Last week, you learned how to create a Pet Emergency Authorization form, which gives your pet sitter the authority to make life-saving decisions on behalf of your pet in the event you can’t be reached.
Today, we’re introducing you to a similar-yet-different document: a Living Will, also referred to as a Pet Directive, Health Care Directive, or Advance Instruction for Health Care of Your Pet.
When to Consider a Pet Living Will
A living will or pet directive becomes crucial in various scenarios:
- You are elderly or nearing the end of your life: As you age, it’s important to make plans for your pets’ future.
- You experience an accident, chronic illness, or disability: If a health condition renders you unable to make decisions about your pet’s care, the directive will guide your loved ones or designated caregivers.
- You die unexpectedly: If you pass away suddenly, a living will provides clear instructions for your pet’s future.
- Terminal Illness: If your pet suffers from a terminal illness, the document ensures your pet’s needs are met and prevents unnecessary suffering.
- Complex Care Needs: If your pet has special needs or requires a specific type of care, a living will outlines your preferences regarding treatment and ensures continuity of care.
To summarize:
A pet living will or pet directive provides clear instructions for your pet’s care in the event of your incapacity or death.
You can incorporate a pet living will into your overall estate plan. If you have multiple pets, your health care directive will specify individual care instructions for each animal.
5 Steps to Creating a Pet Directive
While laws regarding pet living wills vary by state, the general process involves the following steps:
Step 1:
Gather Information
Collect essential details about each of your pets, including:
- Pet’s name, age, species, and breed
- Microchip number and registration information
- Vaccination status
- Whether your pet has been spayed or neutered
- Medical history, allergies, current medications, and supplements. Also include any chronic conditions, special needs, and special accommodations (such as a ramp).
- Your pet’s diet (including special dietary needs) and treat preferences
- Your pet’s exercise routine and favorite toys
- Your pet’s temperament. List any unusual or quirky behaviors, including aggression or anxiety, that might require special handling or training.
- Contact information for your veterinarian.
Step 2:
Consider Your Wishes
Determine your preferences regarding your pet’s care, including:
Primary and Backup Caregiver
Clearly name a trusted individual or organization responsible for your pet’s care. Include their contact information and specific instructions or qualifications.
List a backup guardian as well, in case your primary guardian is unable to take on the responsibility.
*Note: Be sure to obtain permission from your primary and backup guardians before naming them in your pet directive.
Emergency Contacts
Names and contact information of local animal shelters, boarding facilities, or pet sitters that can accommodate your pet in case of an emergency.
Groomer
If your pet has a professional groomer, note their contact information.
Living Arrangements
Specify where you want your pet to live, whether it’s with a family member, friend, or in a boarding facility. If your preference is for your pet to live with a specific individual, provide their contact information.
Medical Care
Outline your wishes regarding medical treatment, including:
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- Routine Care: Specify your preferences for wellness care, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and preventive treatments.
- Emergency Care: Indicate whether you authorize emergency medical procedures in the event of an accident or illness.
- Euthanasia: Clearly state your wishes regarding euthanasia, including the circumstances it should be considered, location, and presence of loved ones.
Financial Arrangements
Indicate how you want your pet’s veterinary bills, food, housing, and other expenses to be covered. This may include:
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- Pet Trust: If you’ve established a pet trust, specify how the funds should be used to cover your pet’s care. Include details about the trust’s purpose, beneficiaries, and funding.
- Pet Insurance: If your pet has insurance, provide the policy number and contact information for the insurance company.
- Life Insurance: If you have a life insurance policy with a pet beneficiary, indicate how the proceeds should be used.
- Other Financial Resources: Specify any other financial arrangements you’ve made to ensure your pet’s well-being.
- What to Do with Remaining Funds:Specify what should happen with any money left over after your pet’s death.
Burial or Cremation
Specify your preferences for your pet’s final resting place. This may include burial in a pet cemetery, cremation, or scattering of ashes.
Step 3:
Consult an Attorney
The legal status of pet living wills varies by state. Some states have specific laws recognizing pet living wills, while others treat them as informal instructions. Generally, pet directives are not legally binding.
Keep these two important points in mind:
- If you have a will for yourself but it doesn’t mention your pet, your pet may go to your residuary beneficiary. (A residuary beneficiary is a person or organization that receives any remaining property from a will or trust that is not designated to another beneficiary.)
- If you don’t have a will for yourself, then your property – including your pets – will be subject to your state’s intestacy laws.
Consult an attorney in your state to help ensure your living will is legally sound and addresses all relevant aspects of your pet’s care.
Step 4:
Draft the Document
Create a clear and concise document that outlines your wishes in detail. Consider using a template.
Step 5:
Sign and Witness
Have your living will signed and witnessed according to the legal requirements in your state.
Where to Store Your Pet’s Living Will
Keep a copy of your pet directive in a safe and accessible location. In addition, keep digital copy in a secure cloud storage service. Consider giving copies to your designated caregiver, veterinarian, and any other relevant parties. You may also want to store a copy in your safe deposit box or with your attorney.
Conclusion
A pet directive provides insights into your wishes and helps ensure that your pet’s needs are met. It’s a compassionate, proactive way to show your love and commitment to your furry companion.