Background
Anti Cruelty (AC) is an open admission shelter, which means that we accept any and all animals, no matter their behavioral or medical status. Routinely, animals come through our door that will require above-and-beyond behavioral or medical care post-adoption. Previously, AC used the term “as-is” to designate these specific cases. Fewer of these animals saw the adoption floor and instead were transferred to rescue groups that could provide more specialized care. Recently, AC has made the commitment to adopt out more of these animals. The term “Special Care” now designates an animal that will require ongoing behavioral or medical care post adoption. This care is not subsidized by AC, but instead our Adoption Experience Team ensures that each adopter is provided with all necessary information to make a well-informed decision before committing to adopt an animal designated with the Special Care category.
What qualifies an animal to be Special Care?
Behavioral Special Care:
Considerations include special training and intervention expenses.
When designating an animal as Special Care for behavior reasons, Anti-Cruelty determines whether the animal’s behavior can be augmented with training, enrichment, and management while maintaining the safety of others in the home or community. If the animal has shown progress in changing their behavior, and there are no significant incidents on record that may pose a public safety issue, then Special Care adoption may be appropriate.
AC also considers what kind of training or intervention an adopter may need to complete to make this pet a successful member of the family and community. If training or veterinary behaviorist support will address the concern, then the animal may be a good candidate for Special Care placement.
Common behavior reasons for Special Care designation include excessive fear, separation anxiety, reactivity, and lack of self-control or an animal who is easily overstimulated.
Medical Special Care:
Considerations include associated care expenses and ongoing treatment
When considering associated care expenses, AC confirms the care costs are within a reasonable amount. If the animal has a medical issue that will require expensive care throughout their life, the animal may be a good candidate for Special Care placement. AC also considers whether the animal will need ongoing treatment and how this may impact an adopter as well as the animal.
Animals with chronic conditions that require management (e.g., blindness, cerebellar hyperplasia), chronic diseases requiring treatment (e.g., allergies, heart murmur, feline chronic kidney disease), and acute conditions (e.g., heartworm, dental disease) may all be classified as Special Care adoption.
Adoption-Readiness
Once the animal is designated as Special Care, and is available for adoption, the Adoption Experience Team follows specific guidelines to ensure a successful match is made between the animal and their future caretaker. The Adoption Team has an open conversation with the potential adopter regarding their suitability for the adoption match. The Special Care designation is reviewed with the adopter so they can see the full extent of the animal’s care needs and to be as transparent as possible about adoption implications. The Adoption Team considers the experience level required by the animal, care implications, the impact the match will have on the adopter’s household and lifestyle, as well as financial expenses. This review is completed with the adopter to ensure the highest level of transparency and to set the animal’s adopter up for long-term success.
To consider before adopting a Special Care pet:
As mentioned previously, Special Care animals require above-and-beyond care. Below are the resources that are commonly needed to live with a Special Care pet and that prospective adopters should examine to determine if it is an appropriate match.
Expense:
Additional care will almost always mean additional expenses. While the cost could be relatively low, it could also be thousands of dollars. We may be able to provide an approximate cost for an individual’s care but cannot predict all possible expenses.
Time:
Providing additional care almost always means additional time. Management for some issues could need only a few minutes a day but training, medicating, and regular trips to the veterinarian can take significantly more time than standard daily care.
Space:
Creative solutions often make up for the lack of space, but it is also necessary to look at the layout of your home and decide if it is feasible to accommodate any separation, confinement, or exercise requirements.
Environment:
High-rise living in a densely populated area is often not the most successful environment for a dog with separation anxiety, excessive fear, or self-control issues, whereas that could be the ideal home for a dog with seasonal pollen allergies. Consider your community and your home when determining if you can meet the pet’s needs.
Lifestyle:
Adopting a Special Care pet may impact your ability to be away from home for long periods of time or host large gatherings in your home, especially for a dog with separation anxiety or excessive fear. Consider your lifestyle and day-to-day schedule before bringing home a Special Care pet.