When a new pet arrives in the home, many owners picture instant friendship: shared toys, shared beds, and hours of playful companionship. But a survey from Petplan reveals that the journey to pet harmony is often a little more complicated — and a lot more rewarding.
Petplan asked 1,000 UK dog and cat owners about their experiences introducing a new pet into the family. While many imagined their pets would bond naturally, nearly a quarter (24%) admitted they underestimated just how difficult that bonding process could be.
For many households, the decision to welcome another four-legged family member is rooted in love and concern.
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41% had always wanted a second pet.
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28% hoped a new companion would reduce their current pet’s loneliness.
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25% believed their pet would enjoy the social interaction.
Pet owners quickly discover that pets, just like people, have feelings about change.
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31% said their existing pet appeared jealous of the newcomer.
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29% noticed emotional changes, such as withdrawal or territorial behaviour.
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22% struggled to share attention equally between both animals.
Despite this, not all introductions are bumpy. A reassuring 14% of owners said they faced no major challenges at all.
Looking back, many said they would have prepared differently. 31% wished they’d better considered the financial side — from insurance to vet bills and extra food, and 28% said the socialisation period took time to adjust to.
But even with the hurdles, there’s a clear theme: the joy outweighs the stress. A quarter of owners (25%) said that getting another pet — and watching them bond — was one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve had.
“Introducing a new pet to your family is an exciting journey. Whilst some pets get along easily, for others it can take a little longer. Scent-swapping is a great first step and can help ease initial pet anxieties.
“For dog-to-dog introductions, starting in a neutral space like a park allows for a more relaxed meeting. Let the dogs observe each other from a distance on the lead before allowing direct interaction.
“Cat introductions benefit from initial distance at first to let them see and smell each other safely before meeting. As cats like their own space, it’s important to slowly introduce your cats to each other.
“When introducing a dog and a cat, keeping the dog on a lead and giving the cat the freedom to approach or retreat can prevent stress for both animals.
“Allow pets to set the pace and socialise in their own time, ensure they have separate feeding and resting spaces, and provide plenty of positive reassurance along the way. By following these steps, pet owners can help their pets bond making the family home a happy environment.”