bumps You Might See (and What to Do)
Accidents indoors: Go back to puppy rules—out after sleep/eat/play; reward outside.
Leash reactivity: Distance + treats; avoid greetings until you have control.
Separation stress: Practice very short departures; build up gradually.
Resource guarding: Trade-up games; don’t grab items—swap for better.
If you need support, BFR can point you to force-free trainers and behavior resources. Start here.
Budgeting: The Real Costs
Initial: wellness exam, preventatives, ID tags, gear, training class.
Monthly: food, preventatives, enrichment, grooming (breed-dependent).
Annual: vaccines, dental cleaning (as needed), wellness labs for seniors.
When to Call the Vet
Persistent vomiting/diarrhea, not eating >24 hours, lethargy, coughing/hacking, painful urination, limping, eye injuries, or anything that “feels wrong.” Trust your gut.
FAQ
How long until my rescue dog settles?
Many relax by week three, but true confidence can take months. Routine and kindness accelerate it.
Should I sleep next to my new dog the first night?
Close by is reassuring, but aim for a setup you can maintain (e.g., crate in bedroom).
Can I change the name?
Yes—pair the new name with treats and happy moments; they’ll learn quickly.
Do I need pet insurance?
It’s optional, but can ease surprise costs. We offer insurance through our partner RainWalk Pet Insurance. You can view their FAQ’s HERE.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Ready to adopt? Meet our current stars on the Adopt page.
Can’t adopt but want to help? Visit the Rescue Shop to power our work.
Want to foster or volunteer? See how to get involved and change a life.