Most animals are intensely protective of their territory.  In the wild, this is a survival instinct, but when it comes to introducing a new animal into your family or herd, that protectiveness can be problematic.  Additionally, new animals may have health issues you are unaware of at first, so putting them in with existing animals can be dangerous.  Following some common sense rules can help keep everyone safe and stress free when a new animal comes home.

Quarantine
First, if possible, quarantine your new animal for a couple of weeks to be sure they do not have contagious diseases.  Watch for any symptoms of poor health, such as skin problems, runny eyes or nose, lethargy or anything else that just doesn’t seem right.  Once the quarantine period has passed, your animal can begin being introduced to the other animals.

Take it Slow
If you have a herd animal, such as horses, cows, sheep or goats, introduce the new animal slowly.  Start by placing it in an adjacent pen with a strong fence, so the newcomer and existing herd can meet without fear of injury.  Leave the animal in the adjacent pen for 2-3 days, and then either put them into the pen with the others or bring the others to its pen, one at a time.

Being impatient and introducing an animal right away can lead to more stress and potential injuries.  Fights for hierarchy within a herd can be vicious, so take things slow and when necessary, backtrack to ensure everyone gets used to each other safely.