PROVIDING FOR YOUR DOG WHEN YOUR GONE
- Wednesday, January 28 2015 @ 08:15 pm UTC
- Contributed by: erik
- Views: 1,355
This article was taken from the GSD Site and reprinted as it is an important thing to consider when getting a dog who might outlive you! PROVIDING FOR YOUR DOG AFTER YOU’RE GONE
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No dog owner wants to think about the day that their dog will cross over the Rainbow Bridge yet as responsible dog owners, as our dogs’ age, we begin to mentally prepare and monitor our dogs for signs of illness and pain.
Something we like to consider even less is the possibility of our dog outliving us. And as depressing as the topic is, unless we know that our time on earth is limited, the only way to arrange for the future care of our dog is to make plans now.
While out for a walk the other day, I came across a lady walking a very dejected looking spaniel. I asked if I could pet the dog but sadly, the little sad dog would not even make eye contact. The woman explained that she just adopted the dog from the humane society. The dog’s owner had been killed in a car accident and the dog spent several days alone at home before someone discovered her and brought her to a shelter. There was no doubt that the dog was shaken and scared but so lucky to be rescued by someone willing to open their heart to her.
Which got me to thinking, what if your dog should outlive you? Or, what if you become incapacitated for a time?
Who will shelter, provide health care, feed, exercise and otherwise care for your pet?
Talk to Friends and Family
Think about what friends or family members you have who would be ready, willing and able to care for your dog. Make a list and ask them how they would feel about it. You may be surprised to find out just who would and who would not want to care for your dog. As time passes, you should bring up the subject again and of course this person should be on your emergency contact list and have access to your home.
Consider Purchasing Insurance
Caring for a dog can be expensive, especially if your pet has any special needs. As your dog ages, the expenses may also change. You can help limit the financial burden by purchasing health insurance for your dog to help ease the financial pain should your dog become seriously ill or injured while under another person’s care.
Emergency Contacts
With the rest of your emergency contact information, include the name/s and breed/s of all your pets, a phone number of who to contact on their behalf, and your veterinary contact information.
Establish a neighbor buddy system so that if either one of you has an emergency, the other can pitch in and care for all pets until other arrangements can be made. This person should have a key to your house and know how many pets you have.
You can purchase emergency notices or stickers to place on the front and back of your house for firefighters and police. Include what pets are inside and outside.
Put your Dog in your Will
Talk to your lawyer about providing funds for the future care of your dog and other pets. Calculate how much it will cost annually to provide medical care, health insurance premium, food, toys, treats, grooming, licenses, vaccinations, leashes/collars, crates, food bowls, beds and anything else you want to provide. Multiply this by the life expectancy for your dog to determine the minimum amount your dog’s new caregiver will need.
Designate two caregivers and a pet sanctuary or pet retirement home that specializes in long term care, in case the caregivers don’t take your dog.
Specify the wishes you desire to be carried out for your dog. This is especially important if your dog goes to a sanctuary.
Provide all vital information such as vet care, medical problems, medications, allergies, etc.
Make temporary arrangements so that your dog has a safe place to go in an emergency or while the will is probated such as with a friend, family member, boarding facility, vet’s office, pet sitter, temporary pet caregiver, permanent caregiver, etc.
Set up a Pet Trust
A trust can be executed immediately after your death and can also be set up to provide for the care of your dog if you become ill or incapacitated. You will appoint a Trustee to control the funds and name a caregiver to take care of your dog.
Not all states recognize pet trusts so be sure to check with yours.
A little preplanning can go a long way to ensuring your dog is well taken care of. Estate planning can be as simple or complex as you feel comfortable with. After making sure that your dog and any other pets will go to loving homes, the second most important consideration is to ensure that the new caregiver will have the financial means to care for your pets for the rest of their lives.
©Dogtube.US
Share on Facebook
dreamstime_xs_6998503
No dog owner wants to think about the day that their dog will cross over the Rainbow Bridge yet as responsible dog owners, as our dogs’ age, we begin to mentally prepare and monitor our dogs for signs of illness and pain.
Something we like to consider even less is the possibility of our dog outliving us. And as depressing as the topic is, unless we know that our time on earth is limited, the only way to arrange for the future care of our dog is to make plans now.
While out for a walk the other day, I came across a lady walking a very dejected looking spaniel. I asked if I could pet the dog but sadly, the little sad dog would not even make eye contact. The woman explained that she just adopted the dog from the humane society. The dog’s owner had been killed in a car accident and the dog spent several days alone at home before someone discovered her and brought her to a shelter. There was no doubt that the dog was shaken and scared but so lucky to be rescued by someone willing to open their heart to her.
Which got me to thinking, what if your dog should outlive you? Or, what if you become incapacitated for a time?
Who will shelter, provide health care, feed, exercise and otherwise care for your pet?
Talk to Friends and Family
Think about what friends or family members you have who would be ready, willing and able to care for your dog. Make a list and ask them how they would feel about it. You may be surprised to find out just who would and who would not want to care for your dog. As time passes, you should bring up the subject again and of course this person should be on your emergency contact list and have access to your home.
Consider Purchasing Insurance
Caring for a dog can be expensive, especially if your pet has any special needs. As your dog ages, the expenses may also change. You can help limit the financial burden by purchasing health insurance for your dog to help ease the financial pain should your dog become seriously ill or injured while under another person’s care.
Emergency Contacts
With the rest of your emergency contact information, include the name/s and breed/s of all your pets, a phone number of who to contact on their behalf, and your veterinary contact information.
Establish a neighbor buddy system so that if either one of you has an emergency, the other can pitch in and care for all pets until other arrangements can be made. This person should have a key to your house and know how many pets you have.
You can purchase emergency notices or stickers to place on the front and back of your house for firefighters and police. Include what pets are inside and outside.
Put your Dog in your Will
Talk to your lawyer about providing funds for the future care of your dog and other pets. Calculate how much it will cost annually to provide medical care, health insurance premium, food, toys, treats, grooming, licenses, vaccinations, leashes/collars, crates, food bowls, beds and anything else you want to provide. Multiply this by the life expectancy for your dog to determine the minimum amount your dog’s new caregiver will need.
Designate two caregivers and a pet sanctuary or pet retirement home that specializes in long term care, in case the caregivers don’t take your dog.
Specify the wishes you desire to be carried out for your dog. This is especially important if your dog goes to a sanctuary.
Provide all vital information such as vet care, medical problems, medications, allergies, etc.
Make temporary arrangements so that your dog has a safe place to go in an emergency or while the will is probated such as with a friend, family member, boarding facility, vet’s office, pet sitter, temporary pet caregiver, permanent caregiver, etc.
Set up a Pet Trust
A trust can be executed immediately after your death and can also be set up to provide for the care of your dog if you become ill or incapacitated. You will appoint a Trustee to control the funds and name a caregiver to take care of your dog.
Not all states recognize pet trusts so be sure to check with yours.
A little preplanning can go a long way to ensuring your dog is well taken care of. Estate planning can be as simple or complex as you feel comfortable with. After making sure that your dog and any other pets will go to loving homes, the second most important consideration is to ensure that the new caregiver will have the financial means to care for your pets for the rest of their lives.
©Dogtube.US