Pets usually have a shorter lifespan than their caregivers. Therefore, many pet owners forget to make plans if they die before their pets. This can leave your pets homeless or in the hands of abusers. To avoid such eventualities, you need a plan ensuring that your pets continue to receive care if something happens to you. These tips will put you on the right track when planning for your pet’s care after your demise.
Leave Your Pet With a Trusted Caregiver
One of the most important steps to ensuring that your pets are well cared for after you die is leaving them with a trusted caregiver. Ideally, you want to select two or three caregivers who you think will reliably take care of your pets temporarily or permanently.
Although any of your friends, neighbors or family can temporarily take care of your pets, choosing the permanent caregiver needs careful thought. You will need to identify someone familiar with your pets and who is fully ready for the responsibility of long term pet care. This means that their homes, children and pets will accept the new family members.
Make Pet Provisions in a Will or Trust
After choosing your trusted short-term and long term pet care trustees, you will need to create a pet trust. This estate planning tool helps to develop pet care obligations. Therefore, in this document, you will mention your preferred pet caregiver and how they will go about pet care. Also, you will need to leave some money for this responsibility. The pet trust will ensure that your pet is adopted by your selected trustee, who will receive the money they can only use for your pet’s care.
Alternatively, you can write a will as one of the preparations for the end of life legal for pets. Here, you will have to hire a legal attorney to help you add pet provisions to your will. A will is relatively cheap compared to trusts. However, unlike trusts, your attorney can only effect a will after your death.
What to Do If You Don’t Have Anyone Willing and Able to Care for Your Pets
Finding someone who is both willing and able to care for your pets can be tough. If you cannot find a suitable caregiver, do not despair. There are a ton of other options that you can explore. There are numerous charities and organizations that, depending on your donation or fees, can rehome or give lifetime care to your pets once you are gone. Their programs ensure that your pets get into a loving home after your demise.
Some of the organizations or charities to consider include:
- Kansas University’s Perpetual Pet Care Program
- 2nd Chance for Pets
- Purdue University’s Peace of Mind Program
- Oklahoma State University’s Cohn Pet Care Facility
Making the transition to a new pet owner can be challenging. However, with the right planning, pet trust, and caregiver or organization, you can rest assured that your pets will be in good hands. You can also leave a few items, such as toys or customized memorial pet jewelry, that memorializes your bond with the pets.