1) Before Arrival: Safety Check (Whole‑Home)

Do a slow walk‑through at pet‑eye level and remove/secure hazards.

All homes

• Wires & chargers secured (cord covers or routed behind furniture).
• Toxic plants rehomed or placed out of reach (e.g., lilies, sago palm; check species).
• Medicines, cleaners, and small objects (batteries, coins, LEGO) locked away.
• Windows/balconies screened; doors and fences latch properly; trash cans covered.
• Create a quiet zone (more below) and limit day‑one visitors.

Dogs/Cats

• Floor sweep for choking hazards; block gaps behind appliances.
• Baby gates ready to manage access; safe chew toys prepped.

Birds

• No Teflon/PTFE/PFOA cookware use near birds; avoid aerosols, candles, and smoke.
• Ceiling fans off during out‑of‑cage time; windows/doors closed or screened.

Reptiles

• Enclosure tested for correct heat gradient and UVB (if species requires), with a thermostat and secure lids/locks.
• Safe, species‑appropriate substrate; two hides (warm/cool) ready.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats)

• Chew‑proof cables; pen/cage bar spacing appropriate; no scented litter.
• Room or exercise pen rabbit‑proofed (baseboards, cables protected).

Fish

• Tank on a level, weight‑rated stand, away from direct sun and drafts.
• Filter/heater installed; dechlorinated, cycled water and test kit ready.

2) Essentials to Stage (by Type)

Have supplies in place before the first paw/wing/fin crosses the door.

Dogs

• Collar + ID tag, harness, fixed leash; crate or playpen; bed/blankets.
• Food (same as current diet), bowls, treats, poop bags; 2–3 safe chew toys.

Cats

• Carrier; 2+ litter boxes (low sides for kittens/seniors), scoop, litter.
• Scratchers (vertical + horizontal), bed/hide, toys, bowls, current food.

Birds

• Appropriately sized cage (bar spacing), varied perches, toys/foraging items.
• Quality pellets/seed per species, fresh veg list, cage cover, travel carrier.

Reptiles

• Secure enclosure, thermostat, heat mat/lamp, UVB (species‑dependent), hides, water dish.
• Calcium/vitamin supplements; feeder insects or thawed prey (as applicable).

Small mammals

• Spacious enclosure/pen, paper‑based bedding, hide, hay rack, water bottle/bowl, pellets, constant hay, chew toys, litter (rabbit/GP safe).

Fish

• Dechlorinator, test kit (ammonia/nitrite/nitrate), net, siphon, thermometer, timer for lights; species‑appropriate food.

3) Set Up a Calm “Decompression Zone”

Choose a quiet, low‑traffic room (or gated area/crate for dogs) where your pet will start.

How to set it up

• Place all core resources inside (bed/crate; water/food; for cats: litter + scratcher; for birds: full cage; for reptiles: full enclosure; for fish: full tank).
• Add familiar scent items if possible (blanket from foster/breeder/shelter) or a worn T‑shirt of yours.
• Keep lighting soft; reduce noise and foot traffic. No introductions through a crowd.

Rules for day one

• Go directly to this space from the car. Open carrier/crate and let the pet come out at their pace.
• Speak softly; offer water first, then a small meal once they’ve relaxed a bit.
• Avoid visitors/photoshoots/parties. Quiet is kindness.

4) First Arrival: Step‑by‑Step

1. Transit safely: Dogs on harness/lead; cats/small pets in carriers; cover bird carriers to reduce stress. For fish, float transport bag to temperature‑match, then release per acclimation steps.
2. Potty break first (dogs), then into the decompression zone.
3. Open the carrier and sit nearby. Let them explore or hide—both are normal.
4. Offer water; tiny meal later. Keep voices calm; movement slow.
5. Short check‑ins every 20–30 minutes. If they approach, reward quietly.

5) Meeting the Family (Kids Included)

• Give a script: inside voices, slow hands, no chasing, no hugging/squeezing.
• Hands‑off start: Sit on the floor and let the pet initiate contact.
• Never disturb eating, sleeping, or hiding; the decompression zone is a kid‑free space.
• Supervise every interaction for the first weeks. Praise gentle behavior.
• Age‑appropriate jobs (with adult oversight): refresh water, measure food, gentle brushing, 5‑minute play timer.

6) Introducing Resident Pets (Go Slow)

Predator–prey caution: Keep small mammals/birds/reptiles completely separate from dogs/cats except in secure, supervised, species‑safe contexts (often separate rooms for life).

Dog ↔ Dog

• Parallel walk on neutral ground; short, loose‑leash sessions; reward calm glances. Move home when both are relaxed.

Dog ↔ Cat

• Start with scent swaps (bedding exchange), feed on opposite sides of a closed door, then short, gated visual sessions. Dog on leash. End on calm.

Cat ↔ Cat

• Scent swapping; room rotation; brief crack‑door intros. Gradually extend. Provide multiple litter boxes and vertical escape routes.

Birds

• Keep separate room from cats/dogs. Allow vocal/scent acclimation through closed doors first.

Reptiles/Small mammals

• No face‑to‑face intros with predator species. Prioritize enclosure security.

7) First 48 Hours: Rhythm Over Excitement

• Routine early: fixed times for meals, potty (dogs), play, and lights out.
• Expect stress signs: hiding (cats), panting/pacing (dogs), reduced appetite, extra sleep. Normalize gently; avoid pressure.
• Short, positive sessions: 5–10 minutes of play/training, then rest.
• Accidents happen: clean with enzyme cleaner; no scolding.
• Vet plan: schedule a wellness check within 3–5 days; bring any records.

8) Common Pitfalls (and Easy Fixes)

• Too much freedom too soon: Start small; expand territory gradually.
• Crowded intros: One new thing at a time (person, room, or pet). Keep sessions short.
• Diet changes day one: Stick to current food; transition slowly over 7–10 days.
• Under‑enrichment: Offer chew/forage/puzzle toys; short training/play windows.
• Ignoring body language: Back off at growls, hisses, flattened ears, tucked tails. Try again later.

9) Quick Checklists

Home Prep

• Hazards removed; plants checked; cords secured; doors/screens safe; trash sealed.
• Decompression room chosen and staged; visitors postponed.

Day‑One Kit

• ID (tag + microchip registered), carrier/harness/leash.
• Food/water bowls; current diet; treats; cleaning supplies (enzyme spray, paper towels).
• Comfort items (bed/hide/blanket); starter toys; litter setup (cats) or crate (dogs).
• Full habitat ready for birds/reptiles/fish.