No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It?

by Lori Ennis

Published: September 22nd, 2016

no strays in the netherlands how do they do it

While it may seem sort of incredible to imagine a country where there are no stray pets, believe it. The Netherlands have shared how they keep the streets free of strays and homes full of love.

It’s hard to think about, isn’t it?

A sweet, malnourished dog, wandering the streets, just wondering why he isn’t able to be cared for or to give the love he so abundantly has.

Or to imagine the torture that so many animals experience in the name of sport, food or plain old cruelty.

It hurts our hearts.

Which is why we are super thrilled with what life is like for strays (and pets, in general!) in the Netherlands. The country claims there are absolutely no stray dogs in the country.

Yes, you read that right. None.

How can this be? Surely, it can’t?

It is. And it’s thanks to a lot of amazing factors. First and foremost, there is country-mandated legislation that allows spaying and neutering services to be FREE for its citizens. Now, the cost of ensuring that overpopulation of stray pets doesn’t happen is not something that anyone has to worry about.

More, truly embracing the ‘adopt, don’t shop,’ mentality, there are laws that place high taxes (like, really high) on transactions where puppies are bought, rather than adopted from one of the 200 dog shelters in the Netherlands. Talk about working to clean out the shelters–which, obviously are no-kill as well. This also makes the tables more even for that poor old senior dog as that cute as a button puppy. Age of dog does not always dictate the love to give!

The Netherlands Animal Control is unparalleled as well. Whenever anyone sees a stray on the street, he or she can call animal control and they can be assured that the animal will be rescued (imagine that–rescued, for real, by animal control!) and taken care of until it is adopted.

Another huge piece of legislation the Netherlands government holds is penalty for animal abusers. We’re not talking just a slap on a wrist. Animal abusers and those who engage in cruelty (such as greyhound abuse and abandonment for racing) are given heavy, heavy penalties (ummm, like up to $18,ooo!) and can even be given prison sentences. Stiff sentences. Wouldn’t that be great? Those who mistreat innocent animals would get their just rewards!

And while all the laws and penalties and taxes and efforts that the government and animal-welfare groups have put forth are clearly needed and effective, perhaps the most important part of this revolution for animals all over the country is simply mentality. The Nederlanders view on animals has changed over the years and they overwhelmingly think of animals as innocent creatures who are living and can feel and suffer. Children are being taught from early on that it is our responsibility to be respectful and loving with all animals…and this mentality has become the norm now.

With the entire country benefiting, because as we all know…

A home is not a home without a pet.

[Source: New York Times]

Lori Ennis

More by Lori Ennis

Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

View Article

Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet Foods Recalled Due To Exce

A dog food you’ve probably seen every time you visit your veterinarian has been recalled because of the possibility of excess Vitamin D, so check the recall list if you have any Hill’s Science Diet or Prescription Diet dog foods. I cannot think of a veterinarian’s office I’ve been to that didn’t have Hill’s Pet Nutrition lines in their offices. In fact, it’s pretty much a go-to for vets to recommend for animals who have issues with weight or surgery recovery. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that Hill’s Pet Nutrition recalled several lots of their Prescription Diet and Science Diet dog foods, with concerns about the foods containing too much Vitamin D. Related: Is it Safe to Give Your Dog Vitamin C? While there’s likely no such thing as excess Vitamin D in humans, in dogs, too much Vitamin D can lead to serious conditions that include kidney dysfunction and has symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and more. Hill’s joins several other dog food companies, including Elm Pet Foods, ANF Inc., Natural Life Pet Products, Nutrisca and Sunshine Mills, Inc., who are voluntarily recalling brands of their food that may have too much Vitamin D. Hill’s learned of the potential problem when they received a complaint about a dog who had elevated Vitamin D levels. Hill’s investigated and confirmed that there was a supplier error leading to the excess Vitamin D, and they voluntarily recalled 25 products and specific lot numbers of Prescription Diet adult and puppy foods. Related: Is Your Dog’s Bad Breath Telling You Something About Their Health? The recall is only for wet foods, and no dry dog foods are believed to be affected. The food was primarily distributed in the United States and the recall list includes lots of the c/d, i/d, z/d, w/d and g/d prescription formulas. To find the full lot number list and how to identify whether you have affected food, you can check out their recall list here. If consumers choose, they can contact Hill’s Pet Nutrition at 1-800-445-5777 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (CST) or at contactus@hillspet.com.

Stray Dog Finds New Home and New Career In New Country

While visiting Greece last year, Valia Orfanidou came upon a stray dog who not only changed her life, but now changes the lives of others as a therapy dog! Valia Orfanidou of Athens, Greece, is an animal lover, not unfamiliar with helping rescue the many sad, stray dogs and cats she sees all over the Greek islands. Sadly, stray animals are an epidemic, and she said that she has to choose to help ones that she feels simply couldn’t survive on the streets–sick, hurt, pregnant, or newly born–while hoping for the best for the others. Last August, she was walking her dogs on the beach of a small tourist town by the sea when she saw a stray dog–a young pup who seemed healthy enough, but who made her feel that there was something more she needed to do. Orfanidou says that the dog just had a sense of vulnerability about her, and allowed Orfanidou to pet her–clearly, this dog seemed desperate for attention. Related: No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It? She watched the dog over the next few days as she played in the sand or chased families visiting the ocean. Orfanidou couldn’t sleep, as she was constantly worrying about this dog. That’s when she decided to foster her until she could find a forever home. Naming the dog ‘Blue’ for the sea, Orfanidou began searching for a forever family. At the same time in another country, a family in Holland was mourning the loss of one of their beloved dogs, Abbaio. Karin Folkerts, Abbaio’s mama, said that her loss left not only them and their remaining dog Rincewind brokenhearted, but the many patients of the nursing homes that the dogs visited to give therapy and comfort to felt a tremendous loss as well. The Folkerts family came across Blue when the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society’s posted her picture, and they immediately knew she was meant to be with their family.

Adorable Puppies Crash Bachelor Party In The Best Way Ever!

So… THIS is what goes down at a bachelor party! Taking a cue from “Bridesmaids” bridal shower, the groom and his buddies brought home a homeless pooch and her pups. These days couples are opting for some unusual ways to have bridal showers and bachelor parties. Some throw ‘Stock the Bar,’ Parties and others take elaborate diving trips. One bachelor bunch from Michigan ended up having a party they never planned on! Michael Craddock, the groom-to-be, took his groomsmen on a rough and tough ATV-riding trip in the woods of Tennessee. It started off in the typical way, riding around, hanging out and draining their beer fund. One morning, they were cooking bacon, and letting some fresh air in with the door open. Lo and behold, a stray dog, obviously malnourished and dehydrated, came to the door (as dogs tend to do when there’s food around!). She wouldn’t come inside, but clearly seemed interested on the goings-on in the cabin. The men jumped to give her some food and water, hoping to entice her in, and nicknamed her ‘Annie,’ after Little Orphan Annie. They couldn’t believe how quickly Annie lapped up the food and water, and felt like they just couldn’t turn their backs on her. Related: No Strays For The Netherlands; How Do They Do It? Every time they’d go into town, or go riding, they’d come back and see Annie sitting under one of their trucks or near their doorstep, and she seemed intent that the wedding party was her new tribe. As they got to know Annie more, they realized that she was producing milk, even as thin as she was, and realized she must have puppies nearby. They were not wrong. Not far from the cabin, they found seven puppies, all looking fat and happy. Craddock said that it was clear that she sacrificed all she’d had to keep her puppies healthy, and they were really proud of her. As the men checked the puppies, Annie also did, nuzzling them, but looking to the men as if to say she was okay with them helping a Mama out.

Indian Businessman Opens His Home to 700 Homeless Dogs

Stray dogs are a problem in all parts of the world, where facilities for homeless pets are simply not priority. India is one such country, and one man has decided he’s giving his life to the dogs of the streets. Rakesh Shukla is a well-educated, well-traveled man. He has worked successfully in many countries, and is a successful business owner in his home state Karnataka, India. He’s also a dog lover, and he’s recently committed his life to the over 700 dogs he cares for, mostly at his own expense, on his three-and-a-half acre dog sanctuary he bought specifically for dogs who have nowhere else to go. People call him, ‘The Dog Father,’ because he cares selflessly for the dogs, and without him and his resources, they would surely perish. Shukla says that he is the last opportunity for his dogs–as the ones he takes in are typically sick and all are no longer wanted. Not the cute and cuddly dogs that people actively seek out, they find solace in Shukla’s homestead, as it was created just for them–the unwanted. Related: No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It? Shukla said his life before his work with dogs was successful, but unfulfilling. He was a software engineer, and still owns the company he founded, but he just didn’t find life happiness in the expensive cars and watches and fancy life he lived. It was when he came across a beautiful golden retriever named Kavya that he found his calling. Kavya was nervous when he brought her home…timid and unsure, and as he lowered himself to her level and softly let her know she was okay and would never need again, he could feel his body tingle with purpose. After seeing what a difference he made in Kavya’s life, and she in his, he began bringing home any dog he felt had nowhere else to turn. His wife began feeling a tad bit crowded and encouraged Shukla to keep some of the ever-growing number of strays at his office. Related: Bride Rejects Marriage Proposal Because Groom Hates Dogs When room ran out there, Shukla knew it was time to do something more permanent for his, ‘babies,’ and he bought the sanctuary, which currently employs 10 people including medical staff to care for the dogs’ medical needs. He does this mostly at his own expense, which averages to be about $665 a day, but says that as their, ‘Papa,’ he wouldn’t have it any other way. Proving that money doesn’t buy happiness, but a dog is the definition of fulfillment.

New Legislation May Create “Dog Offenders” List

A new bill being introduced to the Michigan legislature aims to create an offenders’ list of ‘dangerous dogs’ and hold owners more accountable for bites and attacks. Representative Jon Hoadley (D) of Kalamazoo has sponsored a bill to be reviewed by the Michigan legislature that will have some tough penalties for owners of dogs deemed ‘dangerous’ should there be a bite or an attack. The legislation has been created in order to help community workers such as postal deliverers or utility workers know when there is a potential bite situation in their future. The proposed legislation will, in effect, create a registry of property address where ‘problem dogs’ are known to live, and this information would come directly from complaints of anyone bitten or concerned about a ‘dangerous dog.’ This registry can help community workers to take extra precautions when working on those properties, and will hold the owners of such dangerous dogs accountable should an incident occur. Related: Irish Councillor Slammed On Social Media Post For Dangerous Breed Post Adhering to the tenets of the bill, dangerous or ‘potentially dangerous’ dogs would require registration so that community workers could search and be aware of addresses where a ‘known’ dog resides, and more, owners of dogs who are considered repeat offenders could face up to four years in prison if they don’t take steps to ensure their pets do not harm anyone. Representative Hoadley, dad of who he calls, “The world’s friendliest beagle,” introduced the bill to protect postal, delivery and other community workers simply by sharing information about where potentially hazardous situations could occur. Recognizing that over 6,500 postal workers alone were bitten by dogs across the country in 2015, he hopes that registration of dogs who may pose threats, as well as stiffer penalties for those who are not responsible pet owners, may help cut that bite number down dramatically without having to resort to blanket legislative measures like breed restrictions, which Hoadley is not in favor of. Related: No Strays In the Netherlands: How Do They Do It? Hoadley also proposes that this legislation is not so much about labeling dogs as it is protecting them, as well as humans, by creating strong punitive options for those pet owners who habitually neglect their responsibilities and allow their dogs to continually bite and/or attack people. Considering he’s not looking to restrict breed, but simply alert community members to possible danger while holding pet owners accountable for their pets’ behaviors, we have to agree he may be on to something. More and more, countries who have and enforce tough penalties for pet owners when their dogs bite or attack a person are finding that rates of bites and attacks dramatically decrease and overall education and awareness of breed type increases. And that can only be good for everyone.

New Research Shows Dogs In American Shelters At An All-Time Low

New research indicates that the occupancy of dog shelters is at an all-time low, and we applaud the efforts of animal welfare groups. Is there is a ‘dog shortage’ in America? New research from Mississippi State University is claiming that the availability of dogs at animal shelters in America is at an all-time low, and that demand for dogs as family pets is increasing to new, higher levels. The research was shared at the North American Veterinary Community Conference in Orlando, Florida, and gives some statistics that say of the 5.5 million dogs who enter American shelters, fewer than a fifth of those dogs end up being euthanized, while over 4/5ths are returned to their owners, adopted or transferred. Related: Dog Escapes Shelter To Find Woman Who Gave Him Bacon Treats While 776,000 dogs a year being euthanized is a sad number, that number is a far cry from the nearly 20 million dogs a year that were euthanized in the 1970s, and that is a testament to the efficacy of efforts from shelters and responsible pet industry leaders to save lives, according to Pet Leadership Council Chairman Bob Vetere. Former ASPCA president and current Pet Leadership Council Consultant Ed Sayres says that the data from MSU will help shelters to do even more specifically to reduce the number of dogs who are euthanized, as well as to reduce the homeless dog population. More, this data is important to the ensuring that the demand for responsibly bred dogs is met in this country. Vetere says that there is an ever-growing desire for dogs in America, and that Americans own approximately 89 million dogs. To maintain current levels of ownership when factoring in the average lifespan of dogs (about 11 years), approximately 8.1 million dogs a year are needed. With only a quarter of that number being adopted out of shelters, and even fewer being transferred or euthanized, the dogs must come from other places, meaning there is great need for breeders to continue to produce pets, but with the assurance that the health and well-being of their animals being priority, as breeders will obviously want to meet the ever-growing demand. Related: No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It? The PLC claims that a voluntary national certification program, Canine Care Certified, which conducts audits on breeders using science-based standards will go a long way in giving breeders important guidelines that impact the physical and behavioral well-being of bred puppies and dogs when looking to meet demand for dogs. So while this is good news for dogs, be sure to still check with your local shelter when looking to add to your family. We’d love to see a day where there is not a need for shelters, and looks like we may be well on our way!

Hundreds Wanted to Adopt a Swearing Parrot - Now He Has a Perfect Home

There is no doubt that parrots are masters of mimicking voices and talking. But what they learn from their owners is not always so nice. Pepper, a White-fronted Amazon parrot who now lives in Olean, New York, is a perfect example of that.Recently, Pepper has gone viral on social media, particularly for his foul, R-rated language, and rather… ”colorful” vocabulary. Pepper was known for swearing profusely, much to the amusement of all who met and saw him. However, the parrot recently went up for adoption – and hundreds hurled to provide him with a new home. So now, Pepper is settling in with his new owners.“We checked in with his adopters, Tiffany and Tim, yesterday, and they report Pepper is settling in nicely,” the New York SPCA wrote. “He hasn't cursed at them just yet, but we know it's coming. He loves his veggies and always greets his adopters when they walk in the room.”Interestingly, Pepper’s new owners already own a parrot – an African Grey – who likewise swears a lot, even more than his new friend. “We love that Pepper found his home with adopters who won't be phased by his colorful language, and who know their birds,” the SPCA said. “May Pepper have decades of issuing threats to his new family! Now, go kick some a$$, Pepper!”Trying to find out how exactly Pepper learned all these words, the SPCA learned that his last home was in Buffalo, New York. There he shared a home with a rather naughty dog. The owner often tried to get the doggo to listen by saying things like “Do you want me to kick your a**?” Naturally, Pepper was quick to pick up those words and add them to his growing vocabulary. "We can't wait to read updates on our potty-mouthed friend," the SPCA said in a statement. But the new owners said that Pepper is still staying somewhat polite, and hasn’t cursed at anyone just yet. But there is no doubt it’s coming. Pepper’s new owners created an Instagram page where they could document the everyday moments of their new pet. You can find their adventures under the handle, @twospicyparrots.The SPCA shared that prior to the adoption they received over 300 requests for Pepper, but were very careful about their choice as they wanted the parrot to go to a great home which would be his “forever home”. Now that is a happy ending for this potty-mouthed parrot!

Mind-Reading Pet Psychics Are a Burgeoning Business

Pet parents pay big bucks to communicate better with their best buddies.

10 Downing's New PM Better Like Cats!

13-year resident Larry the Cat isn't going anywhere. And that's perfectly fine with new PM.

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

Scientists Developing AI Technology To Decipher Your Dog’s Barking

There is no dog owner out there who doesn’t wish to understand their pet’s bark! And now that artificial intelligence is evolving and expanding with each new day, it seems that this seemingly impossible feat can now become a reality.A research team at the University of Michigan is now studying how exactly artificial intelligence can be used to help understand the way dogs communicate. The scientists are developing special AI tools that will ultimately help understand whether a dog’s bark is aggressive, or shows playful intentions. And that is not all – AI will help gather crucial information from the bark, such as the breed, age, and sex of the dog. “By using speech processing models initially trained on human speech, our research opens a new window into how we can leverage what we built so far in speech processing to start understanding the nuances of dog barks,” said Rada Mihalcea, director of the University of Michigan’s AI laboratory.Throughout the course of the study, the team studied vocalizations from 74 different dogs, all in various contexts. They quickly realized that AI models that were originally trained on human speech could now be a great starting point to help train new AI systems made specifically to understand animal communication.“There is so much we don’t yet know about the animals that share this world with us,” said Mihalcea. “Advances in AI can be used to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication, and our findings suggest that we may not have to start from scratch.”Mihalcea also adds that all their findings indicate that “the sounds and patterns originating from human speech can form the basis for examining and comprehending the acoustic patterns of other sounds, including animal vocalizations”.But even so, using AI to analyze dog communication is hindered, as there is still a lack of data available publicly.“Animal vocalizations are logistically much harder to solicit and record,” said Artem Abzaliev, lead author of the study. “They must be passively recorded in the wild or, in the case of domestic pets, with the permission of owners.”Besides this, scientists were also able to reuse a model that analyzed human speech. This helped them to “tap into” major voice-enabled technologies that can actually recognize spoken words and those speaking them.“These models are able to learn and encode the incredibly complex patterns of human language and speech,” Abzaliev adds. “We wanted to see if we could leverage this ability to discern and interpret dog barks.”What is more, according to the study the research will also have major implications for animal welfare. If we can understand dog vocalizations, it can help us respond better to the needs of our pets.

These Are The Longest Living Cat Breeds, Study Shows

On average, cats have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and most breeds fit well within these limits. However, it seems that some kitties are built a bit differently – a new study in feline life expectancies has revealed which cat breeds are more likely to live longer than you’d expect. The study analyzed thousands of pet cats across the UK and revealed that some cats, like the Burmese or the Birmans, will live more than twice as long as the shortest-lived cat breeds.“In terms of life expectancy, there has been very little research done on cats,”  said Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. “They’re kind of invisible to science, especially compared to dogs.”O’Neill and his team analyzed data on 7936 cats that died between 2019 and 2021. This was some tremendous work that required plenty of patience. The data has been taken mostly from vets across the UK. And although it sounds grim, this careful data research has helped the team to learn a lot more about cat longevity. The results were interesting, to say the least. It was concluded that, on average, the studied cats had a life expectancy of just over 11.7 years. What is more, female kitties outlived their male counterparts – they had an expected lifespan of 12.5 years, compared to 11.2 years for males. However, the most interesting part of the study revealed that crossbreed cats tend to live longer than purebreds. The former has an average lifespan of 11.9 years, and the latter is at 10.4 years. But which breeds will live the longest? According to the data, the  Birman and  Burmese cats are at the very top of the list, both having an average life expectancy of 14.4 years. At the very bottom are  Bengal cats and  Sphynxes, having life expectancies of 8.5 and 6.7 years respectively. Another key result achieved by this team is known as “life tables”. This helps predict the average remaining lifespan of cats at different ages. It can also be used to help cat owners decide how to treat their ill pets. “If your cat is 11 or 12 years old and is only expected to live another year, then it’s probably not worth doing surgery, for example,” says O’Neill.

Dog Soundboard Buttons - the Jury's Back On Whether They Work

You might just be surprised at your dog's communication skills.

Yes, Cats Really Do Love a Game of Fetch... on Their Terms

No training needed when instincts kick in and your feline friend steps up to the plate.

Gene Mutation Raises Risk of Side Effects from Parasite Preventatives

According to findings from a recent study, over half a million cats in the U.S. should not be given certain parasite preventatives because they are at risk of serious adverse reactions. Pet parents who plan to use or currently use these products on their cats should inform themselves so they can make the right decisions for their pets’ health.

What is a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet for Dogs?

Protein is a very important part of a dog’s diet. However, some doggos might have a sensitive digestive system or even allergies. In such cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet becomes essential as it provides important nutrients without being heavy on their tummy. But what is hydrolyzed protein exactly? A hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs is a type of food that is formulated specifically for dogs that have allergies or certain food sensitivities. The protein sources in this diet are all broken down into smaller molecules, thanks to a complex process called hydrolysis. What this process does is reduce the size of the protein molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. So, if your doggo is a bit sensitive, this could be what’s needed!Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed protein for dogs that are diagnosed with intolerances or  food allergies. Thanks to this, your pet can receive all the essential nutrients without any adverse reactions being triggered. The most common sources of hydrolyzed protein in these diets are beef, chicken, salmon, or soy. So it’s just like most of the common dog foods - but in a different, better form. 

Can Dogs Get A Sunburn?

While your pooch might enjoy basking in the sun, you should be mindful of the potentially harmful effect UV exposure might have. Yes, same as it is the case with us humans, dogs are also susceptible to the damage harsh sun rays can cause. Humans, of course, will get sunburn if they don’t use protective sunscreen or stay in the shade, but is it the same for dogs? Most of them have fur, so does it relate to them as well? Let’s find out.Can Dogs Get Sunburn?Well, fur or no – sun can be certainly dangerous for dogs, especially if they are exposed to it for longer periods. And that means that sunburn can affect them as well. In fact, if the UV index is high, the strong rays of the sun can damage the skin incredibly quickly. Of course, it is important to know that certain breeds are more susceptible to sunburn than others, especially those with less fur. For example, breeds like French bulldogs, boxers, chihuahuas, greyhounds, and bull terriers will need more protection than usual. Hairless dog breeds are especially vulnerable, like the Chinese crested and Mexican hairless (xoloitzcuintli). Similarly, doggos that spend most of their time outside are more susceptible to sunburn, as well as fair-skinned dogs – with light pink skin underneath their coats.Symptoms of Sunburn in DogsWhile it’s hard to miss sunburnt skin in humans, how do you spot sunburn on your dog, considering that they have fur?Red or pink skin:Sunburned skin will change color – pink will indicate a mild sunburn, while a deeper shade of red will indicate a severe one. Of course, it could be difficult to spot this, especially if your dog’s coat is black, so make a thorough check-up if you suspect your pet has a sunburn. Dry and flaky skinIf you notice dry and flaky skin, this could be an indication of a sunburn. This is the first noticeable symptom in the days following sunburn. It can be accompanied by vigorous scratching, as it often feels itchy and uncomfortable. Blisters or soresHeavily sunburned skin will erupt in blisters that will eventually pop. They often require veterinary care, especially if they are numerous and cause obvious discomfort.Of course, urgent care is always needed to treat sunburn. Besides going to the vet, there are a number of things you can do as a caring owner to both prevent and treat sunburn. How Do You Treat Sunburn In Dogs?In case of a milder sunburn, you can treat the issue at home, with natural remedies. Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area to soothe the skin, or use a dog-safe aloe vera gel to moisturize the irritated skin and help it heal faster.

How Do I Introduce Cats and Dogs Safely?

There has long been a stereotype of dogs and cats as mortal enemies, constantly at one another’s throats. While becoming a two-pet household can sometimes be overwhelming, there is something so magical about watching your pets form their special bond.Introducing dogs and cats can be a nerve-racking process, but it doesn’t have to be.This post will guide you through a step-by-step approach to introducing your pets safely and carefully, laying the foundation for a positive relationship. Plus, you’ll find tips to ensure a smooth transition for both pets.How to Introduce a Cat and Dog Together: 5 Easy StepsIf you already have one pet in your home, introducing a second involves planning, preparation, and a lot of patience. While there are ways to overcome a rough first meeting, the best possible scenario is to ensure your pets start off on the right foot (or should I say paw).Here is a step-by-step walk-through of how to approach an introduction with the best chance of success.However, it’s important to note that there are some situations where this simply won’t work. For example, if you have a pet with previous negative interactions with other animals, they may be more nervous or anxious, requiring a slightly different approach. Use this as a starting point, but be prepared to be flexible and offer more care and consideration where needed.Step One: Consider PersonalitiesYou may be surprised to learn that the first step starts as early as selecting the right pets. Just as some people mesh better than others, the same can be said for our animals. When adopting a second pet, take the time to try to match personalities.A few important things to consider include:Energy Levels: If you have a laid-back or senior pet, adding a high-energy pet to the mix could be stressful and frustrating. Alternatively, a calm, quiet pet may struggle to settle into your home if your current pet is rambunctious.Outgoing vs. Shy: Some pets show more interest in playing and connecting with other pets, like an extroverted person who jumps right into wanting an interaction. On the other end of the spectrum, a shy pet (or introverted person) will want their space.Play Style: Some pets will play rougher than others. If you have a dog, for example, who plays rougher, a delicate kitten isn’t a good match as they could be injured. Instead, a playful adult cat who shares that play style would be a better match.Previous Interactions: Sometimes, a pet’s previous experiences can offer a glimpse of whether they will mesh well together. A dog that has shown they will chase cats who run wouldn’t mesh well with a cat who tends to run the moment they see a dog.Step Two: Start At a DistanceBefore bringing the two pets together, you must start introducing them at a distance. This means introducing them to one another’s scents while keeping them confined in their own safe spaces. The best way to do this is by keeping your pets in separate rooms and rotating them into a common living area where they can investigate one another’s scent.For example, if you have two bedrooms, you can place a pet in each bedroom. If not, consider blocking off a dining room, laundry room, or bathroom to keep one of your pets safely contained. Alternatively, a crate can be used to keep one of the pets in a hallway or space the other doesn’t have access to.Note: Allowing the pet moving freely in the home to tease or bother the crated pet can create frustration and anxiety. This could destroy any chance that your pets can coexist happily.We have always used the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door Dog Crate when crate training our dogs. Its dual front and side doors ensure that the crate can easily fit into any space. For containing our cats, we prefer to use enclosures with multiple levels, like the MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Playpen, which allows them to climb and explore.Another great approach to introducing pets to one another’s scent is scent-swapping with blankets. Allow your pets to each sleep with a blanket, then place them in the other pet’s room or space.

Top stories

No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It?

Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?

Top stories

No Strays In The Netherlands – How Do They Do It?

Related articles