In case of emergency, carrying a Pet Alert Card in your wallet is an easy way to notify authorities that you have pets at home and provide emergency contacts for them to call if something should happen to you.
How many pets do you own? Do they have special medical or behavioral needs? If you have multiple pets, do they need to stay together? Assessing and re-assessing your current situation will help ensure that you always have an appropriate plan in place.
You should never assume that the emergency caregivers you've chosen, including rescue organizations, will accept the responsibility. Therefore, it's important to speak with each individual and/or organization about this commitment in order to ensure they are willing and able to act as a potential guardian for your pet.
Although it's not necessary, it's never a bad idea to leave funds to cover your pet's basic needs for the rest of his/her life. Consider your pet's age, customary lifestyle and special needs when deciding on the appropriate amount.
A Pet Portfolio is a document containing pertinent information about your pet that would be valuable to a potential guardian and/or emergency caregiver in your absence. You should complete a separate Pet Portfolio for each pet you own.
You would do anything for them…but where would your pets go if something happened to you or you and your spouse? Who would take care of them, and how would the cost of their care be covered?
Each case is as different as the animals in our lives, but when planning ahead for your pets, everyone needs to start by considering the following questions:
While it is possible to provide a provision for the care of your pet in your will this option should not be the only way to plan for your pet for the following reasons:
A provision in your will regarding funding to a future caregiver, however, can be a good way to leave money to cover your pets’ future needs if it is made in conjunction with an informal or formal arrangement.
A pet trust is a legally sanctioned arrangement providing for the care and maintenance of your pet in the event of your disability and/or death.
A limited durable power of attorney can be used to designate someone to make decisions regarding the care of your pet should you become unable. This person will only have the ability to make decisions about your pet during your lifetime. Consequently, you still need to consider a permanent arrangement for your pet’s future care.
A Letter of Instruction can be used to designate a future caregiver for your pet and leave specific guidelines for your pet’s care when you are gone. It is a flexible way to arrange for the care of your pet but it, too, has limitations.