Page 21 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Cost of a special needs pet The cost of caring for a special needs pet can be higher than that of a typical pet, mainly due to ongoing medical treatments, specialized equipment, medications, and potential therapy or rehabilitation. Some pets may require frequent veterinary visits, prescription diets, or custom mobility aids, which can add to monthly expenses. It’s important to budget for these additional costs and consider whether you have the financial resources to provide the necessary care and support for your pet’s unique needs. However, many shelters and rescue organizations offer reduced adoption fees for special needs pets and may assist with some medical costs or provide guidance and resources. Checking with these organizations about available support can help offset some expenses and make adopting a special needs pet more manageable. Considerations before adopting a special needs pet: • Before adopting a special needs pet, it’s crucial to evaluate whether you have the time, patience, and resources to meet their unique requirements. • Think about the additional responsibilities involved, such as administering medication, attending regular veterinary appointments, and making necessary adjustments to your home for accessibility and safety. • A special needs pet may require ongoing treatments, specialized diets, or adaptive equipment that can increase costs. • Emotional readiness is equally important, as caring for a pet with medical, physical, or behavioral challenges can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. • Ask yourself if you can fully commit to this responsibility, because it will not be beneficial to the pet or your household if you realize it is too much after the fact. o Have you honestly assessed your ability to meet their unique requirements o Consider your daily schedule, willingness to learn about their condition, and whether you can provide consistent care o Assess the possible on-going, lifelong financial support
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