The bond between a pet and its owner is a special one that lasts a lifetime. As much as we would like to, we cannot always guarantee that we will outlive our furry companions.
Making arrangements for pets after your death ensures that your furry family members will continue to receive the love and care they deserve even when you’re no longer around. Otherwise, your pet could end up in a shelter, being euthanized, or with someone who may not have their best interests at heart.
Your plan should outline:
Who will take care of your pet
How they will be taken care of
Any special needs or preferences your pet may have
How your chosen caregiver will be financially supported
Legal documentation to ensure your wishes are followed
In this guide, we will go over these key points in detail and provide resources to help you plan for your pet’s future with peace of mind.
Who Will Care for My Pets When I Die? Preparing for Your Pet’s Future Without You
The question, “who will care for my pets when I die?” is not always something we want to consider. However, it is an important question to address. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your pet will be in good hands:
Ensure Your Pet’s Life-Long Care and Financial Security With Pawzpurr’s
At Pawzpurr, we provide the first and only way to provide you with certainty that your pets will be taken care of if you pass away. We help fur parents create customized, legally binding care plans for their pets’ future. Our Furever After Plan™️️ includes financial security for your pet’s care for your pet’s entire lifetime, facilitating the transition to a new caretaker, regular check-ins, and ongoing support for your pet’s needs. Below, you will find other ways to provide for your pets, but they each have their own problems and expenses. After reading below, we think you’ll agree that Pawzpurr is the only solution that addresses all of these problems.
Provide for Your Pet in Your Will
Another way to provide long-term care of pets of deceased owners is to nominate a caretaker and allocate money for their care in a will. This someone should understand and be willing to provide the same level of care, love, and attention that your pet is accustomed to receiving from you. The problems that can arise from this scenario; however, include:
What happens if the caretaker can’t or won’t take your pets?
What happens if the resources you’ve allocated to take care of your pet run out?
Who monitors the caretaker and your pet to make sure your wishes are being carried out?
Note that your chosen caretaker is not legally obligated to take on this responsibility, so it’s important to discuss your plans with this person beforehand and make sure they are willing and able to take on the responsibility.
If something happens unexpectedly, it’s also a good idea to have a backup caretaker in case your primary nominee cannot assume the role.
Set Up a Pet Trust
If you have a sizable estate, a pet trust may be an option for you. This legal document allows you to set aside funds specifically for your pet’s care and designate a trustee who will oversee the distribution of funds to their caretaker. The problem with pet trusts is that there usually isn’t anyone specifically overseeing the actions of the trustee or monitoring the care of your pet. It is also fairly expensive to administer, as things such as annual tax returns are usually required.
Typically, pet owners set aside enough money in the pet trust to cover their pet’s expenses, including:
Food and water
Veterinary costs
Grooming services
Pet insurance, if applicable
Cremation services
End-of-life care
Any other specific needs your pet may have
But what if you don’t put enough into the trust and it runs out of money before the pet’s death?
Consult an attorney specializing in estate planning and pet trusts if you want more information.
Create a Detailed Care Plan
Like humans, pets have individual needs and preferences that should be considered when planning care. Creating a detailed care plan ensures your pet receives the physical and emotional support they need when you’re no longer around.
Here are some things to include in a care plan:
Dietary preferences and restrictions
Exercise routine
Medical history and any current medical conditions
Medication schedule, dosage, and instructions
Grooming needs
Behavioral quirks or triggers
Favorite toys or activities
Contact information for their veterinarian and any other necessary professional service providers (e.g., pet sitter, dog walker)
This readily available information will help your chosen caretaker provide the best care for your pet and ease the transition into their new home. It’s also a good idea to update your plan periodically to reflect any changes in your pet’s needs. Pawzpurr allows you to include all of this information in your Furever After Plan.
Communicate Your Wishes
Ensuring that your wishes for your pet’s care are clear and understood by those close to you guarantees that your pet will be taken care of the way you intended. Talk to your designated caretaker, backup caretaker, and other trusted individuals about your plans for your pet’s future.
The last thing you want is for your pet to end up in a shelter because no one knew you had plans in place or what those plans were. The more people are aware of and on board with your plan, the better safeguarded your pet will be.
What If You Have No One to Care for Your Pet?
In the unfortunate event that you do not have anyone able or willing to take on the responsibility of caring for your pet after your death, there are still options. Pawzpurr is the best option. Pawzpurr will find a new home with loving caretakers for your pets.
Don’t leave your pet’s future to chance or court decisions – sign up for our Furever After Plan™️️ or contact us today to learn more about our services.
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