Slow and Steady Wins the Race in Pet Integration
Introducing a new pet into a home with existing pets can be challenging, but with the right approach and expert support, it's possible to create a harmonious multi-pet environment. We spoke with volunteer Karen Maxwell, who recently went through this process with guidance from Blue Mountain Humane Society staff.
Karen adopted two 2-month-old kittens into her home with two dogs. While she knew she would need to keep the kittens separated initially, she sought advice from Animal Care and Foster Coordinator Jolee Corr and Animal Care and Enrichment Coordinator Shonee Turner. "I realized I needed some nuts-and-bolts advice to be able to achieve the best outcome. And three days each week, I had the best resources possible — right in front of my face,” Karen said, referring to her access to animal care experts at BMHS during her volunteer time here.
The Slow and Steady Approach
Shonee emphasized making a very gradual introduction over several weeks. "It is far easier to take slow, positive steps than to move too quickly and have to backtrack a negative experience," she advised. "By going slowly and taking the time to have small, positive interactions, you build a really strong foundation of calm, appropriate interactions for both the pets and you.”
Following Shonee's guidance, Karen started with limited, one-minute exposure sessions, wrapping the kittens separately in a blanket and bringing them out for the dogs to see and smell before putting them back in their room. As Jolee suggested, Karen also left a blanket the kittens had slept on for the dogs, so they could familiarize themselves with the new scent.
Over the next couple of weeks, Karen increased the exposure time and frequency, eventually letting the pets see each other through a doggy gate for short periods. After a few more weeks of supervised interactions, she allowed one dog at a time, leashed, into the gated area with the kittens.
Creating Safe Spaces and Positive Reinforcement
Throughout the process, Karen provided dedicated safe spaces and used positive reinforcement techniques recommended by Shonee and Jolee. The kittens had their own room, and Karen used gates to block off areas, allowing the kittens to explore gradually with hiding spots like cardboard boxes and a tall cat tower.
As Karen shared, "Both of them suggested lots of quiet praise and affection for the dogs and safety for the very tiny cats."
Jolee explained the importance of separating the pets if introductions didn’t go smoothly. "I recommend diffusing the situation by separating once again. Based on the interaction that occurred, I would then try to go even slower when reintroducing or integrating the new animal."
A Harmonious Multi-Pet Household
After about six weeks of gradual introductions, Karen felt comfortable letting all the pets interact freely. While it seemed like a slow process, she found it much easier than immediately introducing the kittens to the dogs.
"Six weeks sounds like a snail's pace, but it was actually easier than just dumping the kittens on the floor of the living room and lettin' it rip. Saved soooooo much stress and chasing and over-protecting, and potential scuffles.”
Now, Karen's pet family is getting along well. "They follow me around everywhere I go. And we have quality TV time on the couch or on my bed. Success!!!"
Karen credits BMHS staff for this successful integration: "I could never have achieved this environment this quickly and calmly without the guidance, AND SUPPORT, of those two experienced, knowledgeable, kind, and caring staff members!!!! Seriously, they made this possible."
Customized Advice for Every Household
BMHS staff excel at providing tailored advice based on each adopter's specific situation. As Shonee explained, “It is almost impossible to completely learn an animal's temperament from just a few conversations, but I use these conversations to look for specific behaviors that may need more or different instructions to appropriately introduce new animals.”
Jolee also emphasized the importance of research and consistency when applying new techniques. "A world of knowledge is at our fingertips at any given moment. We must take the time to seek out that info and to stay consistent when practicing those new techniques."
The Importance of Patience and Gradual Introductions
Both Shonee and Jolee highlighted how a gradual introduction benefits the long-term well-being of pets and families. As Shonee stated, "Taking the time to do the gradual introduction gives pet parents easy steps to fall back on if a negative interaction occurs. It also builds a solid, positive background for the pets to draw upon, making them more resilient to startling situations down the line.”
The staff's expertise in animal behavior directly aligns with BMHS's mission of helping animals find and stay in loving homes. By providing tailored, step-by-step guidance, they enabled Karen to create a peaceful multi-pet household while minimizing stress.
