Many of us consider our pets to be beloved family members. It is important to plan appropriately for our pets in the event of our mental incapacity or death. The next couple of blogs will explore some of the issues that should be considered.
Immediate Care after Incapacity/Death
Every pet owner should ask a trusted friend or family member to be the emergency contact to feed and care for a pet in the event of the owner’s sudden incapacity or death. It is a good idea to carry a wallet card with information such as the pet’s name and address, the contact information for the emergency contact person, the pet’s feeding schedule and medical history, and any other relevant information. This information should also be given to the emergency contact person. Consider how the emergency contact person will gain access to your home if that is where the pet is most likely to be.
Planning for Incapacity – A Power of Attorney for Property
It is also important to plan for the care of a pet in the event of incapacity. A Power of Attorney for Property is a document which allows a person (a Grantor) to appoint another person (an Attorney) to act on the Grantor’s behalf when they are not in a position to deal with their property and financial affairs. As animals are legally classified as property, a pet owner can include a provision directing an Attorney to undertake the care of a pet and expend any reasonable amounts necessary to provide that care. Custom drafting can allow the specific needs of a pet to be addressed.
Next week’s blog will explore gifting a pet to a caregiver and some things to consider when making a cash gift to a caregiver.
Reproduction of this blog is permitted if the author is credited. If you have questions or if you would like more information, please call us at 613 836-9915. This blog is not intended to be legal advice but contains general information. Please consult a lawyer or other professional to determine how the information in this blog might apply to you.
Blog posts pre-dated December 1, 2015 were originally published under Neff Law Office Professional Corporation.