Planning for Your Pets
What do you want people to know about your pet?
My sister was a frontline nurse in a hospital in Southern Michigan in March of 2020. Exposed to SARS-CoV-2 on the job, she went home to self-quarantine. She felt fine for the first week, but then developed symptoms.
The fear was the worst part. Her symptoms weren’t that bad, but she was determined not to pass it to anyone else, so she was all alone, worried about what would happen if things took a sudden turn for the worse.
She’d already done all her estate planning documents. Her health care proxies were named. Her will was filled out. Do you know what wasn’t done? Her pets weren’t quite set up to be okay.
Years ago I talked with the director of a local animal shelter and asked them what they wished people knew to do in advance. The answer was so simple and so helpful, I’ve been passing it along ever since.
They asked that someone who knows the animal well fill out the animal profile. There’s a world of difference in how easy it is to rehome an animal whose quirks are known than one whose aren’t. Describe the pet’s personality, and give a profile of what the right home would look like. Give the person every chance to recognize themselves as the pet’s new companion.
The information on the profiles is helpful for anyone caring for the pets while you’re in the hospital, too. What kind of kibble did you empty into those unlabeled bins? Who’s their vet? Is anyone on any medication?
Fill out these forms for each animal. Your own animal shelter might have a version they use, but we have our own version that they’d be delighted to accept.
My sister recovered quickly. She was even able to get her kitchen cabinets painted during her time in quarantine. But it reminded us that there are always ways to continue getting our affairs in order.
