Every time a companion animal is surrendered to a shelter it's a tragedy for the animal, whatever the circumstances. "Having a baby" is frequently given as the reason for relinquishing a previously cherished cat or dog. Some new parents say that they don't have time to care for their pet anymore, or their pet isn't good with the baby. However, with a little preparation, some good management strategies, careful supervision, and mutual love, pets and babies can be a very successful combination
Last year, one of the dog trainers at the San Francisco SPCA had a baby. The event gave her particular insight into the issues that can confront expectant and new parents who have a companion animal. Out of her experiences she crafted a small-class, five-week course for parents-to-be called 'Diapers & Dogs'. The course was booked out within days and was so successful that it is being offered again in July. Expectant moms and dads, or new parents with a baby up to the age of six months, with their pooches in tow, learned how to create a harmonious family+dog unit.
The 'Diapers & Dogs' course sparked interest, and since then we've written and talked extensively about the topic, expanding our focus from pre-baby preparations for dogs, to preparing the family cat for a new addition to the household, to accustoming pets to the reality of life with a newcomer in the home.
It's important to add that, if expectant parents don't already have a pet, it's not advisable to adopt one during pregnancy, or soon after the baby is born. Caring for a companion animal, like caring for a new baby, takes time, work and patience. To adopt a cat or dog during a period when the focus of new parents is, quite rightly, on the newborn, is to shortchange that animal and potentially create issues in the future.
That being said, if we had to choose the most valuable piece of advice for expectant parents with a pet it would be to start planning for the transition as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. Don't wait! The more time there is to acclimate a pet to the inevitable changes that are in store, the easier that pet will adapt to the arrival of a newborn. With some simple planning, babies and pets can both be part of a loving family unit.
