Introductions

child with cat and dog

Bringing an animal home to become a member of your family is certainly an exciting time. However, you want to be careful when your new cat or dog first meets your kids. Here are a few of our best tips on how to introduce new pets to children in a way that fosters a bond from the very start.

Have Plenty of Space

Animals that have not previously been around the energy and excitement of kids can sometimes get stressed or anxious during that first meeting. To keep aggressive behavior from happening, make sure you have plenty of space. This keeps your pet from feeling closed in and trapped.

For example, you could start by taking your new dog on a walk or playing inside a fenced backyard. With a cat, you can still introduce everyone indoors, but just make sure you have a large area like a living room. This gives everyone the space they need to get used to each other safely and calmly.

Teach Gentle Petting & Monitor the Situation

This tends to be more common with younger children, but sometimes kids can get a little rough with their new pet when they are excited. To keep this from happening, always monitor interactions between your little one and the new cat or dog. Teach them to use gentle strokes and to watch the animal’s response to touch. If it is something that is not getting a good reaction, make sure they learn to stop immediately.

Also, reiterate the basics of being around an animal. Ensure your children know to never pull whiskers or tails, and to keep their faces away from your pet’s to help keep bites from happening. You should also reiterate to never abruptly walk up to or bother an animal while they are sleeping or eating.

Let Children Be Involved in Care

Older children can help form a bond with their new pet by being involved in care. Allow them to fill up food and water bowls, give treats, and handle gentle brushing and grooming tasks. This builds trust between the animal and the child that will only grow throughout time.

Play is also another important aspect that can help when a new animal is introduced to the home. Let your kids take their new dog on walks or chase a tennis ball. As long as things don’t get too rough, this is a great way to help everyone bond.

How to Introduce New Pets to Children

Adding a new canine or feline companion to the family can be exciting. By following the tips we’ve mentioned here, you can help ensure it is a safe and happy time for everyone.

RE-FUR-AL PROGRAM:

We do have a re-fur-al program for re-fur-ing friends & family. Discount varies by location.

Office Hours

Clifton Location

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Hoboken Location

Monday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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TESTIMONIALS

  • "Foofie Poochies is a excellent grooming salon. The shop is very clean, Dogs are well taken care of. I have been taking my dogs there for over 8 years. The owner makes sure all dogs are up to date on shots, is very comforting to your dog when it enters to take away any fears you or your pet has, this I have seen first hand many times. They will make you aware of anything they suspect on your pet. My dog had a tick once and the owner even gave me the tick in the bag in case I wanted to have it checked. I have recommended friends to Foofie Poochies because I feel they are a very good grooming salon and are knowledgeable in grooming any type of dog. Also, if your dog has a health issue, the owner is extremely considerate in working with your pet, I have a dog with a health issue and she watches my buddy very closely making sure he is ok. One thing, they do stress you honor your appointment or at least let them know in a timely manner if you have to cancel. I trust them completely!"
    Tawny K (August,2023)
  • "Best groomer in Hoboken! We have been taking our two maltipoos here since we moved to the area 6+ months ago and Doreen does such an amazing job with both of them! She is very patient with both as one gets nervous at the groomer and the other is full of high energy (and I imagine she is difficult to keep still for grooming). They always look so good and smell amazing after! Doreen is always so nice and happy to see our pups. They love her and the sweet treats she gives! She offers a lot of different services that are affordable and never has long booking waits. Highly recommend taking your dog here!"
    Annabeth Canfield (July, 2023)
  • "Only groomers I trust my dog with been going here for years. Love the new location"
    LYNN D. (July, 2023)
  • "The best grooming salon in town!!"
    MARILYN F. (April,2023)
  • "Doreen took amazing care of my 10 month old puppy! He came home smelling great and looking clean! Doreen was extremely professional, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and very nice. We will definitely be back!"
    LAUREN C. (December, 2022)
  • "I have been using Foofies Poochies for close to 8 years ,my entire family has their fur babies groomed by Doreen.You will not find a more compassionate ,professional groomer anywhere else.I know she treats my fur baby like its her own and always feel secure leaving him there !!"
    BEV K. (October, 2022)
  • "My boys Dexter (cockapuggle) & Milo (Kashon) love it here & so do I. The groomers are so sweet and patient with my dogs. I've been coming here for about a year after bad experiences with other places. I've only had great experience with Foofie Poochies. They are excellent. I've recommended them to family and friends for their furry babies and they also love it here."
    JOAN T. (3/1/2017)
  • "Zonti always nervous when i take him to groomers but with them he is more relaxed he loves them he comes out smelling great and looking so handsome they are sweet and do a great job ...Highly recommend"
    JAS Z. (2/25/2017)
  • "King has been going to Doreen since he was a puppy! he's almost 3 now! She always leaves him looking like a million bucks! I Love that we found such a clean nice shop!! "Auntie Doreen" is the best!"
    CHRIS R.

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