Podcast Ep 28: Adding New Animal Family Members

Originall Published July 2, 2022

Listen: Apple, Podbean, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast station.

Script

Welcome to True Kinship with Animals: In Short, a mini podcast that gives you bite sized tidbits of true kinship in 3 minutes or less. I’m your host Janet Roper.

My online work is given readily and is free to consume. AND time and labor are involved. Your financial support makes my work sustainable and allows me to continue providing you with the pro bono resources I offer, such as this podcast. Supporting my work by making a financial contribution or shopping my wish list at janetroper.com shows your appreciation and is greatly welcomed. Thank you for your continued support!

In my line of work I often have multiple consecutive sessions with same or similar theme. The most recent recurring theme is integrating new animals into an already existing household.

So let’s talk this from an animistic, true kinship view.

Before adopting, be sure to consider temperament, compatibility, your already existing animal family and your life style. You can hear more about this in Season 1 Episode 8 of this podcast. 

Keep in mind when an animal is being rehomed they are going through an uncertain and stressful time. They’re no longer at home and with their family. They’ve been in an interim situation, possibly many before coming to you. 

When it comes to how long integration takes, I don’t find a set answer. From a true kinship perspective, I feel the honest answer is it takes as long as it takes. Or maybe the more nuanced answer is until they feel comfortable and at home.

Here are some suggestions you may find helpful when integrating a new animal family member into your household:

Be gradual with the integration process. Look at this from the animal’s perspective, not the human perspective. They need time to feel at ease with the new place, animal and human family, expectations and routines. 

Recognize signs of stress. This may be barking, crying, hiding, not eating or drinking, having accidents. Watch their body language for clues. If you see this, consider contacting your vet.

Know your limit. Life changes, situations change. Be aware of your strength, mobility, energy levels and any other circumstances that might affect you participation with your animal family.

I hope this encourages you to look at your relationship with animals differently so that a new place of understanding begins to open for you.

My work is devoted to helping you show up in the world for animals from the fullness of your authentic self. To find out more visit janetroper.com

Thanks for listening to this mini podcast! If you liked what you have heard, you can support this podcast by making a financial contribution, leaving a comment, giving the show a like, a follow and/or a share. You’ll find links on the show page or at janetroper.com

Just for today remember: We all do better when all creatures do better. Until next time, take good care!