Special-Needs Pets Will Enrich Your Lives With Love

There are many characteristics that can set animals apart, such as size, breed, weight, color or temperament. However, many animals have certain conditions or circumstances that set them apart in a very special way. Special-needs animals are ones that are physically or emotionally challenged in some way. They have endured some sort of challenging adversity in their lives that has left them needing just a bit more care than your average pet.

While their bodies may not function or perform like other animals, their spirits remain unbroken and their hearts possess the ability to love just as much as any other pet – possibly even more. 

The disabilities of special-needs animals can range anywhere from chronic medical conditions such as blindness or deafness to physical handicaps such as missing or nonfunctioning limbs. Special needs can also encompass behavioral issues in animals who have been poorly socialized. Regardless of their impairments, these animals are exceptionally resilient and adaptable – they can still function and play normally, they just need exceptional owners who are willing to provide a little extra patience and care.

Many animals that arrive in shelters have special needs. Sadly, they have a much harder time getting adopted than other animals do. People tend to shy away from adopting special-needs pets because they don’t know if they’ll be able to provide or afford adequate care. However, caring for a special-needs animal is much more feasible than most people think. Here is an example:

Deafness is a common disability in special-needs animals. What people don’t realize is that deaf animals actually make great furry family members. Deaf pets are just as intelligent as hearing pets and do not require any sort of “hearing companion” to function successfully. Deaf pets make great only pets and also do well with other animals and children in the home. They can be taught obedience through sign language and physical commands and are trainable, they just require a bit more patience and creativity when it comes to communication. But ultimately, it is that unspoken bond that will connect them and their owners on a very meaningful level. 

There are precautions that should be taken to maintain a safe environment for a deaf animal. Because they are unable to hear the sound of approaching danger (such as an oncoming car), deaf animals should never be left unattended in an open, outside space. While any pet faces danger once they escape the protection of their home, a deaf animal is at a much higher risk. Owners should be diligent about monitoring the windows and doors of the household at all times. 

Adopting a special-needs pet is an incredible act of kindness and compassion. It gives animals that are oftentimes overlooked a new lease on life and an opportunity to thrive. It is important to note that each special-needs animal is a unique case that will require individualized care and patience. Making the decision to adopt one should not be taken lightly. If you’re considering adopting a special-needs pet, do some research about their particular disability. What kind of medical care will they require? Can you afford it? What are the biggest challenges you will face in accommodating their special needs? More importantly, are you ready to deal with those challenges for the duration of the animal’s life? What extra precautions will you need to take to ensure their safety and well-being?

These kinds of questions are vital in determining whether adopting a special-needs pet is the right decision for you. It’s a big commitment, but one that can be equally rewarding for both you and your pet because despite their impairments, special needs animals still possess the ability to do one thing exceptionally well: enrich your life with unconditional love.