What's your plan

The Humane Society of the United States recently did a survey of pet owners. Only 17% of those surveyed had a plan in place for their animals in the case of their death or incapacitation.

Accidents happen every day to people of all ages. It is a fact of life. That lack of planning sends an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 pets to shelters each year after their owners die or become incapacitated.

The Humane Society of the United States lists some tips on how to prepare for the unexpected:

"In the confusion that accompanies a person's unexpected illness, accident, or death, pets may be overlooked. In some cases, pets are discovered in the person's home days after the tragedy. To prevent this from happening to your pet, take these simple precautions:

1. Find at least two responsible friends or relatives who agree to serve as temporary emergency caregivers in the event that something unexpected happens to you. Provide them with keys to your home; feeding and care instructions; the name of your veterinarian; and information about the permanent care provisions you have made for your pet.
2. Make sure your neighbors, friends, and relatives know how many pets you have and the names and contact numbers of the individuals who have agreed to serve as emergency caregivers. Emergency caregivers should also know how to contact each other.
3. Carry a wallet "alert card" that lists the names and phone numbers of your emergency pet caregivers.
4. Post removable "in case of emergency" notices on your doors or windows specifying how many and what types of pets you have. These notices will alert emergency-response personnel during a fire or other home emergency. Don't use stickers; hard-to-remove stickers are often left behind by former residents, so firefighters may assume that the sticker is outdated or, worse, they may risk their lives trying to find a pet no longer in the house.
5. Affix to the inside of your front and back doors a removable notice listing emergency contact names and phone numbers. Because pets need care daily and will need immediate attention should you die or become incapacitated, the importance of making these informal arrangements for temporary care giving cannot be overemphasized."
6. Have a conversation with your veterinarian and share the plan.  Would your vet be willing to house your dog in an emergency? Give permission for the release of your dog's health records.
7. Add your dog to your will and include plans for it in your estate planning.

Please consider making a plan TODAY for your dog's sake.