For many of us, pets contribute greatly to our happiness and well-being. Because they are such an important part of our lives, we worry about what would happen if we are hospitalized or otherwise unavailable.
The most important thing is to make a plan. Consider who might be willing to take your pet. Is that person is capable of the care that your pet requires? Have a discussion to be sure they are indeed willing to become the pet’s new owner, with all of the responsibilities that go along with pet ownership. You may also wish to have a backup person, should the first person be unable or unwilling to take the pet when the time comes. Another thing to think about: Is there a need to have someone who can take custody of the pet temporarily, if there is travel or other arrangements that need to be made?
Sometimes, there is no one that you can think of who would be willing or able to take your pet. Other local options include the Guardian Program run by the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), and the SIDO program run by the San Francisco SPCA. Both have arrangements where they agree to care for a pet temporarily while finding it a new home, and both require advance screening and paperwork prior to making such a commitment.
Once you have decided who is going to take your pet, it is a good idea to put the arrangements in writing. Instructions regarding the ownership of your pet can be done in a Will or a Trust. Often, pet owners will make a gift to the new owner to ease the financial burden on the new owner, informally ensuring that funds are available if needed. If you wish to document the arrangement more formally, California law allows for a Trust to be set up specifically to take care of your pet. Making a plan, and having it in writing ensures that your loving companion gets the care you would desire.
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