Adoption certification - Zoundz

PET ADOPTION CERTIFICATION

DURATION: 10-15 mins
*Please allow time to complete this certification

Name*

Email*

Interested in adopting*

Dog

Cat

Shelter or Rescue that referred you:*

Welcome

Congratulations! You’ve decided to adopt a new pet and provide a loving forever home.

There are millions of dogs and cats in shelters each year looking for new homes. If more people like you chose to adopt a pet, the number of animals killed in shelters would be reduced significantly.

Zoundz Music For Pets™ supports families looking to adopt a pet and provide a loving home. We’ve created this 10-15 minute certification program to provide valuable tips & resources so that you can prepare for a smooth and successful transition from shelter to home.

About zoundz

Zoundz Music For Pets™ is an app-based music solution that calms anxious dogs and cats. Backed by behavioral research and approved by pet professionals, our library of proprietary music helps your pet feel at ease in new environments.

Our app offers a wide variety of music channels designed to ease your pet’s stress in everyday situations, like these:

Home Alone
Travel Time
Scary Sounds
House Guests
And more!

SUPPORTING SHELTERS & RESCUES

As part of The Harmony Project initiative, shelters and rescues nationwide can apply to receive Zoundz Music For Pets™ at no cost. Our species-specific music reduces anxiety in dogs and cats―ultimately making them more adoptable so they can find a forever home faster. This means the pet you adopt has already been enjoying the calming sounds of Zoundz music.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ADOPT

Hello! I’m Dr. Lisa Radosta, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist and Advisory Board Member for Zoundz Music For Pets. As a veterinarian, I have been helping pets and the people who love them for over 22 years.

Adopting a pet is exciting for both you and your new furry family member. The first several days in your home can be special or they can be scary, leaving your dog or cat feeling anxious. After all, to your new fur baby, everything from the people to the environment feels unfamiliar and uncertain.

Even experienced pet parents can use the tips and tricks in this certification to make those first few days special, comfortable, and anxiety-free for their newly adopted pets.

PRE-ADOPTION CHECKLIST

Create a Plan

Think about where your new pet will sleep and eat. Where will the new toy box be? Will your new dog or cat sleep with you in bed? How will you manage any pets already in your home when you add a new dog or cat to your family? Planning will make for smooth introductions.

Prepare your Home

Purchase as much as you can for your new dog or cat before you bring them home. While it is always fun to bring a new pet to the store to pick out their own toys, there will be plenty of time for that later. Pet proof your home beforehand so that your new pet will be safe.

Set up a Safe Space

Everyone needs a place to go and settle down when life is stressful. Dogs and cats are no different. Set up a safe space for your pet with a bed and toys before you bring them home. This is the perfect place to let your new pet decompress as soon as they get home.

Download the Zoundz Music For Pets™ app

Create an account and have Zoundz music ready to play in the car on your pet’s “Freedom Ride” home from the shelter. You can also connect the app to your smart speakers so that you can create a calming environment as soon as your new pet comes home.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

1. Take it slow

We love our fur babies, and we want to show them off to our friends so that they will love them as well. However, this can be overwhelming for your new pet. Give them a week or two to adjust before bringing any friends over.

The “House Guests” channel on the Zoundz Music For Pets™ app can help keep your pet calm when you have visitors.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

2. Keep your eyes peeled.

Your new dog or cat has their own likes, dislikes, and preferences. Watch them closely and write down where they like to sleep and eat. Keep track of their favorite toys and those that they ignore.

Write down what you see so that you can use that information to purchase the things that they like and modify the environment to keep them feeling happy and safe.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

3. 1-2-3 Pivot!

Now that you know what your pet likes, don’t be afraid to modify the safe space, treats, toys, bedding and feeding stations to match their preferences whenever possible. Don’t worry, you can slowly ease them into your family’s way of doing things.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

4. Structure, structure, structure

Dogs and cats are not fans of surprises. They feel safest when they know what is coming next. Put your new pet on a schedule of feeding, playing and time outside as soon as you can.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

5. Don’t wait to start training

Start positive reinforcement training whether it be housetraining or just rewarding for calm behavior as soon as you get home. This will help your pet to feel calmer and more secure in your home.

The Zoundz Music For Pets™ app features a variety of interactive games to assist with training and conditioning your pet.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

6. Avoid big changes

For the first month or so at least avoid big changes such as the dog park or daycare. Let your pet settle in and get to know you and your neighborhood first before making the big leap into busy situations with lots of new dogs and people.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

7. Give your new one some space

If your new pet doesn’t exactly want to sleep on your head or sit on your lap all night as you watch movies, don’t fret. Give it some time. By forcing your love, you are more likely to scare your new baby and lose their trust. Let them come to you. By 2-3 months in, you will be inseparable.

Use the “Lap Time” channel on the Zoundz Music For Pets app™ to make your new pet feel at ease.

Got it!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

8. Get help if you need it

If you are concerned at all that your current pets will not accept a new pet or if you see any signs that their relationship is going south, reach out to your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Got it!

FINAL NOTES

Newly adopted pets take time to adjust to their new home and the people in it. It usually takes about 3 months for a new pet’s real personality to come out. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to a set schedule for feeding, walks, training, and more. This schedule will show your new pet what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you.

On behalf of the entire team at Zoundz, we wish you and your new pet a long and happy life together!

CONGRATULATIONS

Thank you! {Shelter/Rescue} will be notified that you’ve completed the Pet Adoption Certification. Good luck!

ACT NOW!

Before you bring your new pet home, download the Zoundz Music For Pets™ app. You’ll be ready to play music on the “Travel Time” channel to make your new pet feel at ease on the “freedom ride” to their new home!

Download the app today and sign up for an annual subscription for just $1 a month!