Is there a furry four-legged companion living with your loved ones? As seniors and their pets grow older, preparing a plan with them in case the senior or the pet needs medical care will give your loved ones peace of mind by engaging them in the planning process. Pets are beloved by many and often are viewed as furry family. However, if your loved ones get sick, need hospital care, or their pet requires the same, having a plan in place is the best way to ensure that the pet of your loved one gets the best care with fewer headaches or heartbreaks.
Pets Can Be Fall Risks
Larger animals, such as dogs, can become a fall risk if they’re too playful or rambunctious. Even sedentary pets can be a fall risk if they are not seen or move suddenly. It doesn’t have to be a dog either, as cats who love to weave in and out of someone’s legs can trip up anyone unsteady on their feet.
A protective pet can become aggressive, which presents a problem when it comes to any caregivers who enter the home, strangers who come to the door, or even friends or family who visit. If a pet is too excited, it could be that your loved one can no longer handle or control it should the pet pull violently on a leash or jump at the door when company calls. Whether or not they have always been a pet lover, it might be time for a hard conversation to rehome the pet, especially if this animal has already caused a falling incident a time or two. Other solutions might include hiring a dog walker to help get the excess energy out of a larger-bred dog, or a dog trainer who could help “rehab” a poorly behaved dog so that it can stay in the home.
Taking Care of Pets
Taking care of pets goes beyond food, water, and shelter. Ensure every animal your loved one owns is microchipped if it runs away or gets lost. If they are already chipped, verify that the chip is registered and that all contact information is current.
Several insurance plans have emerged for pets, and it makes financial sense when your pet has a major medical emergency or suffers from a common breed condition. Having their AKC or registry papers on hand is also something you’ll want to tuck away in the records. Adoption and vet records must also be kept on hand, as you’ll want to provide rabies vaccinations and health records if boarding is required.
Pet Owners and End-of-Life Planning
If your senior loved ones begin experiencing health challenges, either physical or cognitive, face a hospitalization, or are nearing the end of life, you’ll want to identify suitable resources. Seek an emergency caregiver for their pet or pets for unexpected hospital visits. Speak to neighbors, friends, or family members willing to take the animal for a few days, and make them part of your senior’s pet plan.
If an illness or hospitalization lasts a while or a stay in a rehabilitation care facility occurs, what longer-term solutions are available for a lengthy stay? It’s wise to keep the name and number of a trusted boarding location ready. This is extremely important if your senior’s caregiver lives out of town. It takes the stress off them for needing to care for the animal and frees them to care for their loved one.
Who will take the pet if the senior passes away or it is no longer possible for the pet to remain in the home? We encourage families to secure the approval of anyone their loved ones suggest. This will keep the pet (or pets) out of the shelter. If the animal is a specific breed, consider certain breed rescues for rehoming the animal. Many people have an affinity for a breed and are looking to adopt, such as dachshunds and golden retrievers. FurKids in Atlanta is a no-kill animal shelter that takes in dogs and cats.
Are there any funds set aside for the custodian of the pet to care for them should the need arise? Any unique pets, such as birds, exotic fish, or reptiles, require a knowledgeable caretaker and a longer period to find a new home. Be sure to have a plan in place for animals such as these. Your loved ones can also make their pets a part of their will. Pets are considered property, and if your senior wishes for a certain friend or family member to take custody of their animal, they can make these wishes known. We strongly encourage speaking to the person they have in mind and ensure they are willing to take the pet in as their own.
At Organized Instincts, our daily money managers can work a beloved pet’s care into your financial plan. Send us a message to discuss how a daily money manager can help you establish a plan for your loved one’s pets – today, tomorrow, and next year.
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