MARY JO NAGY | Pets In dire situations, have plans in place

Humans plan for many things, including their own funerals. However, there are several situations that people rarely plan for: Who will take care of a beloved pet if something happens to them, how will their pet be taken care of and what options you have when your pet has died.
You need to consider plans for the care of your pet if you have a sudden illness or accident as well as with long-term rehabilitation or a terminal illness. You must be prepared to know who will take responsibility of your companion animal and if you have provided any financial resources to do so.
Most people assume their family members or friends will take care of "Fluffy" when they are gone.
Family members not knowing what to do with Aunt Sofia's cat may make empty promises about taking care of it. As soon as she passes, the animal is shuffled from place to place, neglected or brought to a shelter or the county pound.
Discuss it with family
If you don't want this to happen to your pet, first talk with your family about your wishes. See who truly has the resources and/or lifestyle to keep your beloved companion animal. Make sure everyone understands what you want.
Then as the family member responsible for that pet, you must be true to your promise and take care of the animal. In addition, you may make provisions in a will if no family member is available or to provide resources for its care.
One decision may be to have your animal euthanized upon your death, which is an option for those who are terrified that their pet may fall into neglectful or abusive hands. You may make plans to send your pet to a sanctuary, such as Best Friends in Utah. At any sanctuary, there is a substantial fee that you will pay in order for your animal to live out the remainder of its life in comfort with other animals.
Always check the credentials and references of any sanctuary before placing your trust in that organization. Many people who collect animals promise to take care of your pet only to let the animal live in horrific conditions. Make a visit or ask for references from your veterinarian.
People who are in the military must also plan for the care of a pet if they are placed on active duty. You may look into a boarding facility or, if gone for an extended period, look into rendering it to a shelter for adoption. Last-minute decisions are never favorable. Planning is the key to the happy future of your pet when you are no longer able to care for it.
Handling euthanasia
Planning is also important when your pet has to be euthanized or has suffered an accident or illness. You need to make arrangements before you are faced with a sudden decision.
Several options are available. Consider letting your family veterinarian use their disposal services. This may sound harsh, but people living in apartments without yards or burial facilities may need this option. You can also ask your veterinarian to give you the body of your beloved pet for burial in your yard. There is even a company that will dig a hole for home burials.
Another choice may be burial at a pet cemetery. You must purchase a coffin, a plot and a marker. There are several companies in the phone book that will customize to your needs. In addition, there is the option for cremation. Your veterinarian can make arrangements for pick up and delivery of your pet's ashes to you in a small urn. Many people are finding this to be a favorable choice. You can place the urn on a shelf, sprinkle the ashes in your yard or bury them with your pet's favorite toys or collar.
Whatever you do as a pet owner, you must plan for unforeseen situations. Although we do not want to think about separating from our pets, we must be sure that they are well-cared for when we are gone.
XMary Jo Nagy is a volunteer with Angels for Animals.