What are some of the typical kinds of physical and mental stress shelter animals may experience?
According to Dr. McKeown, some dogs think it’s great fun being with other animals. For these dogs, being surrounded by other animals in their cages is not that stressful. Most want to go back in the cage where it’s more secure. Others may feel intimidated. If you’re looking at a cat, he suggests watching whether he wants to leap back in the cage. So when the cat goes to a new house, he will have to do more adjusting. For some animals, being around strange people and animals coming and going at the shelter could weaken their immune systems. Or cats may develop grooming problems, or become catatonic and not move at all. Some dogs may pace. But most of the animals do well, says Dr. McKeown, and within three or four days they want to be petted. Coming home from the shelter, he adds, your new pet may hide more at home since he doesn’t yet know where to go to the bathroom.
