How to Prepare Your Pet for Your Baby’s Arrival (and a Smooth First Meeting)

If you already have a furry family member at home, you’re probably wondering what bringing a baby home to your pet might actually look like. It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about it.

Your dog or cat has been your first “baby” for years. They know your routines, claim their favorite spots on the couch, and have your undivided attention whenever they want it. Now, with a newborn coming home, everything’s about to change.

Adding a baby into the mix will definitely shake things up. This can cause behaviors you’ve never seen before from your pet, and understandably so. Maybe they’ve never even seen a baby before.

But here’s what we want you to know—with intentional preparation, your pets and newborns can absolutely thrive together. 

Our team of postpartum doulas have seen countless families successfully navigate this transition. We know what you’re picturing…

Pinterest-perfect moments of your dog gazing lovingly at your newborn.

This can happen!

But laying the foundation for a safe, calm environment where everyone feels secure comes first.

Why Preparing Pets For Your Newborn Matters More Than You Think

Pets can easily become stressed and anxious with changes, especially big changes like bringing a baby home.

One day, your cat discovers their favorite nap spot is occupied.

Or your dog soon realizes those late-night walks are over.

Their world feels turned upside down.

This stress can manifest in ways that make an already challenging newborn phase even harder:

• Excessive barking during precious nap times
• Jumping near the baby out of excitement or jealousy
• House training regressions
• Destructive behaviors they’ve never shown before
• Withdrawal or signs of depression

The good news? Most of these behaviors are completely preventable with proper preparation. By taking steps now, you’re setting the foundation for a peaceful home where your baby can thrive and your pet still feels loved and secure.

Your Pre-Baby Pet Preparation Checklist

1. Start With the Senses

Introduce New Sounds Gradually

Download an app or find YouTube videos with baby sounds—crying, cooing, babbling. Start playing them at low volume during calm moments, like when your pet is relaxing. Gradually increase the volume over several weeks. When your pet stays calm, offer treats and praise.

Create Scent Familiarity

Animals have a high sensitivity to scents. Use baby lotion on your hands occasionally. Set up the nursery furniture early and let your pet investigate (supervised). This prevents the shock of sudden new smells when the baby arrives.

2. Adjust Routines Now, Not Later

If you believe your dog’s 6 AM walk won’t work once your baby is here, start shifting it now. If your cat expects playtime at 9 PM when you’ll be doing bedtime routines, begin adjusting. Small changes over time are much less stressful than sudden shifts.

Consider:

• Who will handle pet care during those first weeks?
• Can feeding times be automated with timers?
• Will walk schedules need to change?

3. Essential Training for Dogs and Newborns

These commands become invaluable when you’re holding a baby:

• “Go to bed/place”- Creates space when needed
• “Leave it” – Essential for dropped pacifiers or baby toys
• “Down” – Prevents jumping
• “Gentle” – Teaches appropriate interaction

Practice these commands with distractions. Hold a doll, play baby sounds, or have someone else create commotion while you work on training.

4. Set Boundaries With Love

If the nursery will be off-limits, establish this now. Use baby gates rather than constantly saying “no.” If your pet won’t be allowed on furniture once your newborn arrives, make that transition gradual with plenty of alternative cozy spots.

5. The Vet Visit You Shouldn’t Skip

Ensure your pet is up-to-date on:

• All vaccinations
• Flea and tick prevention
• Nail trims (crucial for preventing accidental scratches)

This is also the perfect time to discuss any anxiety concerns with your vet. They may recommend calming supplements or strategies specific to your pet’s temperament.

If Your Pet Already Has Issues

If your pet already shows signs of anxiety, possessiveness, or behavior problems, now is the time to get support. Don’t wait until your baby is home and you’re overwhelmed. A professional trainer, especially one who uses positive reinforcement, can help you build healthier habits now so you’re not dealing with preventable stress later.

The First Days: Newborn Coming Home

Before You Walk Through the Door

Have your partner or a family member bring home a blanket or hat that the baby wore in the hospital. Let your pet smell it calmly. This way, when you arrive home, your baby’s scent won’t be completely foreign.

The First Introduction

Resist the urge to orchestrate a “perfect” meeting. 

Instead:

• Have someone else hold the baby initially
• Greet your pet calmly and normally first (they’ve missed you!)
• Sit down and let your pet approach at their own pace
• Reward calm, respectful behavior with quiet praise
• Keep it brief and positive

You might still be asking: Can newborns be around cats and dogs safely? Absolutely, with proper supervision. Never leave your baby and pet alone together, no matter how gentle your pet seems.

Pet Hygiene & Baby Safety 101

Another common worry? Germs, fur, and all the what-ifs. Let’s clear that up.

Generally speaking, pet dander and fur are not harmful to healthy, full-term babies. But it’s still a good idea to follow a few basic hygiene guidelines, especially in the early weeks:

• Wash your hands after handling pets, especially before feeding or changing the baby.
• Vacuum and lint-roll soft surfaces regularly to keep fur under control.
• Keep pet food, water bowls, and litter boxes out of baby’s reach.
• If your baby has known allergies or was born prematurely, talk to your pediatrician about extra precautions.

You don’t need to keep your dog off the couch forever or worry about every stray hair. Cleanliness is important—but so is not stressing yourself out over perfection.

Maintaining Security Through Routine

Some pets may not act out—they may withdraw instead. Hiding, seeming sad, or losing interest in usual routines can all be signs of stress. Be patient and loving. Just like humans, pets need time to adjust to major life changes, too.

Your pet’s world has changed dramatically. Maintaining their routines provides crucial stability:

• Keep feeding times consistent
• Don’t skip walks or playtime (enlist help if needed)
• Continue giving attention, even in small moments
• Include them in baby activities when appropriate (lying nearby during feedings, for example)

Red Flags: When to Seek Professional Help

While most pets adjust beautifully, watch for:

• Aggressive behaviors (growling, hissing, snapping)
• Extreme anxiety (excessive panting, hiding, loss of appetite)
• Regression in house training lasting more than a few days
• Obsessive behaviors around baby items

Don’t wait if you see these signs. A professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help before issues escalate.

Other Types of Pets

Have a pet that’s not a dog or cat? Birds, rabbits, reptiles, or other small animals may also need some support during this transition. Because babies have delicate immune systems, it’s a good idea to check in with both your vet and pediatrician about any special precautions you might need to take with your other pets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until your baby arrives to start preparing. The best time is now, not when you’re sleep-deprived with a newborn.
• Neglecting your pet’s emotional needs. They may be genuinely confused and need reassurance.
• Forcing interactions. Those adorable photos of dogs and newborns? They happen naturally when pets feel secure, not when forced.
• Focusing only on preventing negative behaviors. Remember to actively reward the calm, gentle behaviors you want to see.

Here’s the Reality…

The first few weeks might be challenging. Your dog might bark during a crucial nap. Your cat might feel displaced. You might cry because you feel like you’re failing everyone.

This is normal. You’re not failing.

With patience, consistency, and preparation, most pets and babies develop beautiful relationships. 

But it takes time. 

Be gentle with yourself, your pet, and your growing family as everyone adjusts.

Your Next Steps

Start with one small change this week. Maybe it’s playing baby sounds for five minutes or practicing commands. Small steps now prevent big stresses later.

Preparing your home for your baby includes preparing every family member, including the furry ones. You’re already being thoughtful about this transition, which tells me you’re going to handle it beautifully.

Need support preparing your whole home for this transition? That’s exactly what postpartum doulas do. We help you think through all aspects of bringing a baby home, creating plans that work for your unique family. 

When everyone feels secure and cared for, those first weeks home become less overwhelming and more magical.

Ready to talk about what your postpartum reality might look like—baby, pets, and all? Let’s create a plan that honors every member of your growing family.

Helpful Resources for Pet Prep

Need some extra tools to get started? Here are a few helpful favorites:

• Tell Your Dog You’re Pregnant by Dr. Lewis Kirkham
• Living with Kids and Dogs… Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – for finding positive-reinforcement trainers

Also check out: Woof! Don’t Forget About Me! and Bringing Baby Home From the NICU: What Every Parent Needs to Know or 3 Ways to Safeguard Your Postpartum Boudaries