Pet adoption during the holidays can be a heartwarming experience that not only transforms the life of an animal in need, but also enriches your own life in ways you may never have imagined. Here at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA), the holidays are a peak time for pet adoption and it’s important for new pet parents to know what to expect during those critical first days, weeks and months.

We advise our new adopters to follow the 3-3-3 rule, which is a convenient way to remember important milestones in your adoption journey:

• The First 3 Days – During the first three days after bringing your new pet home, it’s crucial to allow them time to acclimate to their new environment. Keep things quiet and low-key, providing a calm and safe space for your pet to explore at their own pace.
• The First 3 Weeks – The next three weeks are about building trust and routine. Gradually introduce your pet to different aspects of your life, such as walks, playtime and social interactions. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help your pet feel more secure.
• The First 3 Months – After three months, your pet should be settling into their new home and routine. By this point, you’ll have a better understanding of their personality, needs and any behavioral issues that may need to be addressed.

Find a detailed breakdown of what to expect (and what to do) after the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months with your new pet.*

If behavior issues persist beyond this period, the AWLA offers behavior assistance as a community resource for ALL pet owners. Whether your pet was adopted from us or elsewhere, AWLA staff members are happy to help you understand animal behaviors and assist with potential pet-related challenges.

We also encourage you to check out our new Alexandria Animal Academy! This is a low-cost (but high value!) dog behavior and training course to tackle stubborn behavior issues such as aggression, hyperactivity and bad leash/walking behaviors. Learn more about this exciting new program here.

For animal behavior help, call 703.746.5654 or email behavior@alexandriaanimals.org.

*This is a general timeline of things to expect with a newly adopted animal; however, of course, each animal is unique!