Understanding the “special” in special needs pets

Special needs pets are among the most challenging for shelters and rescue groups to adopt out,  and many never find a loving home. Yet your perfect companion might just have her own pair of wheels to get around, or rely on visual commands instead of verbal ones.

Three legs, one eye and limitless love

In a survey conducted by Petfinder, it was found that these dogs and cats often wait four times longer than average to be adopted – a long time spent without a family, security and unconditional love, and all due to reasons beyond the animal’s control.

These dogs and cats are overlooked because of their age, medical needs or behavioral issues – including animals who were victims of abuse or illegal fighting rings – even though a missing leg, blindness, insulin-dependence or emotional scars make them no less loving or lovable. Special need pets still have love and devotion to give, and they can adapt to their new homes and lifestyles better than you might think.

At the heart of Pets for Patriots’ mission is giving these animals a second chance at the life they deserve which, for some, may be their last chance. A special needs dog or cat can be no different in most respects than any other pet, though adopting one is potentially more rewarding. After all, you are doing something many others will not: welcoming an animal into your family who asks for nothing in return except for a little extra tender loving care.

Special needs pets are often overlooked because potential adopters do not know what their conditions entail. They may have legitimate concerns about extra medical or training costs, or unfounded biases against a pet that they perceive is less than “perfect.” Yet such impressions or misinformation can be easily overcome through research, speaking with shelter staff who are familiar with the animal, visiting reputable online communities, and consulting a veterinarian to better understand the pet’s actual needs.

What is a special needs pet?

“Special needs pet” is a broad term without a universal meaning.

It generally includes a range of physical disabilities, chronic medical conditions or behavioral issues that require ongoing vigilance or special care to manage. It can include animals with obvious physical distinctions, such as missing, deformed or paralyzed limbs – or those with functional limitations, such as animals who are blind or deaf. Those with chronic medical conditions are often considered special needs as well, such as dogs and cats with diabetes, chronic allergies and cancer. Still others may have social or behavioral limitations, including severe separation anxiety or extreme situational fears. Previously abused animals may fall into this category.

Behavioral issues are often managed through consistent and positive training, while some animals with physical limitations can adapt surprisingly fast to their circumstances. A three-legged dog will still run and play, while a blind or deaf pet will learn to rely on other senses to navigate his home and interact with human family members.

A special needs dog or cat is a dog or cat first

Special needs pets are not defined by their circumstances, and are not aware of how they may be different from other animals of their kind. They are first and foremost a dog or cat –  a message often lost on potential adopters.

Although often requiring some type of dedicated care or training, most special needs pets are otherwise just like any other. For example, a blind animal relies on its other senses – hearing and smell – to learn about and navigate its environment. A dog or cat who lose key senses with age, such as sight, often show no signs of a disability until his pet parent rearranges the furniture and the animal becomes seemingly lost in his own home.

Just adopt and add love

A critical responsibility of pet parenthood is providing the care companion pets need throughout their entire lives. They deserve the same loyalty that they give so wholeheartedly to you, and the best thing you can do beyond opening your heart and home to them is providing regular veterinary care.

Prior to and immediately after adopting a special needs pet, meet with your veterinarian to learn about the type of care that will be required at various stages of the animal’s life. Knowledge and preparedness will make for a happy and enriched lifetime with your pet, and will help minimize surprises so that you can be prepared for anticipated changes in your pet’s condition.

While you may not be ready to add a special needs dog or cat to your family, there are other ways to support these amazing animals. Animal welfare organizations often have sponsorship programs to defray the costs associated with providing extra medical care or training that these pets require.

Regardless of how a dog or cat became a special needs pet – by dint of birth, illness, accident, the aging process or at the hands of an abuser – they have much to teach us about resilience and love without judgment.