Introducing adult animals to your home can be fun and exciting if you understand the basic care needs of these furry friends. Being a good owner also means discipline and training.

The following tips will help your dog or cat feel right at home:

• An adult pet may be stressed by a move into a home that is unfamiliar. Provide lots of exercise and play to ease the transition 
• Closely supervise the pet or keep it confined to a small safe area until it is comfortable in its new surroundings
• Toys, especially ones in which treats can be hidden will help keep the pet occupied and prevent destructive behaviors when you’re not with it
• Teach the pet that the whole house is its home, not territory to be marked. Take it to visit each room in the home to have play sessions and give it treats
• Enroll the pet in an obedience class to build confidence

Don’t forget: Always keep your veterinarian's name and phone number in a convenient place. If your veterinarian does not offer emergency services, ask for the name and phone number of the nearest animal emergency facility.

Collars and Microchips

An ID tag or microchip is a lost pet's ticket home. If it’s a collar, the tag should include your address, day and evening phone numbers including cell phone number. If you microchip your pet, be sure to complete all database registrations so the chip can work for you.

Source: PetSmart