Helpful advice

Education & tips

Bringing a rescue animal home is a wonderful thing. Here's everything you need to give them the best possible start.

Settling in

Bringing your rescue home

The first few weeks are crucial. Rescue animals often need patience and time to adjust — here's how to help them settle.

Give them space

When you first bring a rescue home, resist the urge to introduce them to everyone at once. Let them explore at their own pace. Set up a quiet corner with their bed, water, and a familiar scent. It can take days — or weeks — before they truly relax.

Keep a routine

Feed, walk and play at consistent times each day. Rescue animals — especially dogs — find enormous comfort in predictability. A reliable routine tells them the world is safe and they can relax into it.

Patience above all

Some rescue animals have had difficult pasts. They may be nervous, shy, or take longer to trust. This isn't a sign that something's wrong — it's completely normal. With consistent kindness, most animals come on beautifully.

Get a vet check

Even if your animal has been health-checked by HOVAR, we recommend registering with a local vet as soon as possible. Build a relationship before you need it — it makes everything easier in an emergency.

For dog owners

Tips for rescue dogs

The 3-3-3 rule

Many rescue dogs take 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine, and 3 months to truly feel at home. Don't worry if progress seems slow in the early days — it's all completely normal.

Lead training

Some rescue dogs have never been properly lead trained — or have been kept on a lead their whole life. Work slowly, use positive reinforcement, and reward calm behaviour. Never pull or yank.

Socialisation

Introduce new people, dogs, and environments gradually and positively. Avoid overwhelming your dog in the early weeks. Let them say hello on their own terms — not everyone else's.

Separation anxiety

Many rescue dogs struggle when left alone. Start with very short absences and build up gradually. A tired dog is a calmer dog — ensure they get adequate exercise before you leave the house.

For cat owners

Tips for rescue cats

Start with one room

Give your new cat one room to begin with — ideally with food, water, litter tray and somewhere to hide. Let them explore the rest of the house gradually, at their own pace, over days or weeks.

Don't force affection

Let your cat come to you. Sit near them, talk softly, and let them sniff you. Forcing contact with a nervous cat can set trust back significantly. The reward when they choose to approach you is worth the wait.

Keep them indoors at first

Even outdoor cats should be kept inside for the first 2–4 weeks. This gives them time to learn that your home is their home before they're faced with the wider territory.

Litter tray basics

Provide one litter tray per cat plus one extra. Keep them clean — cats are fastidious and will avoid a dirty tray. Place them away from food and in a quiet, accessible location.