Do You Have Language For A Pet Living Will?
I have read before about your thoughts on a living will for pets. If I have one prepared for my cat, Mrs. Longbeard ( a long story) do you have any suggested language.
Donna Sue Batesville, Indiana
Donna, obviously you are going to have your attorney prepared this document and he or she will have the necessary knowledge for a living will.
However, in general terms, language such as this should suffice:
...Representative is to provide any needed reasonable veterinary care that my animal may need at that time to restore the animal to generally good health and to alleviate suffering, if possible. Any animal(s) not in generally good health or who is so suffering—and whose care is beyond the capabilities of veterinary medicine, reasonably employed, to restore to generally good health or to alleviate suffering—shall be euthanized, cremated, and the ashes disposed of at the discretion of…
I hope that you will not need to use this document for many years to come.
Alternatives to Individual Caregivers in a Pet Trust
I want to provide for my three cats upon my death, but I have no friends or relatives that I can be comfortable to nominate as a caregiver. Any suggestions?
Andy Scottsburg, Indiana
Andy, I am pleased that you are taking the time to plan for the care of your cats after you can no longer do so.
The first obvious choice is a local humane society.
You can meet with the officials and view the physical surroundings to see if you approve. Is the facility too large or too crowded? Will you cats be caged for extended periods of time or are there free roaming areas available? What is the ratio of employees/volunteers to the number of animals? Does the society require a minimum amount of monetary donation to care for your cats? Is there an active adoption program available?
If the local humane society does not meet your standards; you can contact local non-profit animal protection groups, private sanctuaries or university veternarian programs.
There are viable alternatives to individual caregivers.
Hurricane Season is Here- Plan for Your Pet
As Tropical Storm Alma forced evacuations and caused flooding along the coast of northwestern Nicaragua, we have a not so gentle reminder that Hurricane season is officially here.
We have discussed this before, here.
For the next few days, we want to again remind you of some of the many preparations and precautions for emergencies that you can take for your pets.
Today's advice comes directly from Uncle Sam, that’s right the U.S. government.
The official website, of Ready America has the following tips;
"If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.
Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind that what's best for you is typically what's best for your animals.
If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.
Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer."
Preparing for Your Pets Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.
