According to the American Pet Products Association – APPA (https://www.americanpetproducts.org/), 66% of US households own at least one pet. When someone passes away, some of the beloved pets are often left alone, not understanding what happened. Our local shelter often testifies to this. An untimely death can be devastating for those left behind, regardless of species. When a caregiver has an unexpected illness or death, their pets are often overlooked in the chaos. In order to ensure that pets are not forgotten in the confusion, it is necessary to take the time to ensure that they do not suffer from chaos in their lives.
First, identify people who are willing to be temporary or permanent caregivers in case something untoward happens. If you can’t find friends or relatives willing to take on the responsibility, perhaps your vet, an animal rescue group or another animal-related business can provide information to help find potential adopters. . Once the caregivers are in place, make sure friends and relatives know who they are, and provide them with the necessary contact information. In addition, carry an “Alert Card” at all times. The card will inform authorities that you have pet(s) at home and whom they need to contact to oversee their care.
Post “In Case of Emergency” signs on doors or windows listing how many, and what types of pets are in the home to alert any emergency personnel who may arrive. Be sure to keep the information up to date. The ASPCA provides a free safety pack that includes window decal alerts (https://www.aspca.org/form/free-pet-safety-pack). In addition, fasten in an easily visible location (such as on a refrigerator) a list of emergency contact numbers that responders can contact if you are unable to care for your pets.
Create information sheets for each pet. These documents provide the necessary information that a new guardian will need. Even if you don’t have specific future plans for your pets, the information will prove invaluable in helping to find them a new home, should the need arise. If you would like pet information sheets, please email me at [email protected], and I will provide them to you. If you prefer to create your own, be sure to include pet’s name, sex, date of birth, breed, spay/neuter status, microchip ID No., location of licensee and tag #, diet, special needs, medical conditions and medications given, behavioral characteristics, veterinary information, daily routines, and any other important information that would prove useful to a future caregiver. These sheets should be easily accessible and should be distributed to anyone who may care for your pet(s).
There are many options when planning for your pet’s future. The best way to ensure that your wishes are met is to make arrangements that specifically cover the care of pets. It is in the best interests of the pets that you consult an attorney to draft a will, trust or other legal document that outlines your specific wishes, including what funds will be allocated for any care that may pets need. Please remember, even if you don’t make any plans for them, they are still considered your ‘property’ and will go to whoever inherits your estate under state law. One resource that can help you plan for beloved pets is “Every Californian’s Guide to Estate Planning: Wills, Trust & Everything Else, Third Edition”, by Liza W. Hanks.
It is especially important to develop a plan if you have more than one pet and want them to stay together. One person may not be willing, or able, to take care of all your animals. There are facilities that can house and care for many animals and provide long-term care. However, understand that your pets are companion animals and have received your loving care and affection for some time, and may become agitated by being confined for long periods of time. Before making any decisions, visit the facility to witness how the animals are treated, and be sure to choose a reputable organization with an established record of care. In addition, you can create a pet trust to hold money for the pet’s benefit. By creating a trust, you put someone in charge and spend the funds, following a written set of instructions provided. To learn more about pet trusts, visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/pet-trust-primer or https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/estate-planning- pets- preparation-will-trust.
If no one agrees to care for your pet if you pass away, then your pet can be surrendered to a shelter. Most shelters do not have the funds or resources to care for your pet throughout its life, and there is no guarantee that it will be adopted or rescued. If all other means have been exhausted and no suitable arrangements can be made, humane euthanasia may need to be considered. This is a difficult decision, but in some cases, it may be the most compassionate choice for your pets, especially if they are elderly. Please discuss the consideration with your veterinarian before deciding. Remember that the welfare of the animals should always be the top priority.
Deciding how your pets are cared for after you die is a very personal individual decision, and there is no right or wrong answer. However, the wrong and least responsible thing to do for them is to make no decision. Their lives depend on you.
