The 3-3-3 Rule: Understanding Your Adopted Pet’s Transition

Adopting a new rescue pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re bringing home a dog, cat, or any other animal, it’s important to remember that adjusting to a new environment takes time. The 3-3-3 rule is a helpful guideline that can give you an idea of what to expect as your new pet settles into their new home.

What is the 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 rule breaks down the first three days, three weeks, and three months after adoption. Each of these time periods represents a different stage in your pet’s adjustment to their new life with you. This is especially crucial for rescue animals, who may have fears and quirks from their past experiences, and thus it’s important to give them ample time to adjust.

Here is a breakdown of what each of the periods of time indicate, and how you can support your new pet in getting comfy in their new home:

The First 3 Days: Animals are often Overwhelmed and Uncertain

During the first three days in their new home, your pet is likely to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what’s happening. They may be nervous, scared, or confused as they try to make sense of their new surroundings. Here’s what you might notice:

• Hiding or Withdrawal: It’s common for pets to hide, avoid interaction, or seem distant. They might find a quiet corner to stay in until they feel safer.
• Lack of Appetite: Don’t be surprised if your pet doesn’t eat much during these first few days. Stress can affect their appetite.We recommend sticking with the food that was given at the shelter, to give them one less thing to adjust to. If you choose to change it later that is fine, just make sure to do it slowly and mix it in gradually with the old food!
• Cautious Exploration: Your pet may slowly start to explore their new home, but they might be hesitant or skittish.

At this stage, it’s crucial to give your pet space and time to decompress. Offer them a safe, quiet area where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed, and allow them to come to you on their own terms. This area should be small and away from any other pets to ensure the safety of your already established furry family members, as well as your new pet. If the animal is your first pet, an example of this could be a crate that is covered with a blanket and has toys and comfort items. If you already have animals in your home, you could use a space like a spare bedroom for the first few days until they get used to the new environment, slowly introducing them to other parts of the house.

The First 3 Weeks: Settling In

After about three weeks, your pet will start to feel more comfortable and may begin to let their true personality shine through. Here’s what you can expect:

• Increased Confidence: Your pet will likely start exploring more and may become more interested in interacting with you. At this time, you can start to slowly introduce your other pets by feeding the animals on different sides of the door, and gradually opening it more and more so that the animals can see each other and become comfortable with the others presence
• Routine and Behavior: As your pet begins to understand their new daily routine, you might notice them behaving more like themselves. They’ll start learning when it’s time to eat, walk, or play. Encourage them to play and get to know their favorite toys and activities. 
• Testing Boundaries: With growing confidence, your pet may start testing the boundaries to see what’s allowed and what’s not. It’s important to gently guide them and reinforce positive behavior during this time. An example of this would be feeding a treat when an animal shows positive behavior towards their environment and other pets. 

During these three weeks, continue to be patient and provide consistent routines. Positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, can help your pet learn what’s expected and feel more secure in their new environment. 

The First 3 Months: Feeling at Home

By the time three months have passed, your pet should be fully settled in and starting to see their new home as their forever home. At this point, you can expect:

• Deepened Bond: The bond between you and your pet will have grown stronger. They’ll likely be more affectionate and eager to spend time with you.
• Established Routine: Your pet will have fully adjusted to their daily routine, making them feel more secure and confident.
• Behavioral Adjustments: You’ll have a better understanding of your pet’s personality, and they’ll have adjusted to the rules of the house. This is a great time to continue positive reinforcement of good behaviors.

After three months, your pet should feel like a true part of the family. However, remember that every pet is different. Some may take a little longer to adjust, while others might settle in more quickly. The key is to be patient, understanding, and consistent in your care. 

We also love it when adopters take the time to send us photos and updates of their animals at this time, once they fully feel at home. You can send those to adopt@morrisanimalrefuge.org and we may even write a happy tails article for our social media and website! 

Final Thoughts

Adopting a pet is a big commitment, but by following the 3-3-3 rule, you can help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new furry friend. Remember that this is just a guideline, and every pet is unique in how they adjust. With love, patience, and time, your new pet will soon feel right at home.  

If you adopted your pet from Morris, you are always welcome to reach out to our adoptions team at adopt@morrisanimalrefuge.org for any questions, tips, or tricks for successful acclimatization. Don’t forget to reference the adoption packet you received, which is full of helpful resources for pet interaction, acclimatization, and troubleshooting behaviors.