Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby! If your family already includes a pet, you’ll need to help that first “baby” adjust to the new one you’ll soon bring home. You can help your pet cope with this big change in much the same way parents help children understand that a new brother or sister will be joining the family.

By following the tips below, you can ease your pet’s stress, help her welcome your new baby, and ensure that your pet stays where she belongs—with you and your growing family. Continue Reading

Wouldn’t if all it took to introduce a new cat to your resident pet were a brief handshake and a couple of “HELLO, My Name Is…” name-tags? Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple, which means you’ll need to have some realistic expectations from the outset. What are realistic expectations? First, it’s recognizing and accepting that your pets may never be best buddies but will usually come to at least tolerate each other. Second, it’s understanding the need to move slowly during the introduction process to increase your chances for success. Continue Reading

Animals that live in groups, like dogs, establish a social structure within the group called a dominance hierarchy. This dominance hierarchy serves to maintain order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among pack members. Dogs also establish territories, which they may defend against intruders or rivals. This social and territorial nature affects their behavior when a new dog is introduced to their household.

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For many kids, the family pet is their best friend—a companion who not only provides unconditional love, but also teaches them about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy. While most family pets are cats and dogs, other animals may also be appropriate for children. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds, and fish can make great family pets, for instance, as long as they receive the specialized care they need.

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Sure puppies and kittens are cute, but… Don’t forget about older pets who may fit into your life perfectly.

With an older pet, you will get a less destructive, more graceful animal, and one who could more easily pass the “basic training”- you may not need to housebreak the pet, and it will learn faster to come when called and what “no” means. And if you work, a full-grown pet is better able to stay home alone during the day – this is especially true for dogs. Older pets are just as loving as young animals, but because most people want “cute” puppies and kittens, hundreds of older animals must be euthanized remain homeless on the streets in Bulgaria each year.

If you’re looking for a good companion, look at the older dogs and cats at the animal shelters. They have lots of love to give and the admirable qualities that come with maturity.