What are Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs?
- Molly Weinfurter
- Apr 1
- 7 min read
If you’ve ever browsed adoptable animals before, you’ve probably come across two listed as a “bonded pair.” While it’s not super common, it’s a term that many shelters and rescues use. It usually applies to dogs and cats, but it can even be for smaller pets. So, what are bonded pair cats and dogs? And what is adopting them like?
What Does Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs Mean?
In the animal rescue world, a bonded pair usually refers to two pets that have a strong attachment to each other and would be best if kept together. They typically receive this label if the organization suspects that the animals could experience extreme anxiety or depression if separated.
Every shelter and rescue uses this term differently. Some only use it when keeping the pets together seems like the only option while others use it any time pets get along well. Thus, some pets listed as a “bonded pair” could possibly be separated while others should not. To find out more about why two animals are listed as bonded, talk to the organization to find out the details.
Are Animals That Arrive Together Always a Bonded Pair?
I’ve noticed that when people see two animals getting along at a rescue or shelter, they say things like “please don’t separate them!” But the reality is that not all animals that get along are “bonded.” Even if they were surrendered together, sometimes the two animals don’t care for each other that much.
It’s up to the organization to determine whether two animals should be adopted together or not. For example, if there’s a puppy mill survivor that seems so much more confident with their dog friend around, making them a bonded pair might make sense. However, if it’s two cats who lived together their whole lives but just ignore each other, they will probably be okay splitting up.
Every situation is different. The organization and/or foster family will know the animals best, so if they recommend two animals getting adopted together, there’s likely a reason for it.
Is Labeling Animals as Bonded Pairs Good or Bad?
It depends on the situation. If the animals truly thrive when they’re together, labeling them as a bonded pair can help ensure they find the best home possible. Yet, if the animals don’t really need to stay together, then insisting that they go to the same home could take them much longer to get adopted. Organizations need to consider all factors when making that decision.
Not all organizations have the luxury of being able to label animals as bonded. If the shelter is overcrowded, they need to get them adopted quickly, which means they can’t be as picky with where the dogs go. If the pets are at risk of being put down, it’s better to adopt them out separately than have them never find forever homes.
Is Adopting Bonded Cats or Dogs Right for You?
Adopting bonded dogs and cats is great for some households but too much to handle for others. Before adopting a bonded pair, make sure you have the time, money, and space for more than one animal. Also, consider the pros and cons to determine if a bonded duo will fit into your lifestyle.
Pros of Adopting a Bonded Pair
You already know the two animals will get along.
The animals will have a friend to calm their anxiety and entertain them (but make sure you still provide plenty of physical and mental exercise yourself).
You’re offering a home to two animals at once, freeing up more space at the shelter/rescue.
Cons of Adopting a Bonded Pair
Caring for two pets is more expensive and time-consuming than one.
The two animals could become dependent on each other, leading to separation anxiety.
Adopting bonded cats or dogs can be a great experience, and it gives a loving home to two pets in need. Yet, like with any animal adoption, you need to make sure you’re prepared for it. One pet already takes a lot of time, money, and space, and two pets is double that. So, make sure that’s something you’re able to take on at this point in your life before moving forward with it.
Tips for Adopting Bonded Cats or Dogs
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a pet to adopt, and even after you bring an animal home, there are still plenty of other things to think about. Here are some tips to keep in mind when adding a bonded pair of pets to your family.
Ask Lots of Questions
Finding out as much information as you can is important when adopting any animal, but with bonded pairs, there’s unique history involved. Here are some great questions to ask:
Why are these two animals considered bonded?
How long have they known each other?
Why did they end up at the shelter/rescue?
What was their former living situation like?
What happens if they’re separated?
Are there any behavior concerns to be aware of?
Do they have a specific routine?
These questions are just a starting point. In many cases, the shelter or rescue will already provide this information upfront, but feel free to ask anything you don’t already know. In addition to these questions, don’t forget to ask some general questions about each pet, such as what their individual behaviors are like, if they have any medical needs, etc.
Assess Your Lifestyle
Once you’ve gotten all your questions answered, think about whether or not the pets will fit into your lifestyle. Sometimes, we get our hearts set on a certain pet, but as we learn more, the animal might not be the right fit.
Maybe you have other pets but the bonded pair prefers it to be just the two of them. Maybe you have kids but the pets are nervous around kids. They could even have health concerns that you aren’t able to afford at this time. There are many reasons why it might not work out.
With any animal adoption, don’t let your emotions take over. It’s easy to get attached to a pet you’re interested in, but it’s important to think logically about it as well. Getting a pet, especially two pets, is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Create a Safe Environment
Once you decide to adopt a bonded pair, make your home into a calm, safe environment to help them adjust. Set up comfortable areas for the pets to retreat to if they need space. This area should include a cozy bed, water, toys, and maybe a crate if they’re crate trained. If the organization has any of their favorite belongings to send home with them, that can make your home feel more comforting to them.
During the first few days home, avoid having any big get-togethers at your house. Give the animals some space to explore and decompress before introducing them to a ton of new people. Having each other can often help make the transition easier, but some dogs and cats still need time to feel at home in their new environment.
Give Them Time to Adjust
When you get a new pet, always be patient. While some animals make themselves at home immediately, others are wary of new places. Many rescues and shelters recommend giving dogs three days to decompress, three weeks to learn their routine, and three months to feel at home (also known as the 3-3-3 rule).
So, don’t rush the process. Give your new pets space as needed and remain calm as they learn the expectations of their new home. It can be a big change for many animals, which is why it’s important to be kind and patient.
Focus on Socialization and Training
Even though many bonded pairs are already trained and well-behaved, it’s important to keep up with their training throughout their lives, no matter how they behave. Of course, this is most important for dogs, but some cats can benefit from training as well.
By working on training and taking bonded dogs to new places, you can help them form a bond with you while also helping them learn what you expect of them. Clicker training is a great way to get started. If you ignore the training aspects of their care, they could develop behavior issues or become too dependent on each other. If you’re struggling with training at any point, it’s best to consult a professional trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Dogs or Cats a Bonded Pair?
Bonded pairs are animals that find comfort with each other and may display signs of distress if separated. They may love doing everything together, such as eating, sleeping, and playing, and if separated, they may stop doing those activities due to sadness or anxiety.
Is it Okay to Separate a Bonded Pair of Cats or Dogs?
It depends on the pair. Some bonded animals are so close that they experience health and behavior issues when separated. Others do well both together and apart. It’s best to ask the rescue or shelter to find out how important it is for the two to stay together.
Where Can You Find Bonded Dogs and Cats for Adoption?
Bonded dogs and cats appear randomly at shelters and rescues, so follow organizations near you to keep an eye out for them. There are also some social media pages and groups, such as Facebook’s Keep Bonded Pairs Together, that make it easier to find bonded pairs if you’re looking for them.
What Happens When One Pet of a Bonded Pair Dies?
If one of two bonded pets dies, the other may experience behavior changes related to anxiety or depression. This could include hiding, eating less, or increased vocalization. Offer comfort and maintain a consistent routine to help them. If things don’t improve, talk to a vet for advice.
Can Bonded Cats Share a Litter Box?
Bonded cats might use the same litter box, but they should still have more than one litter box available to them. It’s a good idea to have one litter box per cat plus one. If there aren’t enough litter boxes, they may urinate outside of the box.
Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs are Happiest Together
If a pair of dogs or cats is listed as a bonded pair, they’ll likely have the easiest transition if adopted together. Shelters and rescues have to carefully consider which pets should be kept together and which would be fine separated. These organizations work hard to keep the best interest of the animals in mind.
However, not every bonded pair is the same. So, if you’re interested in adopting two bonded pets, ask the organization lots of questions. If those pets seem like the right fit for your lifestyle, it might be time to add two new four-legged family members to your home.