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When we are no longer able, who will care for our special companions? Each of us carefully considers providing for our family members in the event something happens to us. All too often, however, the family pet is overlooked and when the occasion arises finding suitable arrangements can be extremely difficult. Whether the situation is a short term illness, long term care problem or owner loss we need to prepare for these eventualities well before they take place. By taking some simple steps we can increase the chances that our loved and loving companions will be cared for as we would wish. Click the following links for details. The first thing we should all do is take the time to fill out a profile on each of our pets. Include their name, ID numbers (town registrations etc), veterinarian's name and number, whether the animal has any medical issues and what medication they may need. Other simple but no less important information is what type of food, how much and when your pet is fed, what personal likes and dislikes they may have, the commands they have been taught, what toys, if any, they prefer and their general attitude towards meeting and being cared for by strangers. Store this profile in a folder in an obvious place. The second step is to discuss with family, friends, and neighbors the possibility of them being willing to care for your pet(s) in your absence. Some may be willing to do it for a short period of time while others may be happy to accept complete responsibility. Be sure you feel confident they know how to successfully care for pets and for everyone's peace of mind have the agreement put in writing. This agreement should include instructions for gaining access to the pets and how to handle any expenses they may incur. Once this is done store this agreement in the PET PROFILE folder. Remain in touch with these "caregivers" since it is possible that over time circumstances may change and they may no longer be able to fulfill the agreement. The two steps mentioned above are basic elements of responsible pet ownership. The following information discusses the legal steps you may take to further ensure the welfare of your pets should you no longer be able to care for them. Since laws regarding wills may vary from state to state we urge you to discuss all estate planning with your legal advisor. A power of attorney authorizes someone else to conduct some or all of your affairs for you while you are still alive. Provisions may be inserted in this document to include the daily and veterinary care of your pets, administration of prescription medications and expenditure of monies to provide these services. The power of attorney may also entitle them to place the pets with permanent caregivers. The best way to make sure your wishes are fulfilled is by making formal arrangements that specifically cover the care of your pet(s). Work with an attorney to include in your will instructions on the care and ownership of your pet(s) as well as the money necessary to care for them.
Some states will allow you to set up an "honorary" trust with a pet as a beneficiary. These trusts are valid only as long as the pet is alive and the term of the trust cannot exceed 21 years. The money in the trust cannot be used for the benefit of the trustee. The trustee named by the pet owner can use the funds in the trust to care for the animal. If the trustee cannot take physical possession of the pet, a separate person should be named as the caregiver. The pet owner should select the trustee carefully, because the trust is only effective as long as the trustee chooses to follow its terms and there is no practical means to enforce compliance. After the pet dies, any remaining funds are distributed according to the instructions in the trust. A revocable living trust (you can cancel it while you are still alive) is a legal instrument that allows you to assign property to another party to hold and administer for the benefit of others. You determine, by specifying in the trust language, when the trust goes into effect (e.g. if you become ill, incapacitated or die) and you specify a trustee to control the funds. As noted there are different legal documents that may be used to ensure the care of pets left behind. It is vitally important to discuss each one of the documents and the laws governing them with your attorney prior to making any decisions. A final note about the topic of Euthanasia. If you are trying to find a home for a seriously ill, aged or infirm pet be very cautious. Quite often they are unadoptable and unable to adapt to new environments. In these cases, euthanasia may be appropriate. However, quite often the deceased owner's instructions to euthanize a younger, healthy pet have been overturned by the courts. The decision may stand if all other efforts to arrange new ownership for the pet has failed. If euthanasia is acceptable in your state, indicate in your will, how, when and where. Also include a clause that prevents your pet from being used for medical research or educational purposes. Our beloved pets are so much a part of our daily lives it is fitting that we provide for their welfare should we unfortunately be unable to care for them at a later date. Please make these provisions a part of your estate planning.
Return to Dog Care and Welfare Main Page
This information is made available to you by the efforts of YGRR volunteers. To join them in helping our homeless Goldens, please consider becoming a member or making a donation.
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