Why It’s So Important to Socialize Your Pets

Everyone thinks they’ll never have to rehome their pet but never say never. So many times, animals are released into rescue following something unexpected or unplanned — a job loss, a divorce, a family tragedy. Wham — your animal is now in rescue, or you are desperately trying to find a friend or family member to accept them into their family.

The animals who get along with people and other animals are usually easily placed if owners allow themselves time to contact friends and family and spread the word. The animals who are properly socialized and at least partially trained have so many more options than the pets who are picky with company, have high anxiety in new settings, and have no consistent training.

I spoke to someone last month who wanted to surrender his dog to rescue. He said to me, “This is so hard for me. My dog and I have never been apart, not for even a night.” The owner introduced me to his dog and the dog was fine. When I had the dog on my own — not so fine. I had to return the dog to his owner and tell him that rehoming his pup would be a “work in progress” because the dog was not willing to be with anyone else. Some cats are equally solitary, which makes the transition to new experiences, new people, and a new life difficult.

Do what you can to make your furry family members comfortable in a variety of circumstances. Send them on a sleepover to grandma’s house or to spend the afternoon with Uncle Mike. You want to give them the best chance you can if something unexpected happens and they become rudderless in a strange, difficult world.