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Rehoming tips - Ferne Animal Sanctuary blog

Bringing home a newly adopted pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, however if you already have pets, introductions need to be handled carefully to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. At Ferne Animal Sanctuary, we know that patience, preparation, and positive reinforcement are key to helping new and existing pets form happy, lifelong bonds.

Before you decide to rehome any animal, there are important steps to take to ensure your home aligns with the needs of the individual pet. It is crucial to read up on the information provided by us or other rescue and rehoming charities alike, to understand the temperaments and behaviours of each animal in need looking for a loving home – this is particularly key when you already have a pet or pets in the home!

Before applying for adoption, take a look at our rehoming pages with detailed descriptions of each pet ready to be rehomed, to check if your household environment is a good fit for their specific needs. For further advice, you can check our rehoming process or speak to a member of our team.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect match and are in the process of rehoming a rescue, check out our top tips for welcoming a pet to your home when you already have one!

Step 1: Prepare before your new pet arrives

Create a safe space – Before your new pet comes home, set up a designated “safe” area where they can settle in comfortably. This space should include their own bed, food, water, and a quiet environment where they can adjust at their own pace.

Maintain routine for existing pets – Animals thrive on routine, so keeping your pet’s schedule (feeding times, walks, playtime) consistent can help minimise stress during the transition of welcoming a new pet to the household.

Getting everything ready – Ensure you have everything your new pet needs, including a bed, food, toys, and separate feeding bowls to prevent resource guarding.

Plan introductions carefully – Choose a calm, quiet day when you can give your full attention to supervise interactions. Avoid introducing pets during busy periods in the house or all at once if you have more than one pet already in the home – gradually introduce pets one by one, under full supervision.

Step 2: Saying hello – slowly but surely!

Dogs meeting dogs:

• Start with an introduction on neutral ground, like a quiet park, so neither dog feels territorial.
• Keep both dogs on a loose lead and allow them to sniff each other calmly.
• If both dogs show relaxed body language, let them walk side by side before moving into the home environment.
• At home, supervise initial interactions and ensure each dog has its own space to retreat if needed.

Cats meeting dogs:

• Keep your new cat in a separate room initially, allowing them time to adjust before any direct contact.
• Exchange bedding between the cat and dog so they can get used to each other’s scent.
• Use a baby gate or controlled introductions so they can observe each other without pressure.
• Always allow your cat a safe, high place to retreat to.

Cats meeting cats:

• Introduce new cats gradually using a “scent swapping” method by placing a blanket from each of your cats near the other’s sleeping area.
• Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door to create positive associations.
• Allow supervised face-to-face meetings when both cats seem comfortable.

Small animals & other pets:

• Never leave small animals unattended with larger pets until you’re certain it’s safe.
• Rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small pets should have secure, species-appropriate introductions and separate enclosures if needed.

Step 3: Building a positive relationship

✓ Supervise early interactions – Even if things seem to be going well, always monitor pets closely in the first few weeks to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
✓ Use positive reinforcement – Reward calm and friendly behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime. Never force interactions and allow pets to go at their own pace.
✓ Feed separately – To avoid competition or aggression, always feed pets in separate areas, especially in the beginning.
✓ Provide individual attention – Make sure your existing pet still gets one-on-one time with you to prevent jealousy and maintain their confidence.
✓ Be patient! – Some pets take days to adjust, while others may need weeks or even months. The key is to stay patient, observe body language, and support them through the process – you know your pets best!

Step 4: When to seek help

If you notice signs of aggression, excessive fear, or ongoing stress in either pet, consult a professional, such as a vet or animal behaviourist. Ferne Animal Sanctuary is always here to offer support and advice to help make your pet’s transition successful, throughout the rehoming process and beyond.

Find your pet’s perfect match

At Ferne, we carefully assess each pet’s personality to find the best fit for every adopter. If you’re considering adding a new pet to your family, browse our animals in need currently up for adoption or contact us for guidance on choosing the right companion by visiting www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/rehome-an-animal.

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