Gotcha day is joyful for you and overwhelming for them. Shelter staff swear by the 3-3-3 rule: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, three months to feel truly home. Plan for it, and the first week goes smoothly.
Build A Safe Base First
Start with one room: bed, water, toys, and a hiding spot they are allowed to use. Keep the same food the shelter served for the first week, then transition gradually over seven days to avoid upset stomachs.
Routine Is Reassurance
Walk, feed, and play at the same times daily. Predictability tells a nervous animal that this strange new place runs on rules they can learn — and learning the rules is the first step to relaxing.
Celebrate Small Wins
First tail wag at the door, first purr on the sofa, first toy carried around like treasure — these are milestones. Note them, photograph them, and if anything worries you, call us. Post-adoption support is free, forever.
Sofia Laurent
CAREGIVER, RESCORA
