Bringing home a new baby is an exciting milestone, and it's a big change for your pets, too. Dogs and cats thrive on routine, so introducing new sights, sounds, and schedules gradually can help everyone adjust more comfortably. With a little preparation before your baby's arrival, you can help your pet feel secure and set your growing family up for success.

Start Preparing Early

The weeks and months before your baby arrives are the perfect time to introduce new routines and work on behaviors you'd like to see once your baby is home.

Small changes now are often easier for pets to adjust to than several big changes all at once.

Schedule a Wellness Check

Before your baby arrives, schedule a routine veterinary visit to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on recommended preventive care.

If your pet isn't already spayed or neutered, talk with your veterinarian about whether it's appropriate.

"Spaying and neutering offers lifelong health and behavior benefits for many pets. If you're considering the procedure, HSC's Spay/Neuter Clinic can help you understand your options and determine what's best for your pet. See full spay/neuter guidelines and pricing"

~ HSC Team

Build Helpful Habits

Now is also a great time to practice everyday behaviors that will make life with a baby easier.

Focus on:

Teaching your dog to greet people without jumping

Redirecting nipping, mouthing, or rough play toward appropriate toys

Practicing calm behavior on a mat or bed

Getting comfortable with regular nail trims and gentle handling

Refreshing basic cues like sit, stay, and leave it

Enrolling in a positive reinforcement training class if you'd like extra support

"Need help getting started? HSC offers beginner-friendly, positive reinforcement dog training classes designed to help you build confidence and communication with your dog before your family grows. HSC's Dog Basics for Everyone class is a free, beginner-friendly option if your dog needs foundational training before the baby arrives. The Six-Week Group Classes build on that foundation if you want more structured, ongoing support."

~ HSC Team

Introduce Baby Sights, Sounds, and Smells

Your pet doesn't know what a baby is, but they can become familiar with many of the changes that come along with one.

Over time try introducing

Recordings of babies crying or cooing

Infant swings, rocking chairs, or other baby equipment

Walking around the house carrying a bundled blanket or baby doll

Using your baby's name in everyday conversations

Keep these experiences short and positive. Reward calm behavior with praise or treats so your pet begins forming positive associations with these new sights and sounds.

Set Up Your Home Before The Baby Arrives

If you'll be creating pet-free spaces after the baby is born, introduce those boundaries well in advance

Install baby gates early so they become part of the routine.

Set up the nursery before your due date.

Give your pet opportunities to explore the room while calmly reinforcing any boundaries.

Create a quiet retreat where your pet can rest away from household activity.

The goal isn't to keep your pet away from the baby. It's to help them understand the new routine before everything changes at once.

"One of the most common questions expecting parents ask is whether it's safe to keep their cat during pregnancy. The good news is that most families do not need to rehome their cat. Toxoplasmosis is uncommon and is easily prevented with a few simple precautions."

~ HSC Team

To reduce the risk try:

Ask someone else to scoop the litter box each day during pregnancy whenever possible.

If you must clean the litter box yourself, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Keep your cat indoors.

Feed commercial cat food instead of raw meat.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your individual risk.

With good hygiene and routine veterinary care, most families can safely enjoy life with both their cat and their new baby.

Bringing The Baby Home

"Before arriving home from the hospital, have someone bring home a blanket, hat, or other item carrying your baby's scent. Allow your pet to investigate it at their own pace."

~ HSC Team

When it's time to come home, greet your pet first if possible. Once everyone has settled, introduce your baby calmly while rewarding your pet for relaxed behavior.

There's no need to rush the introduction. Let your pet observe from a comfortable distance and approach only if they're interested.

Always supervise interactions between pets and babies, even if your pet has always been gentle.

Helping Everyone Adjust

Helpful Habits

Keep feeding, walks, and playtime as consistent as possible.

Continue spending one-on-one time with your pet every day.

Reward calm behavior around your baby.

Allow your pet to choose when to approach.

Give your pet access to a quiet retreat whenever they need a break.

Supervise every interaction between your child and your pet.

Try To Avoid

Forcing interactions.

Suddenly stopping all attention or affection.

Punishing your pet for showing uncertainty.

Leaving your baby and pet together without supervision.

Allowing children to pull, climb on, or startle pets.

Building a safe relationship is something that happens over time through positive experiences for both your child and your pet.

When to Ask for Help

It's normal for pets to need time to adjust to a growing family. If your pet continues to show signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression around your baby, don't wait to ask for help. Early support can make the transition easier for everyone.

"Whether you're preparing before your baby's arrival or navigating changes afterward, the Humane Society of Charlotte is here to help.Our positive reinforcement dog training classes can help strengthen everyday skills before your family grows. If more specialized behavior support is needed, we can also connect you with certified, force-free professionals in the community."

~ HSC Team