Life Planning for Your Pet Can Reduce Shelter Overcrowding and Euthanasia

As we see, hear and stress about the overcrowding crisis at municipal shelters, one loud question looms: how do we make a difference?

Fostering and adopting make a big dent. Spay and neuter are mission critical to
reducing homelessness.  But there’s a personal step you can take now to make sure your cat or dog doesn’t end up in the shelter unintentionally: create a life-time continuous care plan for your pet.

What happens if your pet outlives you – or your ability to care for it?

It’s estimated that more than 500,000 pets are surrendered each year due to the passing, illness or incapacitation of a pet’s owner.  With shelters at over capacity, these surrenders can end up badly — with healthy and adoptable pets euthanized.

Resources

A non-profit organization called 2nd Chance 4 Pets provides a variety of resources you can use to determine which path is best for you and your pet – or pets.  You can find details on creating pet trusts, keeping pets together, lifetime care facilities and sanctuaries, and even care instructions for pets you leave behind.

On a Personal Note

My husband and I recently completed our first will and trust. The estate planning questionnaire asked for details regarding the care of our pets after we pass.  We always have cats in our family but it somehow never dawned on us to formalize arrangements for them.  We contacted our nephew, Jake, who loves our cats.  He happily agreed to take care of them in any circumstance and we set aside money in our will for this.  It was important and heartfelt.  I know that at 19 years old, Jake understands his commitment and how much we value it.

Moving Forward

Need another reason to take these steps?  This is the perfect time to make life care plans for your pet.  August is National Make-A-Will month!

Karen Zamel is a long-time SVPP volunteer, foster and adopter.