When Pets Outlive You
by The Sassy Trainer
How often do pets outlive owners? That is NOT a topic we want to consider, but it is important for the welfare of the pet(s) you love. What would happen to your furry family should the unthinkable happen to you?
Even younger pet lovers should make plans. A husband and wife who wrote and published extensively about pets died together in a tragic car crash. They were mid-forties and left behind 4 cats and 6 dogs. Three other writers, despite being savvy pet people who probably offered guidance on the subject to others, were caught unaware when they died unexpectedly.
Sadly, orphaned pets often end up in shelters or destroyed by the surviving family members, when nobody feels able or willing to care for the left-behind fur-kid.
What can caring owners do to prepare for the worst, if death, disability or age takes away a pet’s home? Your family, friends, veterinarian and church may be eager and willing to offer a place for your pet should you die before them. Maybe you have dogs that would pine away if separated from each other, or a special needs cat that requires extra medical care. Often, a simple promise among friends will be sufficient. Ideally, the animal already knows and likes them—because missing you will be as tough for pets as it will be for your human family.
Ensure your neighbors know how many pets you have and how to contact emergency care givers. Carry a wallet “alert card” with this information and post “in case of emergency” notices on your doors or windows.
In today’s changing world, though, good intentions and a promise made years before may go out the window should the person’s own situation change. For instance, maybe your friend has other pets that won’t accept your animals, or living arrangements/finances have changed. For peace of mind, it’s best to make formal arrangements in your will and try to address every eventuality.
Legal restrictions won’t allow a beloved pet to actually inherit your estate because critters are themselves defined as property. But you certainly can set up a trust for the care of the pet, and name a specific person who will receive those funds so that they can take the critter into their care for the remainder of its life. Once you find persons willing to take your pet, consult with your attorney about the proper paperwork necessary to make a legal and binding arrangement and set up specifics in a will that includes your puppy. The Uniform Probate and Trust Code is accepted in DC, Nevada and 40 other states.
For older pets there are “pet retirement homes” or “sanctuaries” that might be able to take your pets. These organizations give pets a home for life, but have limited openings. A fee is involved that pays for the care and this may be set up in your will or other legal document. Younger animals should be re-homed to give the pets a chance for a long and rewarding life with another human who will also love them.
The Humane Society of the United States offers a free brochure called Providing For Your Pet’s Future Without You. It suggests you find at least two responsible friends or relatives and provide them with emergency information for short-term care.
A simple alternative is Legal Shield. Your provider Law Firm (based on the state or Canadian province you live in) will send you a will packet that you fill in and return and they will draft your will. In most situations there is no extra charge above the small monthly fee ($20 or less) that you pay for you legal protection.
Once these emergency measures are in place, you will have peace of mind. That allows you to relax and enjoy making the most of the time you have with your special animal companions.
by Tynia Dickson, The Sassy Trainer
www.TheSassyTrainer.com
