Y ou are considering adopting a second dog or cat and you are wondering if you should be looking for a new companion who’s gender is the same as or opposite of your current pet. This is a common concern and there are some general rules-of-thumb. However, there are exceptions to every rule regarding animal behavior. And while we can offer suggestions, this question can only be answered by the individual animals.

Spayed female and neutered male relationships are arguably the best, though two neutered males also tend to do very well together. Intact animals should never be considered for a relationship, especially if they are related. Intact (or animals who have not been spayed or neutered) will reproduce whenever possible. At Heartland we needlessly euthanize healthy and adoptable animals due to the tragedy of overpopulation. Please spay or neuter your pets before they reach sexual maturity (4-6 months of age).

If you are adopting an animal who is not yet or has only recently been spayed or neutered, please be aware that it may take a few months for his or her hormones to subside. Behavior should change, for the better, in a short time. Also know that some behaviors are very ingrained in the animals personality and will need training to correct.

Intact animals of the same sex tend to do the worst together. Their interactions with eachother are more likely to be aggressive as they compete for the head position in their pack. Dogs especially, will try to sort out their pack order even if there are only two of them. Same-gender dogs who are intact will be compelled by their hormones to be the top dog. Cats and other animals exhibit a host of behavior traits related to establishing themselves as the leader or the dominent animal (marking, chewing, scratching and fighting). Simply put, if you spay or neuter your pet, you will have eliminated their drive to be dominant by eliminating hormones as a factor.

As previously mentioned, relationships are entirely up to the individual animals. Please see the section on Introducing A New Dog or Puppy to a Home with Other Animals or Introducing a new Cat or Kitten to a Home with Other Animals for some specific tips on adding a new companion to your home.

We always encourage dog adopters to bring their current dog on leash to the shelter to meet a prospective companion.

Get an idea of the animal that would fit best into your life. Visit Heartland Humane Society and find some potential matches. Let your current companion help you narrow down your choices to the best new companion for your home. Every year, thousands of animals arrive at the shelter, inevitably you and your pet will find the one that will fit perfectly into your home.