Planning for our pets’ future care
Kieron is part of the nursing team at Rowcroft, and his husband is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. Sharing their life as they do with their three amazing dogs – Arthur, Molly and Harley – they recognise that pets are more than just animals. They are loving, loyal companions and fur-ever family members who bring joy and fun in equal measure. The couple also recognise the importance of planning for the future care of their beloved pets, should anything happen. This type of planning can bring peace of mind and contentment, knowing that their furry friends will always be in good hands, no matter what comes their way.
The importance of future planning for your companion animals
“Discussing future care for our pets is a topic that often gets overlooked, but it is crucial,” says Kieron. “As a couple, we both understand the importance of having these discussions – as my husband and I have witnessed in our jobs the stress and anxiety that can arise when there are no plans in place for a pet’s care.
“We understand the importance of ensuring our dogs’ care and support needs are met, both now and in the future. It is especially important to us that we consider their needs should anything happen to us, and we are no longer able to offer them the care directly.
“We hope that by sharing our own considerations and plans, it might inspire others to have a think about including their own companion animals in any planning of Wills and wishes.”
How to plan for your pet’s future
“As part of our own advanced care planning, we have done the following:
- Made addition to our Will that a portion of our estate is to be ringfenced for the financial support of our dogs. This money is to be used for their feeding, medical bills etc
- With their consent we have friends who are to become the new legal guardians of the dogs should we be unable to care for them, and this provision has also been recognised in our Will.
- We have created ‘just in case’ letters that detail in full our wishes for our dogs should we be unable to fulfil those ourselves. This includes details about each dogs likes/dislikes, medical conditions, preferred vet teams etc They cover as much as possible about the dog’s character and individual care and support needs.
- We carry cards on our person that state we have dogs at home, should we be involved in an accident or are unable to return home along with the contact details of our friends.
- We have left a spare key with our nominated friends (as above) so they can help gain access to the home and take the dogs away to theirs. This is also an important provision should we need temporary stays in hospital etc.
“This is not meant as an exhaustive list but gives an idea of some of the provisions we have made.
“If you do not have anyone in your own support network who can take your pets in directly, you may know someone who is willing to advocate for your pet and help find temporary or permanent homes and to interact with local charities and rescue homes.”
Further resources
- Blue Cross Peace of Mind Service: By registering your pet, regardless of their age, they make sure your pet is cared for. Their Rehoming Team are trained to find loving new homes for pets in their care. This is a free service. Click here to find out more.
- RSPCA: The RSPCA Home for Life scheme means that, if your pet outlives you, they will care for them, then do all they can to find them a happy home and someone special to look after them. Click here to find out more. They also provide a downloadable booklet that can be downloaded by clicking here.
- Cinnamon Trust Pet Profiling service: The Cinnamon Trust gives peace of mind to those who are worried about their pet’s future. Many of the people who register their pets with them, do so because they are getting older. Some are facing terminal illness, and some are pet owners who don’t have friends or family that can care for their pet(s) if something happens to them. Click here to find out more.