SAAR Adoption Form
It doesn’t happen overnight
The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period of a pet after adoption. Every pet is unique and will adjust differently. Please have patience and allow your new pet time to settle in.
3
days to decompress
- feeling overwhelmed
- may feel scared or unsure of what’s going on
- not yet comfortable to be ‘himself’
- may not want to eat or drink
- shuts down and/or hides under furniture
- tests the boundaries
3
weeks to learn your routine
- starts settling in
- feels more comfortable
- realizes this could be his forever home
- figures out his environment
- lets his guard down, beginning to show his true personality
- behaviour issues may appear
3
months to start to feel at home
- finally feels completely comfortable in his home
- begins building trust and a true bond
- gains a complete sense of security with his new family
- settles into a routine
