Why Do I Need An Emergency Power Of Attorney For My Pets?
Why have an emergency Power of Attorney prepared in advance for your pets?
Well, in the event that you are unable to provide for the care of your pets, you could authorize an Agent to act on your behalf.
The Power of Attorney would allow the Agent to take emergency and temporary possession and custody of your pets and spend such amounts of your money as may be necessary for their health, care and welfare.
The Power can also give the Agent the ability to pay for food, veterinary care or insurance, toys and other recreational activities, as well as temporary boarding and pet-sitting fees.
It can also specify that the Agent makes sure that your pets receive the same standard of health, care, and welfare as you would normally provide.
When your emergency has ended, you can simply rescind the Power of Attorney and return to taking personal care of your pet.
It will only be used in an emergency and is for the protection of you and your pets.
A win-win situation for all involved.
Do You Have a Pet Power of Attorney?
Did you know that in the event that you ate unable to provide for the care of your pets, that you can authorize an Agent to act on your behalf.
The Pet Power of Attorney would allow the Agent to take emergency and temporary possession and custody of your pets and spend such amounts of your money as may be necessary for their health, care and welfare.
The Power can also give the Agent the ability to pay for food, veterinary care or insurance, toys and other recreational activities, and temporary boarding and pet-sitting fees.
It can also specify that the Agent makes sure that your pets receive the same standard of care as you would normally provide.
When your emergency has ended, you can simply rescind the Power of Attorney and return to taking personal care of your pet.
It will only be used in an emergency and is for the protection of you and your pets.
If you do not have a Pet Power of Attorney, now is the right time to have one prepared.
See your attorney for the correct assistance and direction.
Release In Power Of Attorney For Pet Medical Information
Is there a general type of release for medical information in a power of attorney for a pet? I am working on my estate planning for my house full of cats. Thanks.
Mairin Gold Beach, Oregon
Marin, I have included typical release language below.
This is from the Papillon Club of America of Quincy, Florida.
AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF PATIENT INFORMATION
Papillon Club of America Rescue Trust
TO: Any and all treating veterinarians or facilities
This document authorizes any and all licensed animal health care practitioners, veterinarians and other persons who have participated in providing any care or service to my pets to discuss any communication, whether confidential or privileged, and to provide full and complete patient reports and records justifying the course of treatment including but not limited to: patient histories, vaccination histories, examination and test results, reports, or other information prepared by other persons that may in be your possession to the Papillon Club of America, Inc. (PCA) and/or its representative.
For more information about the club and its rescue efforts, visit their website here.
Tips for Caring For Your Pet In Their Final Days
The main focus of our writing about estate planning for pet owners is to assist them in the preparation of a new home and caregiver for their pets, after the death of the owner.
Pet trusts, pet power of attorneys and clauses in wills to provide for pets, are all basic parts of the planning process.
However, not all pets obviously survive their owners.
Are you prepared of the premature death of your pet?
What can you do to prepare for this event?
What are your responsibilities to your pet?
The ASPCA guides pet parents in the care of an animal companion as she approaches her passing. Some of their tips include:
• Minimize your pet's discomfort or pain by having her examined by a vet and treating any health problems she's experiencing.
• Keep track of your pet's quality of life by asking your veterinarian to inform you of symptoms associated with your pet’s condition.
• Keep a daily record of your pet’s behavior, noticing if she seems confused, has lost her appetite or seeks out unusual places to hide.
• Make an elderly pet feel secure by surrounding her with her favorite things, like a warm blanket or special squeaky toy.
You can visit their website here for more information and tips on handling this delicate and unfortunate situation.
Pet Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy?
Beau Aliceville, Alabama
Beau… good question.
Your Power of Attorney can specifically acknowledge ownership of any of your pets, provide identification via a v-chip or natural markings and set out in great detail the exercise and feeding habits of Danny (good name by the way). If you become incapacitated, the Agent named in the Power of Attorney will know exactly what regime to follow.
Your Pet Power of Attorney should also grant the Agent the sole and exclusive right to take temporary custody and control of Danny or to appoint someone else, perhaps better equipped to do so. This alternate may be your Vet or a pet hospital.
You need to provide for some type of access to money for the Agent, to take care of your pet when you are unable.
As to your specific question, although I have never personally encountered this problem, I have heard of a situation where a Vet for whatever reason would not accept the Power of Attorney appointment as providing the necessary consent for medical treatment. The Vet advised that he would have treated the animal in an emergency situation, but not otherwise.
As you are aware many individuals have both a Power of Attorney and a Health Care Declaration appointment in their estate planning package for someone to make medical decisions on their behalf for exactly this reason...so there will be clarity and no indecision of treatment.
Perhaps, as out pets move more into the family circle, we will need to provide more complete documentation for third party acceptance.
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