Who Takes Care of Your Pets If Something Happens to You?
67% of U.S. households own at least one pet. But most pet owners have no plan for what happens to their animals if they're hospitalized, incapacitated, or pass away. Here's how to fix that today.
What Happens If You Don't Plan
Without a plan, your pets may be:
- Left alone in your home for days before anyone realizes
- Surrendered to a shelter by well-meaning family who can't keep them
- Split up if you have multiple pets
- Without their medications, special diet, or behavioral notes
The Pet Emergency Plan (5 Steps)
1. Name a Pet Guardian
Choose someone who has agreed to take your pets. Write this in your will. For short-term emergencies (hospitalization), choose a nearby friend or neighbor who can care for them immediately.
2. Document Pet Care Details
Your pet guardian needs to know:
3. Give Someone a Key
If you live alone, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend. If you're hospitalized unexpectedly, someone needs to get into your home to care for your animals immediately — not days later.
4. Carry a Pet Alert
Carry a card in your wallet or add a note to your phone's lock screen that says: "I have [number] pets at home. In an emergency, contact [name] at [phone]." First responders will see this.
5. Store It Somewhere Findable
All of this information only works if people can find it. A sticky note on the fridge is fine for short-term. For the complete plan, use MyLifeLedger — it has a built-in pet care section and lets you share it with your emergency contacts.
Consider a Pet Trust
All 50 states and D.C. now allow pet trusts, which let you set aside money specifically for your pet's care and name a trustee to manage those funds. This is especially important for pets with expensive medical needs or long lifespans (parrots, horses, tortoises).
FAQ
What happens to your pets if you die?
Without a plan, pets may be surrendered to a shelter. You can designate a pet guardian in your will and document their care needs so the new caretaker knows exactly what to do.
Can you put pets in a will?
Yes. You can name a pet guardian and set aside funds for care. Some states allow pet trusts for more legal protection.
What if I live alone with pets and have an emergency?
Carry a "pet alert" card, give a neighbor a spare key, and document your pet care plan in a tool like MyLifeLedger so your emergency contacts can access it instantly.
Related
Your pets are counting on you to plan ahead.
MyLifeLedger has a built-in pet section. Document vet info, medications, feeding schedules, and your designated pet guardian — all in one place.
Start Your Ledger →$49/year • 30-day money-back guarantee