Preparing for the unexpected: ensuring pet care in emergencies

You love your pet and make sure she’s well cared for. But what will happen to her if something happens to you? You’re in a car accident or have a heart attack while at work. No one wants these things to happen, and let’s face it, we don’t even like to talk about it. But when we have pets, we need to make sure that we dot our i’s and cross our t’s to ensure their care no matter what unexpected emergencies life brings our way. To make sure your love bug receives the care he needs, follow these steps.

STEP 1: Secure Interim Caregivers

Talk to neighbors, family members or friends you trust andask them to serve as interim caregiver in an emergency. This person should be able to get to your home within ashort period of time in order to provide care right away. A friend who lives cross country may not be your mostpractical option. If you do not have a logical caregiver close by, you’ll want toestablish a relationship with a local, professional pet sitter who can serve as your interim caregiver. If possible, select two caregivers in case one person isunavailable when needed. Once selected, complete the Emergency Contact Card (click for link, print front and back) and place in your wallet.

STEP 2: Provide detailed instructions

Only you know your pet’s needs, and you’ll need to relay this information to your interim caregiver with as much detail as possible. In particular, make sure you address the below questions and that you keep this information up to date. Choose a spot in your house, such as with your pet’s food, where this information will be kept so that it’s readily available. Also include a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate.

• What food and treats does your pet eat? Howmuch and how often?

• If your pet receives medications or treatments,describe the dosage and how to administer.

• What makes your pet feel comfortable? Would she appreciate snuggle time on the couch or does she prefer hiding from newcomers?

• How much and how often should your caregiver provide physical exercise? What activities does your pet enjoy?

STEP 3: Relay your wishes

You will want to provide guidance on your caregiver’s course of action if your pet is sick or injured while in their care. We hope there won’t be a need for this information, but your caregiver can respond in a manner that is best for your pet and consistent with your wishes only if those expectations are relayed. In particular, you’ll want to consider the following:

• What veterinarian should your caregiver use in case of a non-emergency? What illnesses and injuries constitute a vet visit?

• Which emergency vet do you prefer? Which emergencies do you feel warrant a vet visit?

• Is there a limit to the amount you enable your caregiver to spend toward your pet’s vet care Are there specific restrictions or guidelines s/he should comply with?

• If your pet is severly injured or ill and your vet recommends euthanasia, how would you like your caregiver to respond, especially if you are unable to make a decision regarding your pet’s care?

We recommend providing your caregiver with written directions from your home to your preferred vet and emergency vet.

STEP 4: Provide home access

In order for a person to provide care in an emergency, they will need access to your home. Provide your interim caregiver(s) with a key or garage door access code. If you have a hidden key you wish for them to use, make sure they know where to find it and that it is always available. If appropriate, provide the contact information for your caregivers to each other so they can share duties and assist if one loses the key to your home.

STEP 5: Offer a tour and introduction

Your caregiver will best understand your pet’s needs if s/he is given an in-person overview. Invite them to your house and show them where to find the instruction sheet, food, treats, medications, leashes, toys, etc. Make sure your pet and caregiver have time to become acquainted. If possible, have them meet periodically throughout the year. This will help your pet feel more comfortable when your caregiver shows up unexpectedly.

STEP 6: Plan for the long-term

While we hope that if an emergency ever does strike, you’ll be able to resume care for your pets within a matter of days. But what will happen to your pet if you pass away or become incapacitated and can no longer provide care? The following steps will help you in determining a longterm care plan for your pet.

• Create a list of people who might be willing to adopt your pet if needed. Consider friends, neighbors, colleagues and family members.

• Evaluate the people on your list. Based on your pet’s needs and preferences, who would be the most logical fit? Consider the person’s home environment, lifestyle and family situation.

• After narrowing your list down to one or two people you feel would be best suited to care for your pet, ask them if they’d be willing. We recommend that you have a primary and secondary adopter in case one is unable or unwilling to accept responsibility when needed.

• Consider leaving pet supplies and funds through your estate to provide care for your pet.

• If you do not have anyone willing or able to adopt, or if you need a back-up option, consider Legacy Care at Paws4ever. See below for details.

Legacy Care

Legacy Care at Paws4ever affords you confidence knowing that there will be a smooth transition of care for your pet when you are no longer able to provide for him or her. Member animals live in a Legacy Care home where they receive exceptional care based on their individual needs and preferences. We believe that every pet is unique, and we love and care for them as family, just as you do. We know that a forever home is where pets are happiest; therefore we work to find an adoptive family that is a great match for each of the animals in our care. Legacy Care also offers long-term boarding when space allows.

Experience peace of mind by joining Legacy Care. You’ll find an enrollment package located on our website at PAWS4EVER.ORG, or you may request one by contacting us at (919) 241.8438 x114 or legacy@paws4ever.org. We are available to answer any questions you may have about the application process and will arrange a tour of our Residence if desired. Once your application is received, we’ll consult with your veterinarian and meet with you and your pet before determining acceptance into the program.

Paws4ever is a guaranteed-adoption nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and growing lifetime relationships between pets and people through adoption, training, education and care.