Pet Trust Lawyer & Attorney : Dan Meek Law Firm : Estate Planning, Pet Guardians, Will Provisions

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We have discussed the basics of the use of a Power of Attorney for your pets.

These documents may be used immediately or have a springing (future event) use and may be established to be used on a temporary or permanent basis.

If you or a friend or relative are in the military, a Military Power of Attorney can be prepared that will provide for your pets while you are on active duty.

The United States Code, Title 10, Armed Forces, Section 1044 b provides for Military Powers of Attorney.

The Code provides in part…

   A military power of attorney is exempt from any requirement of form, substance, formality, or recording that is provided for powers of attorney under the laws of a State; and shall be given the same legal effect as a power of attorney prepared and executed in accordance with the laws of the State concerned.

   For purposes of this section, a military power of attorney is any general or special power of attorney that is notarized in accordance with section 1044a of this title or other applicable State or Federal law.

   In this section, the term “State” includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and a possession of the United States. 

A  Special Military Power of Attorney for Pets can designate an individual or individuals to care for and maintain your pet (s) during your absence, and authorize any and all medical care necessary, including major surgery and humane disposal, as deemed necessary by the Veterinary Service:

The Military Power of Attorney can be for a time certain or until written revocation.

Or, as an alternative, The Military Power of Attorney can also be set up to state that if the Declarant shall be, or has been, carried in a military status of “missing”, “missing-in-action” or “prisoner of war,” then the power of attorney shall automatically remain valid and in full effect until sixty (60) days after the individual has returned to the United States Military control following termination of such status.

In these times of world turmoil, war and uncertainty, it may seem alike a small detail, to take the time to prepare a Military Power of Attorney for a pet.

However, to some, their pets are their only or their closest family. They want and need to take the time to plan for their future if at all possible.

A gift of a Military Power of Attorney for a pet owner that you know would be a small thank you to them for their service to your country.