Welcoming Your New Pet

First Time Home

Whether this is your first pet or just your new pet’s first time in your home, below are some tips and information to help your whole family prepare for this exciting new adventure!

As always, the shelter staff at the AWLA is here to assist you to help you along the way.  If you have any questions not addressed below or any concerns about other behaviors you are seeing, please contact our Behavior Helpline at 703-746-5654 or send us an email at behavior@AlexandriaAnimals.org.

You can also check out our page on Behavior and Training to find tips, handouts and more!

Preparing for Your Pet

Have questions about what to buy?  What to consider for your pet?  View these suggestions below.

• Shopping List for a New Cat
• Shopping List for a New Dog
• Information About Your Pet’s Microchip
• Vets in AWLA’s Well Pet Exam Program and Local VCA Animal Hospitals

Meeting and Greeting

If you already have pets at home, it’s important to make sure that your new cat or dog makes their best first impression.  Read more about how to introduce your new pet to your current residents.

• Introducing Your New Cat to Other Cat(s)
• Introducing Cats and Dogs
• Introducing Your New Dog to Other Dog(s)

Potty Problems

Sometimes it can be hard for a dog or cat to figure out housetraining in a new place; read more housetraining tips for cats and dogs below.

• The “Scoop” on Litter Box Training for Cats
• House Training Your Dog

Fun and Games

Looking for ways to keep your new pet entertained?  Check out these exciting at-home enrichment activities for cats and dogs!

Any Questions?

If this doesn’t address your questions or you are seeing other behavior you would like to discuss, we are here to help.  Just contact us!