Listening to Your Heart: Adopting a Pet with Special Needs

Welcoming an adopted pet into your home can present a host of challenges under even the most straightforward circumstances. When you pick a four-legged friend, though, who has a complex history, things can be even more difficult. Adopting a pet with special needs can be extremely rewarding nevertheless.

Should you choose this path, Schertz Animal Hospital is here to help you make a home for your friend in need.

Adopting a Pet with Special Needs

Many pets who need homes have issues. Be it a chronic medical issue, special nutritional needs, advanced age, or an injury, it is important for you to know and understand what you are getting into.

Special needs pets are often harder to place in forever homes, so when someone expresses interest in adopting one, it is a wonderful thing. With a little preparation, the choice to adopt one of these deserving critters may very well be one of the most satisfying decisions you ever make.

When considering taking on a pet with special needs, you need to evaluate:

• Financial costs for consistent medical care
• Time and cost involvement for medications and therapies
• Restrictions from activity
• Home adjustments that may be required
• Time commitment

Adopting a pet with special needs typically does require some investment, both from a financial and time commitment standpoint, and this may impact your day-to-day life. It is only fair to be sure that you are able to fully commit before making a decision.

When the Special Needs Include a History of Abuse

Perhaps the most challenging special needs pet is the one who has behavioral issues or has been abused. There is typically no “quick fix” or medication that makes these pets model citizens. They often require a lot of patience, understanding, and hard work. This doesn’t mean, though, that they can’t be wonderful members of your family.

Identify what types of situations make your pet nervous, fearful, or aggressive and work with a behavior specialist to help your pet learn to trust again.

The most important thing to do, when bringing a previously abused animal home, is to establish a sense of trust and consistency. Ask as many questions as you can so that you can get a sense of your new pet’s issues and history. Your pet may not be used to being indoors, may not know how to walk on a leash, or may not have been around small children or cats. Provide your pet with a safe place, such as a crate, that he or she may retreat to when things become overwhelming.

Adopting a special needs pet often gives a deserving animal a second chance at life. It is a wonderful, loving choice, and we hope that you know you can count on us to help you along the way.