If there’s one challenging aspect of dog care, it’s surely caring for a pup with special needs. And rightly so, as from timely medication to accessibility and pet mental health, there’s a lot you have to look after.
But what if you’ve to leave them behind while you’re away for a few days or weeks?
Well, this is when the stakes are even higher. That’s because although dog boarding for special needs dogs exists, they aren’t everywhere.
Not to mention, you’ve also got to find the right environment for your special needs dog.
Being a specialist in dog boarding services, I understand what you’re looking for in a special needs dog boarding. And that’s exactly why I’ve detailed everything from what these boardings are and how you can choose the best facility for your furry buddy.
Read on, and know everything about boarding for special needs pups.
Who are dogs with special needs?
Before we have a look at the boarding for your dog, it’s important you first understand what a dog with special needs is.
For starters, special needs in dogs can arise from a wide range of conditions. And this includes challenges with mobility, medical conditions, behavioral struggles, and other impairments, to name a few.
So, you know if yours is a special needs pet if they’ve:
- Mobility issues: Arthritis, hip dysplasia, paralysis, or amputations
- Chronic medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy
- Behavioral issues: Anxiety, aggression, phobias
- Sensory impairments: Blindness or deafness
- Geriatric care: Age-related health concerns, cognitive dysfunction
Now, each of these conditions require specific care, making accommodation requirements for these dogs different.
What is dog boarding for special needs dogs?
As a pet parent, you might already know about conventional dog boarding and what it covers. Here, the facility takes care of basic necessities of your pup such as accommodation, food, cleaning, medication, etc.
However, regular boarding facilities are equipped to handle dogs with unique health or behavioral needs.
And to that end, a special needs dog boarding facility covers all things that a typical boarding provides, plus extras such as:
- Medical expertise: Staff at these facilities are trained to administer medication, injections, and monitor health conditions.
- Environment that suits your pup: From modified spaces for mobility-challenged dogs to quiet zones for anxious pets, you can expect an environment where your dog feels a sense of normalcy.
- Customized diet: A special needs pet facility usually offers tailored feeding routines and special diets as per your pet’s requirements.
- One-on-one Care: Facilities have care plans for individual attention and increased staff-to-dog ratios.
How is special needs dog boarding different from conventional accommodation?
Boarding for dogs with special needs is by all accounts different from traditional dog boarding and daycare. And for obvious reasons, as the idea here is to ensure your dog receives the same level of care and comfort they get at home.
To that end, these facilities are capable of handling your dog’s unique requirements. Also, they prioritize safety of your pup and have a seasoned and compassionate staff.
All in all, here’s how dog boarding for special needs dogs is unique:
1. Specialized staff training and expertise
The most notable difference you’ll find between a regular and special needs pet boarding is in the level of staff training and expertise. That’s because facilities for special needs pups have staff trained in veterinary care, pet first aid, and any other need.
For instance, caregivers here have hands-on experience administering medications, managing mobility aids, and handling behavioral challenges.
So from handling a diabetic dog’s insulin schedule to calming an anxious dog during thunderstorms, they do it all.
2. Unique facility accommodations
If yours is a pup with special needs, you know that they need tailored environments to feel safe and comfortable. And that is something their specialized boarding facilities offer in different ways.
For instance, a dog boarding for disabled dogs will have non-slip floors, ramps or elevators instead of stairs, to name a few. Similarly, the facility will provide quiet and low-stimulation zones to dogs with anxiety.
Also, you can expect extras such as orthopedic bedding, climate-controlled rooms, and easily accessible outdoor spaces for your dog’s comfort.
3. 24×7 Medical support
Facilities for special needs dogs have 24×7 medical monitoring and direct access to veterinary care.
For instance, apart from veterinarian on-call, there are also veterinary technicians available on-site to handle emergencies. So, be it administering medications or checking glucose levels, they cover everything.
Also, they’ve relationships with local veterinary clinics to provide an added layer of safety and provide immediate attention in case of health concerns.
4. Individual attention and care
Yet another thing that differentiates special needs dog boarding from regular pet boarding and sitting is the level of individual attention and care they offer.
In fact, from feeding routines to exercise plans to medication schedules and behavioral management strategies, these facilities tailor everything to your pup’s needs. And while doing so, they will also consult you and your veterinarian.
This ensures that your dog receives consistent attentive care.
5. Emergency protocols
No matter how well equipped and prepared a facility is, there are always chances that emergencies can happen. And to tackle these, facilities have comprehensive emergency procedures in place.
For instance, they will have plans for medical emergencies and facility evacuations. At the same time, their staff members are trained in CPR for pets, among other contingency preparedness measures.
4 Things to look for in a dog boarding for special needs dogs
Now that you know what special needs dog boarding offers, you might well be looking to book one for your four-legged companion.
But before you do that, there are a few important requirements you should make sure the facility meets for your dog’s comfort and safety.
Here are 4 things I suggest you check in particular:
1. Dog-to-staff ratio
One of the most essential things to look for in a special needs dog boarding is a lower dog-to-staff ratio. That’s because a low dog-to-staff ratio ensures your dog gets personal care and attention.
2. Cleanliness in the facility
Cleanliness should be non-negotiable for all dog boarding, and more so for special needs pups. You should check if the facility maintains sanitation standards, gets sanitized frequently, and prevents cross-contamination.
3. Behavioral compatibility
Another thing I suggest you look for is whether or not the facility assesses if your dog can socialize safely with other dogs in the first place. Also, they should offer flexible options based on your dog’s behavioral needs.
5. Mobility support
Always check if the facility can provide mobility aids like harnesses, wheelchairs, or slings for handicapped dogs. Also, see if they have non-slip surfaces, ramps, and easy-to-access outdoor areas.
Frequently asked questions about special needs dog boarding
Can boarding facilities administer injections or complex medications?
Yes, they can.
Many special needs facilities have trained staff to handle injections and complex medication schedules.
How do you know if your dog will be safe and comfortable?
I suggest you tour the facility and observe how staff interact with other dogs. Also, you can ask about their safety protocols and emergency care access.
What if your dog has severe anxiety?
For dogs with severe anxiety, facilities offer quiet rooms, calming music, or even aromatherapy.
To sum up
As you can see, not only is there a dog boarding for special needs dogs but these facilities have also got your pup covered with the best one-on-one care.
Not to mention, the staff at these facilities are dedicated people who understand just how special your dog is. And they are ready to provide the love and care they deserve.
Got more questions or looking to board your pup?
We’ve got you covered!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than a dog store online. We bring top-of-the-line dog boarding facilities to Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi and offer nothing short of a second home for your dog.
