30 Ways to Plan for Your Pets*

*Many of these tips can be applied to the feral cats in your care, too!

1. Add Your Pet's Guardian to Your Emergency Contact List
   How to Implement: Ensure that your emergency contact list on your phone includes someone you trust to care for your pets in case of an emergency. This could be a close friend, family member, or neighbor who is familiar with your pet’s routine, medical needs, and personality. Make sure they know how to contact your vet or animal hospital if necessary.

2. Place a Sticker Behind Your Driver’s License
   How to Implement: Place a small sticker or note behind your driver’s license or in your wallet that includes a reminder to emergency responders that you have pets at home. Include the name and contact information of the person who should be contacted to take care of them. This ensures your pets' care is prioritized if you're unable to communicate.

3. Notify Your Veterinarian of Pet Caregiver Plans
   How to Implement: When planning a trip or going on vacation, contact your veterinarian to inform them who will be taking care of your pet in your absence. Make sure they have the caregiver’s contact information and provide any necessary medical records or instructions for continued care during your time away.

4. Update Pet ID Microchip Information Regularly
   How to Implement: If your pet has a microchip, regularly check and update your contact details with the microchip registry to ensure they can be reached if your pet is found. You can do this online, or through your vet or microchip provider. It’s also a good idea to ensure the microchip ID is listed on your pet’s ID tag for added protection.

5. Draft a Will Addressing Pet Care
   How to Implement: Consult with an estate planning attorney to include provisions in your will that specify who should take care of your pets if something happens to you. Be clear about their daily needs, medical care, and any financial provisions for their upkeep. Make sure the guardian is someone capable of handling these responsibilities.

6. Create an Advance Directive for Each Pet
   How to Implement: Write down your wishes regarding medical treatment for your pets in the event that you're unable to make decisions for them. This could include things like emergency surgeries, euthanasia preferences, or ongoing medication requirements. Share this document with the designated caregiver, vet, and anyone responsible for your pet’s care.

7. Keep a "Pet Care Binder" with Key Documents
   How to Implement: Organize all important documents related to your pet in a binder. Write out specific instructions for your pets’ daily care, including feeding schedules, preferred toys and treats, medications, and any behavioral quirks. Include vaccination records, medical history, microchip information, and insurance details. Leave a copy of the binder with a trusted friend, family member, or your pet’s guardian. It’s also a good idea to store these documents online in case of emergencies.

8. Keep Emergency Pet Care Supplies in Your Car
   How to Implement: Keep a small emergency kit for your pet in your car, especially if you travel often. This could include water, a small bag of food, treats, a leash, and any medications they may need. This way, if you're on the road and an emergency happens, you’ll have essential items readily available.

9. Establish a Pet Care Fund in Your Estate Plan
   How to Implement: Set up a specific fund or trust within your estate plan that’s dedicated to the care of your pets after you pass away. This can be managed by the person you've designated as their guardian, ensuring they have the necessary funds for their care, vet visits, and food.

10. Include Your Pets in Your Power of Attorney
    How to Implement: Work with an attorney to add provisions in your power of attorney documents, designating someone to make decisions regarding your pets’ care if you become incapacitated. Be sure that the person chosen is aware of the responsibilities they would be taking on and is comfortable with your pet’s needs.

11. Add a Pet’s Emergency Info on Your Fridge
    How to Implement: Print out a sheet with your pet’s medical information, emergency contacts, and any specific instructions about their care. Post it on the front of your fridge so that anyone who needs to take care of your pets can find it easily in an emergency.

12. Create an Emergency Contact Card for Pet Sitters
    How to Implement: When hiring a pet sitter, provide them with an emergency contact card that includes the vet’s information, a trusted friend or family member to contact, and any emergency care instructions specific to your pet. Keep a copy for yourself in case you need to refer to it.

13. Use a GPS Collar
    How to Implement: Invest in a GPS collar or a pet tracking device that allows you to track your pet’s location. This is especially useful if you have a pet prone to wandering or if you’re in an unfamiliar area. Many devices sync with a smartphone app, making it easier to find them quickly if they get lost.

14. Provide a "Pet Emergency Kit" to Your Caregiver
    How to Implement: Prepare an emergency kit that includes the essentials your pet may need if something happens to you. Include food, medication, first-aid items, a leash, and your pet's favorite blanket or toy for comfort. Leave it with your designated pet caregiver so they can quickly step in and provide the best care.

15. Write a "Pet Care Declaration" for Your Family
    How to Implement: Have a conversation with your family and write a formal declaration that outlines your wishes for your pets’ care, including any special instructions, medical needs, and who should take over their care. Make sure everyone knows your plan and that your wishes are documented legally.

16. Make Sure Pet Insurance Is Up to Date
    How to Implement: Review and update your pet insurance coverage regularly to make sure it covers emergencies, surgeries, or long-term care if needed. Check that the policy reflects any changes in your pet’s health or new needs. Consider adding coverage for alternative therapies or treatments, if appropriate.

17. Create a "Pet Emergency Wallet Card"
    How to Implement: Keep a small card in your wallet with essential pet information, including their name, medical history, emergency contact numbers, and vet info. This can be especially helpful if you're involved in an accident and unable to communicate or if you need to alert emergency responders to your pet’s needs.

18. Add Your Pet’s Care Instructions to Your Online Calendar
    How to Implement: Add reminders for your pet’s vet appointments, medications, and other important care events to your digital calendar. Share access to this calendar with anyone who might need to take care of your pets while you're away, so they are always up to date.

19. Check Your Home for Pet Safety
    How to Implement: Regularly inspect your home to ensure it’s safe for your pets. This includes securing dangerous chemicals, locking up cleaning supplies, removing toxic plants, and checking fences or windows to ensure your pet can’t escape. Also, make sure electrical cords, wires, and small items that could be swallowed are out of reach.

20. Update Your Pet’s ID Tags and Collars
    How to Implement: Ensure your pet always wears an ID tag with current contact information. If you move or change phone numbers, make sure the tag is updated. Consider a collar that’s reflective or brightly colored to make them more visible in case they get lost. Include your microchip ID number on the tag as well.

21. Keep a List of Your Pet’s Medications
    How to Implement: Write down a complete list of any medications your pet is taking, including dosage and frequency. Give this information to your pet’s caretaker or vet, especially if you’re going away, so they can continue your pet’s treatment without confusion.

22. Create a Pet Trust Fund
    How to Implement: Work with an attorney to set up a legal trust that can hold money designated for your pet’s care. This can include medical care, food, and any other needs, with clear instructions for how the funds should be used. The trust can be set up in your estate planning documents to ensure your pet’s long-term care.

23. Provide Your Veterinarian with a “Care Plan”
    How to Implement: Create a written care plan for your pet that includes any ongoing treatments, diet restrictions, or special instructions. Give this plan to your vet and anyone who might take over care for your pets in the future. It will ensure that your pet receives consistent care if you're not available.

24. Install a Pet-Friendly Emergency Alert System in Your Home
    How to Implement: Install stickers or signs on windows or doors alerting rescue workers that there are pets in the home. You can also set up a smart home device to notify caregivers or neighbors if an emergency occurs while you’re away. This system helps ensure your pets are taken care of in case of a fire or other urgent situation.

25. Notify Neighbors of Pet Care Arrangements
    How to Implement: Let your neighbors know who to contact in case of an emergency or if something happens to you while you're away. Share information on how to care for your pets if needed, such as food, water, and where the pet supplies are located. A neighbor who is willing to step in at a moment’s notice can be a life-saver.

26. Host a "Pet Care Emergency Plan" Meeting
    How to Implement: Sit down with close friends or family and review your emergency plan for your pets. This includes who will take over care, any specific medical needs, and how to handle day-to-day routines. Make sure the people you trust are well-prepared to step in for you if needed.

27. Prepare a “Go Bag” for Your Pet for Emergency Evacuation
    How to Implement: Keep a pet evacuation bag prepared with essentials (food, water, meds) in case of natural disasters or other emergencies. Practice evacuation drills with your pets to help them get used to being transported quickly. Ensure your pets are microchipped, and have a carrier ready for them.

28. Look into Toxic Plants for Pets
    How to Implement: Research which indoor and outdoor plants are toxic to pets. Some common plants, like lilies, azaleas, and poinsettias, are harmful to animals. If you have these plants at home, consider removing them or placing them in areas where pets cannot access them. Keep a list of toxic plants and use it as a reference when purchasing plants.

29. Dispose of Prescription Drugs Safely
    How to Implement: Always dispose of unused or expired medications (including pet medications) at a proper drug disposal facility or pharmacy. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Many local pharmacies have drop-off locations for safe disposal, or check with your community’s waste management services for guidance.

30. Install a Door with a Code for Emergency Access
    How to Implement: Install a door lock with a keypad entry system that allows emergency responders or trusted neighbors to enter your home if needed. Provide the code to trusted individuals, such as a neighbor, friend, or family member, who could step in to care for your pets if you are unable to do so. In case of an emergency, responders will be able to access your home without causing damage.
    Why This is Important: This system gives emergency responders or caregivers quick and safe access to your home, preventing the need for them to break down a door or find other ways to enter. It also allows you to easily change the code for security once the situation is resolved, ensuring that only those who need access can get it.

Thanks to Michelle-Shari Kruss, Attorney at Law at Krusslaw P.C., for this thoughtful list.