The Myth of the “Perfect Pet Parent”—Why Showing Up Is More Than Enough
If you’ve ever found yourself gushing over a shelter pet video, only to pause and wonder “Am I really ready?”, you’re not alone. That hesitation often comes with a dose of guilt—worrying you won’t do everything “right,” or that you can’t love your pet as much as they’ll love you. But here’s the truth: pet ownership is rarely perfect, and that’s perfectly okay.
In fact, just showing up with love and patience every day matters far more than perfection ever could. And with the right mindset and guidance from trusted shelter partners like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, you may be more prepared than you think. Below, we dispel some of the most common myths that might be holding you back—and show how adopting changes lives, including your own.
Myth: Once you adopt an animal, you’re on your own
Truth: You’re more supported than you think.
Your local shelter and your community want to see you succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask about resources. Most shelters want the transition to be successful for both you and the animal, and they are often eager to offer guidance, training tips, or referrals to trusted vets and trainers. Companies like Hill’s Pet Nutrition also offer expert-backed educational content to help you navigate pet care with confidence, and they even provide complimentary bags of Hill’s Science Diet to new adopters through their shelter partners so you can give more love than humanly possible.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report showed that 2 out of 3 people who surrendered a pet said intervention, like shelter support or pet food pantries, could have prevented the surrender.
Myth: You need to wait for the “perfect” time to adopt
Truth: Readiness is more about mindset than circumstance.
Many people hesitate to adopt, waiting for a time when work is less busy, finances are more stable, or life just feels more “settled.” But the truth is, there is rarely a perfect time. What matters more is your willingness to care, to adapt, and to offer a loving home. Most shelter animals aren’t expecting perfection—they just hope for someone who shows up, feeds them, and offers a good cuddle when they can. Being honest with your shelter about what you can provide will help them pair you with the right pet for you. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the impact of adopting is immediate, freeing up space for another to be rescued.
So let’s normalize imperfect timing and imperfect homes – what matters most is that you show up and are consistent; and when you’ve found science-led nutrition like Hill’s Science Diet, that’s one less thing you have to worry about getting exactly right.
Evidence suggests that attachment to pets is good for human health and even helps build better community.
Myth: Cats are aloof and don’t form real bonds
Truth: Cats have varied personalities, and many are absolute lovebugs
It’s a stereotype that just won’t quit, but anyone who’s lived with a cat knows it’s not a universal truth. Yes, some cats can be shy, and yes, they often march to the beat of their own drum, but many are affectionate, loyal, and deeply connected to their humans. And if there’s any doubt, many shelters are seeking foster homes to help socialize cats and temporarily clear shelter space for others. This is a great way to test out a cat’s personality before committing. And when you’re ready to adopt, cats are often independent yet playful, and they thrive in quiet, loving homes.
80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely.
Myth: You need lots of space and a backyard to have a pet
Truth: Small-space living is totally doable. It depends on the animal and your lifestyle
A happy pet is less about square footage and more about your willingness to provide for their needs. Cats are natural climbers who love window perches and elevated surfaces where they can survey their kingdom. Many dogs are perfectly content in smaller living spaces as long as they get regular walks and mental stimulation. Some dogs, especially senior dogs or low-energy breeds, are total couch potatoes and need less exercise than others. Every animal has different needs, and shelters can help you find a match that fits your lifestyle.
No matter the size of your space or the size of your pet, Hill’s Pet Nutrition supports your needs by offering nutrition tailored to different life stages, sizes and needs.
Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds enjoy lots of sleep and lazing about the house.
Myth: If the first few weeks are hard, you’ve failed
Truth: Adjustment takes time—for both of you
All good things take time, and the early days of adoption can be messy and chaotic. Even under the best circumstances, a new life in new surroundings requires an adjustment period for both you and your pet. Your cat may hide under the bed, or your dog may seem standoffish. These behaviors are completely normal, and shelters often reference the 3-3-3 rule as a handy guide to work towards realistic goals during the transition: it can take pets 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to start training and bonding, and 3 months to follow routines and feel truly at home. Staying consistent with the food your pet was fed at the shelter can also go a long way in easing the transition, helping reduce your pet’s stress and minimizing digestive issues during this sensitive time.
The initial 72 hours in a new home are often the most stressful for a pet.
Myth: It’s best to wait until you can adopt a puppy or kitten
Truth: Older pets make great companions
While puppies and kittens melt a lot of hearts, adults and senior pets are often calmer, house-trained, and a great option if you don’t have the time to invest in training a young puppy or kitten. They’re also some of the most overlooked animals in shelters and they make great, loyal companions who will cherish every moment.
While younger dogs and puppies have a 60% adoption rate in the U.S., only 25% of senior dogs find a loving home.
The bottom line
You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to present. The best pet parents don’t always have designer leashes and spotless homes; they simply show up every day with love, practice patience, and seek and accept a little help when they need it. And when you have the right support—like consistent guidance, a caring shelter team, and nutrition that helps your pets thrive—you may find you’re able to love and care more than you ever thought possible, all while making a lasting impact for shelter animals everywhere.
If you’ve ever found yourself gushing over a shelter pet video, only to pause and wonder “Am I really ready?”, you’re not alone. That hesitation often comes with a dose of guilt—worrying you won’t do everything “right,” or that you can’t love your pet as much as they’ll love you. But here’s the truth: pet ownership is rarely perfect, and that’s perfectly okay.
In fact, just showing up with love and patience every day matters far more than perfection ever could. And with the right mindset and guidance from trusted shelter partners like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, you may be more prepared than you think. Below, we dispel some of the most common myths that might be holding you back—and show how adopting changes lives, including your own.
Myth: Once you adopt an animal, you’re on your own
Truth: You’re more supported than you think.
Your local shelter and your community want to see you succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask about resources. Most shelters want the transition to be successful for both you and the animal, and they are often eager to offer guidance, training tips, or referrals to trusted vets and trainers. Companies like Hill’s Pet Nutrition also offer expert-backed educational content to help you navigate pet care with confidence, and they even provide complimentary bags of Hill’s Science Diet to new adopters through their shelter partners so you can give more love than humanly possible.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report showed that 2 out of 3 people who surrendered a pet said intervention, like shelter support or pet food pantries, could have prevented the surrender.
Myth: You need to wait for the “perfect” time to adopt
Truth: Readiness is more about mindset than circumstance.
Many people hesitate to adopt, waiting for a time when work is less busy, finances are more stable, or life just feels more “settled.” But the truth is, there is rarely a perfect time. What matters more is your willingness to care, to adapt, and to offer a loving home. Most shelter animals aren’t expecting perfection—they just hope for someone who shows up, feeds them, and offers a good cuddle when they can. Being honest with your shelter about what you can provide will help them pair you with the right pet for you. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the impact of adopting is immediate, freeing up space for another to be rescued.
So let’s normalize imperfect timing and imperfect homes – what matters most is that you show up and are consistent; and when you’ve found science-led nutrition like Hill’s Science Diet, that’s one less thing you have to worry about getting exactly right.
Evidence suggests that attachment to pets is good for human health and even helps build better community.
Myth: Cats are aloof and don’t form real bonds
Truth: Cats have varied personalities, and many are absolute lovebugs
It’s a stereotype that just won’t quit, but anyone who’s lived with a cat knows it’s not a universal truth. Yes, some cats can be shy, and yes, they often march to the beat of their own drum, but many are affectionate, loyal, and deeply connected to their humans. And if there’s any doubt, many shelters are seeking foster homes to help socialize cats and temporarily clear shelter space for others. This is a great way to test out a cat’s personality before committing. And when you’re ready to adopt, cats are often independent yet playful, and they thrive in quiet, loving homes.
80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely.
Myth: You need lots of space and a backyard to have a pet
Truth: Small-space living is totally doable. It depends on the animal and your lifestyle
A happy pet is less about square footage and more about your willingness to provide for their needs. Cats are natural climbers who love window perches and elevated surfaces where they can survey their kingdom. Many dogs are perfectly content in smaller living spaces as long as they get regular walks and mental stimulation. Some dogs, especially senior dogs or low-energy breeds, are total couch potatoes and need less exercise than others. Every animal has different needs, and shelters can help you find a match that fits your lifestyle.
No matter the size of your space or the size of your pet, Hill’s Pet Nutrition supports your needs by offering nutrition tailored to different life stages, sizes and needs.
Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds enjoy lots of sleep and lazing about the house.
Myth: If the first few weeks are hard, you’ve failed
Truth: Adjustment takes time—for both of you
All good things take time, and the early days of adoption can be messy and chaotic. Even under the best circumstances, a new life in new surroundings requires an adjustment period for both you and your pet. Your cat may hide under the bed, or your dog may seem standoffish. These behaviors are completely normal, and shelters often reference the 3-3-3 rule as a handy guide to work towards realistic goals during the transition: it can take pets 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to start training and bonding, and 3 months to follow routines and feel truly at home. Staying consistent with the food your pet was fed at the shelter can also go a long way in easing the transition, helping reduce your pet’s stress and minimizing digestive issues during this sensitive time.
The initial 72 hours in a new home are often the most stressful for a pet.
Myth: It’s best to wait until you can adopt a puppy or kitten
Truth: Older pets make great companions
While puppies and kittens melt a lot of hearts, adults and senior pets are often calmer, house-trained, and a great option if you don’t have the time to invest in training a young puppy or kitten. They’re also some of the most overlooked animals in shelters and they make great, loyal companions who will cherish every moment.
While younger dogs and puppies have a 60% adoption rate in the U.S., only 25% of senior dogs find a loving home.
The bottom line
You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to present. The best pet parents don’t always have designer leashes and spotless homes; they simply show up every day with love, practice patience, and seek and accept a little help when they need it. And when you have the right support—like consistent guidance, a caring shelter team, and nutrition that helps your pets thrive—you may find you’re able to love and care more than you ever thought possible, all while making a lasting impact for shelter animals everywhere.
