5 Things Dog Owners Should Consider When Doing An Estate Plan

5 Things Dog Owners Should Consider When Doing An Estate Plan

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

March 23, 2023 

Prepare yourself for a cuteness overload on your social media accounts today; it's National Puppy Day!  Established to encourage people to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue dog, National Puppy Day is the perfect time to review 5 things dog owners should consider when creating or updating an estate plan.  According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs a year are surrendered to animal shelters.  Of those surrenders, two of the top reasons cited are lifestyle change (such as a chronic illness) or a move to a home that does not allow for a dog (for example, moving to assisted living).  With a small amount of planning in advance you may be able to provide continuity of care for your beloved companion if you were to become ill or pass away.

1. Wallet Alert Card -- create a simple card to keep in your wallet that would alert EMTs or other emergency personnel to the fact you are a dog owner.  If you were incapacitated and unable to return home for the evening feeding or walk with your dog, who should be contacted?  Include a name, phone number, email and other information to facilitate back up being called.  Unlike cats, dogs cannot be home alone for too long without care;
2. Authorization Form at Your Veterinarian's Office -- contact your vet's office to see if they have an authorization form that allows you to nominate an alternative person to obtain care for your dog if you are unavailable.  Alert the person(s) you list on the form that you have given them this permission.  Make certain they know who to contact the vet's office.
3. Create a Power of Attorney for Finances with Animal Care Provisions -- review your Power of Attorney for Finances to see if it includes language granting your agent authority to secure medical or boarding care for your dog if you are unable to do so yourself. If you were facing a weeks or months long illness, it would be easier for all involved if your documents clearly stated your agent had the authority to make critical decisions about your dog(s).
4. Make a Plan for Long-Term Care -- you may have thoughts on where you would prefer to receive long-term care, but what about your dog?  Where would your pup go if you were no longer able to live independently?  Are there family members or friends who can open their home and hearts to your dog?  Is there a rescue organization that could provide foster care for the long-term?
5. Leave Your Dog to a Caring Home in Your Will -- perhaps all you need is to make a simple gift of your dog and some money to a trusted person or rescue organization via your will, or you may have a situation that calls for a pet trust to be created to care for your dog after your death.  There are several options available for you to use, talk with an attorney licensed in your state of residence to find the best fit for your situation. 

Thanks for reading.  Leave a comment if you have additional tips or suggestions unique to dog owners creating or updating an estate plan.  Remember that a blog is meant to spark conversation and is not legal advice.  Be well and thank you for reading.