Do you have plans for your pets, should you become ill or incapacitated? The unexpected is “unexpected” for a reason — you can’t really know what is going to happen. Do you have someone in mind who will care for your pets in an emergency?
- Talk to at least two responsible friends or family members who will agree to take care of your pets in an emergency. Make sure they have a key to your house, the name and phone number for your veterinarian, and information about your pet’s care, feeding, and health. Make sure the person you pick to take care of your pet is someone your pet knows and likes!
- Make sure friends, family members, and neighbors know how many pets you have and where they are usually kept. Make sure everyone has contact information for your emergency pet caretakers.
- Post emergency stickers or notices on your doors or windows specifying how many pets you have. Emergency personnel can’t look for your pets if they don’t know you have them.
- Carry a card in your wallet that lists the names and contact information for your emergency pet caretakers.
In the confusion that can accompany an unexpected illness or accident, pets can easily be overlooked for days. Talking to friends and family about caring for your pets will make sure that several people out there will remember your pets during a crisis. Making formal arrangements to designate temporary and permanent caregivers (if needed) will ensure care for your pet if you are unable to provide it yourself.
You can work with an attorney to draw up a special document — like a will or trust — to provide for the care and ownership of your pet. You can also provide money to help your pet’s new owner pay for care. Just be sure that the person or people you pick to take care of your pets do have your beloved pets’ best interests at heart.