Most pet owners worry what will happen to their pets if something should happen to them. You can take control and make a detailed plan for your pet’s future. A significant percentage of owner relinquishments to shelters are due to illness or death of a pet parent. You can prevent your pet from facing an uncertain future by making a plan to ensure your pet(s) will continue to have the loving home and great care they deserve should something unexpected happen to you.

Completing My Pet Placement Plan provides a specific roadmap of your wishes. If you have more than one pet, be sure to fill out a plan for each one.

When you have completed the Power of Attorney on page 4, you and your Pet Care Guardian should sign the document in front of a notary for extra protection.

The first step is to identify a Pet Care Guardian to act on your behalf in managing the affairs of your pet’s future. You must have a candid conversation with this person about your needs and be sure that your appointee understands your wishes and is willing to follow the instructions outlined in this document.

If I am unable to attend to my pet’s needs, either permanently or temporarily,

is authorized to care for my pet and make the following decisions for my pet. In the event they are unable to fulfill this obligation,

is authorized to care for my pet and make the following decisions for my pet:

• Medical services, tests, medicines, or surgery. This care or service is to identify a health problem and how it can be treated.
• Maintaining life or securing medical aid in dying.
• Admission to an animal clinic or other facility as needed to maintain health.
• Hire or fire an animal care practitioner.
• Authorize any medication or procedure needed to manage pain.

In the event that permanent relocation is needed, my Pet Care Guardian agrees to keep or locate permanent placement for my pet and will not euthanize my pet under any circumstances unless medically necessary.

Pet Peace of Mind is a national program that enables hospice patients to keep their pets at home throughout their end-of-life journey. The program works through local hospice partners to provide volunteer services at no cost to patients. Pet Peace of Mind volunteers are specially trained to provide in-home pet care assistance when the patients need help caring for a pet and to help find a loving new home when necessary. With this kind and compassionate support, patients no longer have to worry about their pet’s current or future needs.

To support our work or to discuss making a bequest,

email christybork@petpeaceofmind.org or visit: https://www.petpeaceofmind.org

Special thanks to Cornerstone Hospice and Josie Pradella for their insights and contributions to this project.