Gentle, Reliable Care for Senior & Special Needs Pets

What is a Special Needs Pet?

Pets who are are under veterinary care, acutely ill, or require specialized attention are all considered special needs. These pets include those that have developed medical issues such as diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid conditions, or urinary issues/chronic kidney disease, as well as those recovering from surgery.

Senior pets can be challenged by: mental impairment (“doggy dementia”), blindness, or hearing difficulties. They may be living with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or incontinence, and need a little extra patience and tender loving care.

Puppies, kittens and other very young pets are also considered special needs, as they require more intensive feeding and care schedules.

I am experienced with many kinds of supportive care, including:

• Overnight pet sitting services
• Medication administration
• Special diets and supplements
• Injectable medication administration (such as insulin)
• Subcutaneous (sub q) fluids
• Bandage changes, abscess care, and wound management, as directed by your vet
• Passive range of motion of joints – particularly important after orthopedic surgery
• Suture removal
• Syringe feeding
• Assisting mobility-impaired pets with walks, exercise, therapy and potty breaks

I am also familiar with advanced-care treatments and protocols, such as:

• Cancer treatments, chemotherapy
• Caring for cats with positive virus status (FELV, FIV, etc)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Canine heartworm treatment and supportive care
• Intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous injections
• Transdermal medications
• End of life consultation and support

Medical Pet Sitting and Respite Care

Do you feel overwhelmed by your pet’s health needs? 

That’s perfectly normal! Taking a caregiver break can help you to rest and regain balance, so you can continue to provide the special care your pet needs while also attending to your own life and needs.

Caring for your senior or special needs pet can be exhausting, in addition to the changes you might need to make to your life and work schedules, in order to accommodate your pet’s needs.

I can help fill in and take some of the burden from you by providing medical care for your pets while you and your family work on incorporating your pet’s needs into the daily schedule or to allow you to enjoy a weekend getaway or longer vacation.

My respite care services provide this necessary break by coming to your home to check your pet’s well being, administer medication and perform treatments, in addition to providing basic pet sitting care. Read more about my skills and qualifications.

Hospice Care for Pets

Pet hospice care provides comfort, support and dignity to pets and their families during life-limiting illness. I will work as part of your pet’s support system to provide pets in the last phases of life appropriate care, so they are as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

I will work with your family and veterinary team to develop a plan of care that meets the pet’s individual needs for pain management, symptom control, comfort and companionship.

Nursing Care Plans

• Initial Nursing Care Consultation: Up to 1 hour- Complimentary
• I’m available if you need me at your home for several hours or longer, including overnight and 24 hour live-in services. This is a limited service and therefore subject to availability.
• I can work with families for long-term or ongoing pet medical care, depending on your situation.

Note: I help pet owners in accordance with the recommended treatments and medications prescribed by their pets’ veterinarians.  I am not a substitute for veterinary care, and will never diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments under any circumstances.

Whatever care your special buddy needs, I’m here to help!