Planning For Your Pet’s Future

As we get started in the new year, we set our sights on the future. You probably have certain goals, dreams, and resolutions on your agenda for 2015. Have you planned for your pet’s future? Pets live in a day-to-day reality, not thinking much further along then the food bowl or water dish, but what would happen to your pet if something happened to YOU?

According to aspca.org, here are a few ideas you can set in motion to ensure that your pet’s future is under control:

• Be sure to carry a pet alert card with you at all times, in your wallet or in your purse. That way, if something should happen to you, it will alert authorities that you have a pet or pets at home and the card should contain contact information of someone who can get to those pets in your absence.
• Consider setting up a pet dossier, which is a document that contains relevant information about your pet that would prove to be valuable to a potential guardian or caregiver in your absence. The document should contain information about your pet’s habits, food preferences, medical conditions, medications taken, veterinary information/records and behavior around other pets, people and children. Keep this document in a safe place with all of your other important papers.
• Establish a trust for your pet with specific instructions for your pet’s care in the event you are incapacitated.  Be sure to indicate the finances to be set aside for pet care, and name a guardian for your pet (check with the person ahead of time to ensure they’re comfortable with the arrangement).  If questions, an attorney can help set up the trust for you.

So, as you plan your activities for this year, be sure to include planning for your pet’s future, too! They should always be a part of the plan!

Have a great day!