The 3 · 3 · 3 Rule
Give them three days, three weeks, and three months.
The scared, hiding animal you bring home isn't the one you'll have in a few months. Here's what to expect in the first days, weeks, and months — and why patience is part of the adoption.
Who came home?
Where are you right now?
Enter your pet's name and the day they came home — we'll show you which phase you're in and what's completely normal today.
Day 1
Decompressing
Home
3 Days
3 Weeks
3 Months
What each stage looks like
The journey home, one stage at a time
Set them up to settle in
The practical side of a smooth start
Bringing them home to other pets
Introducing your new arrival to the family
If something feels off
Knowing when to reach out
Every animal is different. Some settle in days, others need far longer — and that's okay. These are general guidelines, not a stopwatch. If introductions stall, a behavior worries you, or you just feel stuck, reach out. Rescue Network MN is 100% foster-based, so real people who've been through this are always here to help. You're never doing this alone.