3-3-3 Rule of Adoption

It doesn’t happen over night

The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period of a pet after adoption. Every pet is unique and will adjust differently. Please have patience and allow your new pet time to settle in.

  • 3 Days

    ~ Feeling overwhelmed

    ~ May feel scared or unsure of what’s going on

    ~ Not yet comfortable to be “himself”

    ~ May not want to eat or drink

    ~ Shuts down or/and hides under furniture

    ~ Tests the boundaries

  • 3 Weeks

    ~ Starts settling in

    ~ Feels more comfortable

    ~ Starts to realize this could be his forever home

    ~ Figures out his environment

    ~ Gets into a routine

    ~ Lets his guard down and begins showing his personality

    ~ Behavior issues may appear

  • 3 Months

    ~ Finally feels completely comfortable in his home

    ~ Begins to build trust and a true bond

    ~ Gains a complete sense of security with his new family

    ~ Sets into a routine