I Need to Make a Plan for the Pets
If someone is seriously ill, hospitalized, moving, or dying, the pets need a plan too.
Don’t wait until no one can get into the house.
If No One Can Care for Them Right Now
Call:
- the veterinarian
- a trusted rescue or humane society
- the local animal shelter
Ask whether they offer temporary foster care, emergency boarding, or crisis boarding, and whether there’s a wait.
Don’t assume a shelter can take the animal immediately. Call first.
Make a Plan Before It’s Needed
Figure out:
- who can feed and care for them today
- who has a key or can get inside
- where food, medications, leashes, carriers, and vet records are
- who could keep them temporarily
- who could take them permanently if needed
Ask the veterinarian what they would need to let the backup person authorize care, pick up medications, or make decisions if the owner can’t.
Ask the person what they want if they can still decide.
Say:
“If you can’t care for the pets for a while, who should take them?”
If the person is on hospice, ask whether the hospice has volunteers or another program that can help with pet care. Some do.
If the person is moving to a care facility, ask whether pets are allowed or can visit.
If the Pet Needs a New Home
If no family member or friend can take the pet permanently, try rehoming before surrendering them to a shelter.
Start with:
- the veterinarian
- local rescue groups
- breed-specific rescues, if one fits
- a rehoming site recommended by a rescue or the Best Friends guide below
Say:
“Can you help me find a new home for this pet without putting them into a shelter?”
Some rescues can help advertise the pet or connect you with adopters while the animal stays where it is.
If surrendering to a shelter may be necessary, ask:
“What happens if the pet isn’t adopted, and are there circumstances when the pet could be euthanized?”
“No-kill” doesn’t mean an animal is never euthanized. Ask what the organization’s policy is and whether they can safely take this particular pet.
Put the Plan Somewhere People Can Find It
Write down:
- each pet’s name and description
- feeding and medication instructions
- veterinarian and pharmacy information
- how veterinary care will be paid for and who can authorize it
- behavior or safety concerns
- where the carrier, leash, medications, and proof of ownership are
- who should take the pet
- a backup person
If the Person Dies
Someone may need to care for the pet right away, long before a will or estate is settled.
A will can name who should receive the pet, but have a short-term plan too.
If money needs to be set aside for the pet’s care, ask how to set that up properly. See I Need Legal Help →
Make sure the person you named has agreed and can actually take the pet.
Helpful Resources
Guidance on finding a new home for a pet and alternatives to surrendering the animal to a shelter.
Learn More
Helps hospice, home health, and hospital programs support pets of seriously ill people, including pet care and rehoming when needed.