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"I
don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones
among you
who will be really happy
are those who
have sought and found how
to serve."
...
Albert Schweitzer |
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Because pets usually
have shorter life spans than their human caregivers, you may have planned
for your animal friend’s passing. But what if you are the one who becomes
ill or incapacitated, or who dies first? As a responsible pet owner, you
provide your pet with food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and love. To
ensure that your beloved pet will continue to receive this care should
something unexpected happen to you; it’s critical to plan ahead.
In the confusion that accompanies a person’s unexpected illness,
accident, or death, pets may be overlooked. In some cases, pets are
discovered in the person’s home days after the tragedy. To prevent this
from happening to your pet, take these simple precautions:
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Find as least two responsible
friends or relatives who agree to serve as temporary emergency caregivers in
the event that something unexpected happens to you. Provide them with keys
to your home: feeding and care instructions; the name of your veterinarian;
and information about the permanent care provisions you have made for your
pet.
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Make sure your neighbors, friends,
and relatives know how many pets you have and the names and contact numbers
of the individuals who have agreed to serve as emergency caregivers.
Emergency caregivers should also know how to contact each other.
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Carry a wallet “alert card” that
lists the names and phone numbers of your emergency pet caregivers.
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Post removable “in case of emergency”
notices on your doors or windows specifying how many and what types of pets
you have. These notices will alert emergency-response personnel during a
fire or other home emergency.
-
Affix to the inside of your front and
back doors a removable notice listing emergency contact names and phone
numbers. Because pets need care daily and will need immediate attention
should you die or become incapacitated, the importance of making these
informal arrangements for temporary care giving cannot be overemphasized.
-
The best way to make sure your wishes are
fulfilled is by also making formal arrangements that specifically cover the
care of your pet. It’s not enough that long ago your friend verbally
promised to take in your animal or even that you’ve decided to leave money
to your friend for that purpose. Work with an attorney to draw up a special
will, trust, or other document to provide for the care and ownership of your
pet as well as the money necessary to care for her.
