Plan for your pet's care if you're not there

Earlier this year, three older rat terriers showed up at the shelter. Their previous owner had passed away and no family member was willing or able to care for the three dogs. Unfortunately, this sort of situation happens many times throughout the year. Through no fault of their own, animals will turn up at the shelter simply because there is no one left to care for them.

While none of us like to think about anything bad happening to us or a loved one, it's important to make plans to help care for those you leave behind should you pass away or end up in a long-term care facility. Oftentimes, people assume their family members will take on the responsibility of caring for their pets, but for those family members the added addition of pets may not be possible, leaving the pets with nowhere to go.

An important first step in planning for the future for your pets is to talk with your family members. If you live alone, speak with friends or nearby relatives about the possibility of caring for your pets if something should happen to you. If you have multiple pets, plan for the very real possibility that one person may not be able to take in all of them. Just because your sister would take in your cat, for example, doesn't mean she would take your three dogs. When it comes to finding someone to care for your pets after you die, don't rely on verbal agreements; the new guardian of your pets can - and should - be part of your will.

If you are married, remember to talk with your spouse about what will happen to your pets should one of you pass away or enter a long-term care facility. Many animals come to the shelter after a husband or wife has passed away and the remaining person could no longer afford or care for the animals on his or her own. If one family member is the primary caretaker of the pets, what will happen if that person passes away?

Many people have pets with long lifespans, such as horses and exotic birds. While horses typically live 25 to 30 years, many birds can live to be 70. In addition to their long lifespans, these animals require a lot more specialized care than a dog or cat. For animals like these that are difficult to place with friends or relatives, consider making arrangements with a sanctuary or rescue group. In addition to finding a home for your pets, it is possible to set up a fund to help cover pet care expenses after you are gone, as well. The fund can be used to help your pet's future guardian or to make a donation to the sanctuary or rescue that will be taking your pet.

Both the ASPCA and HSUS offer excellent resources to help pet owners plan for their pet's future. Your pets are important to you, so it's crucial you take steps now to ensure they are cared for even if you are gone.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.