Future Planning for the care of your pet
Pets are often more than companions; they are cherished members of our families.
Pets share in our daily routines, offering unconditional love and comfort in times of joy and hardship. They depend entirely on us for their care and stability, so whilst it is difficult to think of a time where we may be unable to care for their needs, it is essential to make future “care and comfort” plans, should we be unable to look after them.
Reducing stress for your pets
Animals can be very sensitive to changes in their environment and routines. It can be helpful, if possible, to maintain familiar daily patterns such as feeding times, exercise and affection. Where you are able, identify trusted members of your family, friends or neighbours who may be able to help with consistent care and routine.
Who will look after your pets
It is important to consider your options, if you are no longer able to care for your pet. Details of your wishes can be documented in your will and or in a signed pet care and comfort guide letter.
Name a pet guardian: You can choose a trusted friend or family member who agrees to care for your pet. It is important to confirm this with them ahead of time, this can allow you to share important details about your pet’s care needs. It will also allow you time for your pet to get to know your named guardian.
Shelters and sanctuaries: Some organisations can offer a promise to care for and support your pet should you pass away. Well known rescues can have specific schemes, for example the RSPCA have a home for life scheme, it is a service that ensures pets will be cared for if their owner dies and they are unable to find a new home beforehand. Many rescues and shelters offer fostering services; this is where your pet can be care for in someone else’s home before a permanent home can be found.
Pet welfare organisations: Some charities also offer schemes to support pets if their owners are no longer able to care for them, such as The Cinnamon Trust and Animals in Distress.
Animals in Distress is a local rescue charity that finds loving, permanent homes for hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs each year. As part of their work supporting pets and their owners, they offer a Pet Guardian Scheme — a free service that provides peace of mind by ensuring your pet will be cared for if you pass away. By registering with the scheme, you can arrange for your pet to be taken into their rescue centre, where they will be looked after while a safe and loving new home is found.
The Cinnamon Trust is the only national charity that helps older people and those terminally ill to care for their beloved pets. With the help of thousands of compassionate volunteers across the country, they provide practical support, such as dog walking, cat brushing or cleaning of bird cages, as well as short-term fostering during hospital stays. Pet owners can also make lifelong arrangements for their companions, ensuring loving forever care for when they can no longer be there.
Care and comfort guide
If you find yourself having to rehome your pet, it is important to consider creating a care and comfort guide. This can be a document or letter that outlines your pets care needs, preferences and considers their general comfort. This can be essential to how your pet manages in their new home. Whilst it is important to include information about their diet and veterinary care, it can be invaluable to your pet’s new care giver to provide information about how your pet prefers their environment, affection, toys and enrichment. How they sleep and what factors may stress them is also useful information to consider. All these considerations can help smooth the transition of care and environment for your pet.