Having Trouble?
We get it, transitions can be hard.
At 4P4L we strive to find permanent homes for our animals by matching the right pet with your family at the time of adoption.
We provide resources for many situations that may arise during your initial adoption adjustment period. If you require help with your pet’s adjusting to their new home, please let us know!
4P4L wants to help you keep your pet whenever possible, as it is our belief that once you adopt a dog, they are your responsibility for life.
Keep reading to learn more about the typical adjustment expectations for rescue animals. If you have specific questions regarding your experience or need help, click the button below to reach out.
In the First 3 Days
Your new dog will be overwhelmed with his new surroundings. He will not be comfortable enough to be himself. Don’t be alarmed if he doesn’t want to eat for the first couple of days, many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed. He may shut down and want to curl up in his crate or under the table. He may be scared and unsure of what is going on. Or he may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with, kind of like a teenager.
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Maybe scared and unsure of what is going on
- Not comfortable enough to be “himself”
- May not want to eat or drink
- Shut down and want to curl up in his crate or hide under a table
- Testing the boundaries
After 3 Weeks
He’s starting to settle in, feeling more comfortable, and realizing this may be his forever home. He has figured out his environment and getting into the routine that you have set. He lets his guard down and may start showing his real personality. Behavior issues may start showing, this is your time to be a strong pack leader and show him what is right and wrong.
- Starting to settle in
- Feeling more comfortable
- Realizing this could possibly be his forever home
- Figured out his environment
- Getting into a routine
- Lets his guard down and may start showing his true personality
- Behavior issues may start showing up
After 3 Weeks
Your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.
- Finally completely comfortable in his home.
- Building trust and a true bond.
- Gained a complete sense of security with his new family.
- Set in a routine
We understand, however, that there are certain circumstances in which the pet you brought home may not work out.
If at any time you can no longer keep your adopted pet, the animal is to be returned to 4P4L.
Surrendering your pet to our rescue may require an assessment by a board certified animal behavioralist.
Also, relinquishment fees will apply as outlined:
- Dogs (5 months+) - $150
- Puppies (younger than 5 months) - $75
- Cats (5 months+) - $50
- Kittens (younger than 5 months+) - $25
If you wish to surrender your animal, please reach out to us by clicking the button below so we can discuss.
