Thomas Fitzpatrick, communications and outreach manager at Fairfax County Animal Services (FCAS), and Erin Shackelford, senior manager of communications and marketing at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, share valuable information for potential pet owners.
Should you foster a pet first?
Thomas Fitzpatrick: You don’t have to foster first. Many shelters offer foster‑to‑adopt options, and at FCAS our adoption auditions provide a similar no‑strings‑attached trial period. Adopters get to see how a pet fits into their everyday lives, and the program has been very successful, helping people feel confident in their choice to adopt.
Erin Shackelford: We encourage anyone who has some extra room in their heart and home to come visit with our adoption counselors. We facilitate open conversations about a family’s lifestyle and can suggest some animals that might make sense and mesh well. We encourage people to keep an open mind.
What time, family, and lifestyle considerations should people consider?
Thomas Fitzpatrick: Think about how a pet fits into your daily life, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Ask how they handle kids, other animals, and different activity levels, since pets have preferences just like humans. Avoid adopting right before big changes like moves or vacations, because everyone thrives on structure.
Erin Shackelford: Of course, we encourage people to consider all those things before adoption, including the time and resources an individual has to spend caring for an animal. However, we don’t want anyone to think that because they have a certain lifestyle, or other pets, [that] will necessarily disqualify them from adopting.
How do you prepare before you bring a pet home?
Thomas Fitzpatrick: Preparing for a new pet takes planning and patience. Set up a few cozy spots and start a gentle routine they can rely on. Have the essentials ready before they arrive, give them time to settle in, and give yourself grace as you learn each other.
What can you expect in the first few days, weeks, and months?
Erin Shackelford: One thing we always encourage adopters to remember is the three-three-three rule of bringing a new animal into your home. In the first three days, your pet may be overwhelmed and scared, may not eat or drink, and may shut down or hide. In those first three days you should give them space, start a daily routine, don’t force interaction, and avoid introducing your pet to new people or places. After the first three weeks, your pet may be starting to settle in, learning their routines. It’s at this point that behavior issues may arise. It’s important to set clear boundaries, work on basic skills, and use positive reinforcement. After three months, your new pet is comfortable in their environment. You have built trust, and a bond with them, and they have gained a sense of security. Continue training efforts and start slowly introducing your pet to new people and places.
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
