A new poll of 2,000 cat and dog owners shows how people carve out time, plan training and lean on research to settle pets smoothly at home.
New owners book ‘pawternity’ leave to build trust
More than a quarter of new pet parents take time off when a dog or cat first arrives. Many use holiday days, flexi-time or unpaid leave to focus on settling routines and preventing early stress. The survey signals a cultural shift: owners see the first days as make-or-break for future behaviour and wellbeing.
Over three quarters of those polled say early attachment matters for the long-term relationship. Owners credit play, gentle handling and food rewards as the fastest trust builders, while quiet downtime helps overwhelmed arrivals decompress. Almost half report it takes about a week for a bond to click, and younger owners often see progress even sooner.
More than a quarter take leave to settle a new pet. Over three quarters say early bonding shapes the whole relationship.
Among Gen Z respondents, 56% found their pet warmed up faster than expected. Over a third of all owners felt surprised by how quickly a new companion settled in, and a quarter by how playful the animal became once it felt safe. These early weeks, owners say, set the tone for training, toilet habits and confidence around people and noises.
What works in the first week
Owners point to simple, consistent practices. They set a steady routine, make introductions gradually, and pair new experiences with praise and treats. Short, upbeat sessions replace marathon training. They adjust the environment, too: safe zones, chew outlets and predictable feeding times keep stress low.
Play sessions, cuddles given on the pet’s terms, and well-timed treats top the list of trust-building tactics.
- Keep days calm and predictable: regular meals, short walks, frequent naps.
- Reward desired behaviour immediately with food or a toy; keep sessions brief.
- Provide a safe space such as a crate or quiet room where the pet can retreat.
- Introduce new people and rooms gradually; pair each step with rewards.
- Use soft handling; let the pet choose closeness rather than forcing cuddles.
- Log toilet times, sleep, appetite and triggers to spot patterns quickly.
Research before adoption pays off
Preparation starts long before collection day. Twenty-eight percent of respondents spent significant time reading up on breed, mix and behaviour before bringing a pet home. Almost two in three (62%) believe that groundwork equips them to care better from day one.
Owners say the most valuable information would have been a behavioural background—fears, prior training, and how the animal copes with noise, strangers and separation. Medical history ranks close behind, followed by dietary needs. Even among those who knew a lot, 40% still want deeper insight into breed traits and typical behaviours to avoid common mismatches.
Behavioural background (29%), medical history (28%) and dietary needs (23%) top the “wish we’d known” list.
DNA testing enters the toolkit
Interest in pet DNA testing is rising. Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed would consider a test to learn about breed mix, inherited health risks, behaviour tendencies or even long-lost relatives. Providers argue that early insights help owners tailor training, exercise and diet for the individual animal rather than a generic template.
That approach aligns with modern training: understand the dog or cat in front of you, reward what you want, and manage the environment so unwanted behaviours never get rehearsed. Owners who treat the first fortnight as a personalised onboarding period report fewer teething troubles later on.
| Finding | Figure |
|---|---|
| New owners taking time off to bond | Over one quarter |
| Say early bonding is very important | Over three quarters |
| Bond formed within about a week | Almost half |
| Gen Z say bonding happened faster than expected | 56% |
| Researched breed/mix/behaviour before adoption | 28% |
| Believe research helps them care better | 62% |
| Most useful: behavioural background | 29% |
| Most useful: medical history | 28% |
| Most useful: dietary requirements | 23% |
| Wish they better understood breed traits/behaviour | 40% |
| Considering a pet DNA test | 38% |
Workplace reality: what leave looks like in practice
There is no statutory “pawternity” leave in the UK, so owners tend to stitch together annual leave, flexi-time or ad‑hoc remote days. Some employers already permit compassionate flexibility around new pets, especially rescues that need decompression. Others allow a short remote stint so owners can build a routine and avoid early separation anxiety.
If you plan time off, give your manager a clear, short plan. Set start and end dates, arrange cover, and outline outcomes: toilet training basics, safe alone-time, and a sleep‑wake pattern that fits your workday. Employers respond well when they see structure, not spontaneity.
A seven‑day bonding plan you can adapt
- Day 1–2: settle quietly, introduce one room at a time, reward calm, establish toilet spots.
- Day 3–4: add short training bursts (name, settle, recall indoors), practise gentle handling.
- Day 5: begin one‑to‑two minute “alone” rehearsals with a chew; build up slowly.
- Day 6: short walk or play in a new place; keep distance from triggers; reinforce calm.
- Day 7: map your weekday routine; trial your workday schedule in miniature.
Why early investment pays back
Early structure reduces barking, accidents and destructive chewing. It accelerates recall, crate comfort and calm greetings. Owners who front-load training report fewer costs later, from damage to remedial coaching. Many also find wellbeing gains: lower stress, better sleep, and a pet that copes when left for short periods.
Targeted research helps you choose the right activities. A terrier may need scent games and puzzles; a sighthound may prefer gentle bursts then long naps; a herding mix thrives on jobs that use nose and brain. DNA insights and breeder or rescue notes can fine‑tune those choices.
Pair knowledge with routine. The combination turns the first week from firefighting into confidence‑building.
Extra pointers owners asked for
Separation risk: build independence early. Feed a portion of meals in a safe space without you hovering, and rehearse very short exits with a chew or lick mat. If distress persists, step back a stage and shrink the duration.
Diet and digestion: changes can upset stomachs. If you switch food, do it gradually over 7–10 days, and keep treats small and simple while you establish toilet patterns.
Insurance and health: ask for medical records on day one. Log vaccinations, worming dates and any sensitivities. Book a vet check within the first week, even if the pet seems fine, so you start with a baseline.
Training cadence: two to four minutes beats twenty. Aim for several tiny wins a day, end on success, and rest often. Tired pets learn poorly and worry easily.
If you cannot take leave
You can still set your pet up for success. Arrange a trusted sitter for lunchtime breaks, create a cosy safe zone away from windows, and use food‑stuffed toys to turn alone-time into a positive event. Schedule practice exits daily, even at weekends. Consistency, not quantity, drives progress.
