Whether or not your pets get along depend on their personalities. Your current pet may view a new pet as a threat; there may be a few scuffles as each animal establishes his “place in the pack”. Do not interrupt them if there is no danger of injury, and provided they are supervised at all times.

Some pets will merely tolerate each other. Others will become great companions (like my own two dogs and cat). Here are a few tips for introducing a new pet into your home.

Always supervise your pets until you are absolutely sure they get along. Until then, separate your pets by confining at least one of them to its own room. Only allow them to interact with each other with your supervision. It may take them hours, days, weeks, or even months for your pets to adjust fully to one another.

Introduce your pets indoors in controlled situations. Keep your dogs on a leash and do not tolerate any aggressive behavior. If you are introducing a cat to a dog, do not allow the dog to chase or corner the cat – even if it’s out of playfulness or curiosity.

When introducing a cat to a dog, do NOT hold the cat in your arms. A frightened or nervous cat may scratch.

Allow your new pet to familiarize itself with its new home. Temporarily confine existing pets to a room to give your new pet a chance to feel more comfortable with its surroundings.

Give your pets separate food and water bowls. If you are introducing cats, also provide separate litter boxes. Feed your new and existing pets in different locations.

Be especially careful when introducing dogs or cats to caged animals. Dogs and cats can live in harmony with rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc… but please introduce them under strictly controlled supervision. Keep in mind that cats are very agile, so placing a cage high up on a shelf doesn’t necessarily protect the caged pet. Don’t take any chances – one mistake could be fatal to your caged pet.

Give them time. Do not try to force your pets together; allow them to adjust at their own pace. Give all your pets – particularly the new one – time to gain confidence and decide when to face his or her new housemates.

Featured Dog  Lotus

Lotus is a shepherd blend and came to the shelter with his 3 sisters. He is approximately 9 months old. He is a little shy at first but quickly becomes your best friend.  He wants to be with people and loves attention. He knows sit and is doing well on leash walking and learning what toys are. He is very attentive to you and wants to please.

Other available dogs

Petunia – shepherd blend Came to shelter with 3 siblings. She is doing well on her leash walking, sit and learning to play with toys. 

Iris – shepherd blend Came to shelter with 3 siblings. She is doing well on her leash walking, sit and learning to play with toys. 

Day Lily – shepherd blend Came to shelter with 3 siblings. She is doing well on her leash walking, sit and learning to play with toys. 

Peanut- Senior border collie/beagle blend. He will do best in a quiet home. Loves going for walks. He is a volunteer favorite. You need to meet him one on one to appreciate this dog.

Diegos- Senior He will need a home with no other dogs, a secure yard and no steps to climb. He is a big gentle dog. At 15 he still loves to play fetch and go for short walks.

Koda- Extra large boy. Is on diet and exercise program. Has lost over 31 pounds since coming to shelter. Loves being with people., going for long walks and playing with toys

Featured cat- Dexter

What a beautiful boy. Dexter is 9 months old with medium length hair. He loves to play with toys especially balls and the laser. He is a cuddle cat and will sit on your lap to be petted and loved.

Other available cats

Kiki Dee 9 year old free spirit. she loves watching out the window or walking around the room. she is the queen and may allow you to shower her with attention but then she may not. No other cats in the home please so she can have all the attention.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:00 am until 4 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268 

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.

The animals submitted to the media may have changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER