ELYRIA, Ohio — For many, our dogs, cats, parrots or guinea pigs are more than pets. They are cherished family members. We spend our lives loving and spoiling them, but we often don't spend time planning for their future without us.
At Friendship APL in Elyria, Executive Director Greg Willey sees it all too often: pets with no place to go and no one to care for them when their owner has passed away.
"Communication is key," Willey said. "Communication in your estate planning, communicating with people, with family members, with others where you keep all your documents concerning your pet."
You may have a verbal agreement with a friend or relative to take your pets in after your death, but it's important to make it official, too. That means making your pet a part of your estate planning. Have a conversation with your "chosen" person and make sure they are willing and able to take in Fido or Fluffy. That includes having a conversation about money. Will your pet have a trust that will cover food, medication and any other vet bills? That's what a pet trust is designed to do. And as part of that trust you will have a "trustee" who is an appointed person who will manage money for the pet and follow your instructions on care.
At Friendship APL we met Dottie, a sweet 6-year-old mixed breed whose owner passed away without plans for her care.
"Luckily a neighbor stepped up and was helping care for the animals temporarily until we were able to get out there and help get these animals into the shelter to find a home," Willey said.
That brings us to another issue: The confusion that can come along with unexpected illness, accident or death in which pets can get overlooked.
Make sure you have posted information in your home that can help first responders and organizations like the APL safely secure and take care of your animals if something happens
"Even that basic, 'I have five animals in my home,' a magnet on the fridge that says the names of your animals, where documents can be found, what vet you utilized is really great when we can communicate with veterinarians to get all the history and information and special dietary needs," Willey explained. "All the work that goes into a lifetime with an animal or a pet."
Check out the ASPCA's Pet Trust Primer HERE.
You can also download a pet care instruction form for anyone who may come into your home in case of an emergency.
