Congratulations on welcoming a new life into your home.

You may be feeling a lot of excitement and a little uncertainty right now, that’s completely normal. Adoption isn’t a single moment.  It’s the beginning of a relationship, and meaningful relationships take time to grow.

What years of rescue work has taught me about adoption.

For over ten years, I’ve been photographing the dogs and cats at the  Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

I’ve also rescued animals throughout my adult life, and today I share my home with three rescue Chihuahuas and a foster-failure orange tabby cat.

What all of this has taught me is simple  and important:

Even the most loving homes need time to feel like home.

Your new dog or cat may not understand yet that they’re home forever.

They may not understand your routine, the rules, or the rhythm of your household.

What they do understand is that everything around them is new.

This adoption adjustment timeline explains what to expect as your new dog or cat settles in. Understanding how long it takes a pet to settle in after adoption helps reduce stress

What to Expect in the First Few Days: Adjustment, Not Attachment

In the early days, many adopted pets are simply taking everything in. You might notice they are:

• Quieter than expected, or unusually alert

• Hesitant to explore

• Extra clingy or more reserved

• Unsure about eating, sleeping, or fully relaxing

This isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s a sign that your pet is processing a big transition.

From years of working closely with shelter pets — and living this journey myself — this stage is incredibly common and completely normal.

What Happens in the First Few Weeks:  Personality Begins to Emerge

As days turn into weeks, you’ll often see small but meaningful changes. Your pet may begin to:

• Show more energy or playfulness

• Test boundaries

• React to new sights and sounds

• Reveal quirks and preferences

This phase can feel confusing at times, but it’s actually a positive sign. It means your pet is starting to feel safe enough to show more of who they are. Progress may not feel linear. Some days will feel easy, others less so — and that’s okay.

Where Can Training Fit in? (And Why Timing Matters)

Many new adopters wonder when they should start training.The earliest days aren’t about training — they’re about decompression and routine.

During the first week or two, the most important things you can offer are:

• Consistency

• Clear expectations

• Calm reassurance

This helps your pet feel safe.

Once your pet begins to relax — often a couple of weeks in — gentle, positive training can support the adjustment process. This might look like:

• Rewarding calm behavior

• Practicing simple cues

• Getting comfortable with a leash or carrier

• Learning daily routines

Training at this stage isn’t about perfection or obedience. It’s about communication, confidence, and trust. Training isn’t just behavior,  it builds communication and confidence, which helps pave the way for deeper trust as the weeks go on.

From everything I’ve seen — both professionally and personally — pets thrive when learning feels encouraging and predictable.

If you need extra support, the Humane Society often works with trainers like Foster Dog Farms when dogs come in with specific training needs. They’re one of several resources adopters in our community are familiar with.

What You Will See After A Few Months: Trust Takes Root

Over the next couple of months, many adopted pets begin to truly settle in. They start to:

• Understand your routines

• Feel more confident in their environment

• Relax more fully

• Form deeper bonds

This is often when a pet’s true personality shines — once they feel secure. Some pets need more time, especially those who experienced stress or multiple transitions before finding their home. There’s no set timeline — and no rush.

Do Things Feel Imperfect?  You’re Right Where You Should Be

It’s easy to quietly wonder if you’re doing everything “right." Please know this:

• Instant, effortless transitions are rare

• Bonding grows through consistency, not pressure

• Patience is part of love

You don’t need to rush the relationship. You just need to keep showing up.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

If this season feels emotional, uncertain, or imperfect — that’s okay.

You didn’t just adopt a pet. You began a journey; and that journey deserves patience, grace, and time.

Looking Ahead: Capturing Their Story When the Time Is Right

Once your pet has had time to settle in, when their confidence grows and their personality truly shines , you might want to consider documenting this chapter of your life together.

Consider a professional pet photo session. Professional photography goes beyond cell phone snapshots. It captures:

• Expression and connection

• Personality and emotion

• The bond you’re building together

These are images meant to live in your home — not just on your phone — becoming lasting reminders of this season of your life.