Plan Ahead for the Future Care of Your Pets

Animals make wonderful companions for people who live alone. A special pet can bring joy and comfort to its owner. However, it is very sad when an owner passes away or can no longer provide care for a pet, and the pet is brought to an animal shelter. Often, these animals are used to quiet homes, and they may be older and have health issues. The animals will often be frightened and depressed by the sudden change in their life, which makes them appear less adoptable to many visitors to the shelter.

Fortunately, there are ways to plan for providing ongoing care for your pets if you are unable to provide that care yourself. The ASPCA has information on their website to help you plan:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/informal-vs-formal-arrangements

The ASPCA also notes that, although people may include arrangements for the care of pets in their will, it may take time for the estate to be settled, and the intended care for the pets may not happen as this process occurs. One promising option is to have a Pet Trust put in place. More information about this and other options can be found at: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/pet-trust-primer and at
http://www.forbes.com/sites/barbaramarquand/2015/12/01/provide-for-pet-after-death-insurance-trust/#28b8c522c208
as well as at other animal care websites, such as
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Wills.php